Standardized examinations are a common part of starting a language competence journey, and the LanguageCert exam is a popular choice for many. Succeeding in the Speaking segment of this test is essential. Candidates must demonstrate their oral communication abilities in this section.
In this blog, we will explore the intricacies of the LanguageCert Speaking section and unravel strategies to navigate it successfully.
Understanding the LanguageCert Speaking Section:
The LanguageCert exam places a significant emphasis on assessing a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in real-life situations. The Speaking section, therefore, becomes a pivotal aspect of the evaluation process. It typically involves a one-on-one conversation with an examiner, encompassing a range of tasks designed to gauge the candidate’s proficiency, coherence, and ability to convey ideas.
Section 1 – Introduction and Interview:
In an effort to ease the candidate into speaking, the examiner often starts with a warm-up in which they introduce themselves and strike up a pleasant discussion.This section will last around 3 minutes. Here is a list of a few of the common questions, only to serve as a demonstration:
- Where is your hometown?
- What was it like growing up there?
- Has it changed much since you were a child?
- What is your favorite room in your apartment/house?
- Is it a quiet or noisy place to live?
- If you could change anything about your apartment/house, what would you change?
Section 2 – Role Play:
Candidates would be given a scenario to complete, which is usually based on real-world events. They would then have to pretend to be someone else and act out a scenario with the examiner. The capacity to manage realistic, practical communication scenarios is evaluated in this task. This will take about three minutes to complete.
Examples:
- We’re neighbors. I start (It means that the examiner will start the conversation and you will carry it forward by assuming the role)
Hi! I just wanted to let you know that we’re having a party this weekend so we’re going to be a bit noisy. - We’re colleagues at work.You start (It means that you will start the conversation and the examiner will carry it forward by assuming the role)
You look a bit worried. Has something gone wrong with the project?
Section 3 – Interactive Task:
In this segment, the candidate and the examiner work together to talk about a certain topic. The points will be shown on the screen, and the examiner’s points for the same subject will differ slightly. It assesses the applicant’s ability to communicate effectively, express opinions, and respond quickly. This portion will last three minutes.
Example:
| Celebrating favorite teacher’s retirement | |
|---|---|
| When | After teacher’s last lesson (on a Tuesday evening) |
| Who | Only the class students and teacher |
| Where | Party at the restaurant |
| Present | Expensive Pen |
Section 4 – Long Turn:
The candidate has two minutes, at most, to speak in-depth on a predetermined topic. During this time, they can demonstrate their ability to communicate clearly, utilize language skillfully, and carry on an extended discussion. The examiner will ask some follow-up questions after the candidate has finished speaking. This part is extended to a total of four minutes.
Example Topic:
Describe your ideal home
Follow-up questions:
- Which would be the most important factors when choosing your ideal home?
- Why do you think people didn’t care so much about decoration in the past?
- Is it easy to have your own unique decorating style nowadays?
How important is it to buy expensive furniture?
Effective Strategies:
Familiarize Yourself with Common Topics:
Given the diverse range of topics that could be covered, familiarize yourself with common themes such as travel, technology, education, and social issues. This ensures you are prepared to discuss a variety of subjects.
Practice Active Listening:
Cultivate active listening skills to comprehend questions and prompts accurately. Respond thoughtfully, demonstrating an understanding of the topic and an ability to engage in meaningful discourse.
Expand Your Vocabulary:
Enrich your vocabulary to express ideas more precisely and fluently. A varied and well-chosen vocabulary enhances the quality of your responses and demonstrates a higher level of language proficiency.
Simulate Real Exam Conditions:
Practice speaking tasks under conditions that simulate the actual exam environment. This not only helps you become accustomed to the time constraints but also builds confidence in your ability to perform under pressure.
Seek Feedback:
Engage in practice sessions with a language tutor at Edify Group of Companies or other such institutes. Constructive feedback can provide valuable insights into areas for improvement, helping you refine your speaking skills.
Conclusion:
The LanguageCert Speaking portion demands a combination of strategic planning, excellent communication, and language proficiency. Keep in mind that the Speaking portion gives you the chance to demonstrate your ability to speak successfully in everyday scenarios in addition to being assessed for language skills. If you take on the challenge and put in the necessary practice, you will surely succeed in the LanguageCert Speaking portion.
Good luck!