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Part 1

Before Part 1

The candidate should be ready to begin the moment they are shown where to sit in the interview room. It does not matter if the test is face-to-face or online.  Although the actual test has not yet begun, at this point, they are already being assessed.

The examiner will greet the candidate and then ask (for test security protocols) their full name, to see an identification (ID card/passport) and/or an ID bracelet (if the test is face-to-face). Whilst this may not seem important, around 20-30% of candidates usually either cannot understand or misunderstand and otherwise give incorrect answers due to nervousness/memorisation.

Why is this important? The examiner will make a judgment of the type of person the candidate is based on their personal manner, clothing and how they respond/react in the initial exchanges. Candidates also make EXACTLY the same judgement about the examiner. Therefore, do not give an examiner any reason to doubt your language ability.

You must ALWAYS try and show the examiner that you are confident and ready to speak in English. Basic errors at the beginning of the exam are used by the examiner as a way to begin predicting a candidate’s potential final speaking score.

Part 1 – General Outline

The Examiner has 4-5 minutes to ask a total of 12 questions chosen from a set list of 20 topics and will always first ask the candidate questions either about your home / hometown / country or school / study / work.

Topic 1 : Work/Study or Home/Hometown

  • Question 1
  • Question 2
  • Question 3
  • Question 4

Topic 2 : ?                                   

  • Question 1
  • Question 2
  • Question 3
  • Question 4

Topic 3 : ?

  • Question 1
  • Question 2
  • Question 3
  • Question 4

It is not possible to predict what the other 2 topics may be discussed in Part 1; however, some familiar topics related to the candidate or their country could include:

  • family and other relationships
  • modern and traditional lifestyles
  • entertainment and arts
  • communications and transport
  • celebrations and cultural activities
  • schooling and the education system

There are no “new” questions. Many of the topics are interchangeable with Part 2/Part 3 and are usually just slightly reworded and reordered.  Topics and questions are constantly “recycled”. Being familiar with topics and learning how to use related vocabulary is more important and valuable than trying to predict possible questions and memorising answers.

When the examiner changes to a different topic during PART 1, they will always use the same scripted wording:

  • “Now lets move on…….”
  • ”Lets talk about…..”
  • “Now lets talk about…”
  • “Lets go on and talk about…”

Candidates who fail to listen carefully for this wording usually do not realise the change and therefore go off topic.

Why Or Why Not?

Sometimes, the examiner will ask for additional information when answering questions in Part 1.  They usually ask a simple scripted “why/why not?” but there can be other variations such as “when/where”? There are several reasons why they do it:

  • the candidate did not provide enough information in their answer
  • the candidate did not make their meaning clear in their answer
  • the candidate’s answer was too short
  • the examiner is trying to extend time to beyond 4 minutes and 40 seconds so they can begin Part 2

Basic Strategy – Tenses

In Part 1, it’s important to notice the tense or verb form in the examiner’s questions as this can help to guide your reply. Questions within a topic may change tense 2 or 3 times. If a candidate consistently answer questions using the wrong tense,  the examiner uses this as an indicator of a candidate’s grammar ability. Again, it is also another way to begin predicting a candidate’s potential final speaking score. Some examples are shown below:

  • What do you usually … ? (present simple)
  • When did you last … ? (past simple)
  • Do you enjoy … ? (present simple; enjoy/like/prefer+ -ing)
  • How long have you … ? (present perfect – simple/continuous)
  • Where will you … ? (Future simple/continuous)
  • How long ago … ? (past simple)
  • How interested are you in … ? (present simple; in+ noun or -ing form)
  • When you finish your studies, … ? (present simple+/present continuous/future simple)

Basic Strategy – Linking Words

Linking words are part of the criterion of ” Fluency and Coherence”. Proper/accurate use of linking words in Part 1 show the examiner you can fluently connect your ideas to make complete sentences. Again, yes, it is also another way for the examiner to begin predicting a candidate’s potential final speaking score. In addition, for the candidate, it is essential practice/preparation for Part 2 where you must speak for up to 2 minutes and demonstrate a higher level of fluency/coherence.

Longer answers always require linking words. You could use “such as”, “for example”, “furthermore” or “in addition”  in the answer to the question below. However, informal linking words such as “also” , “ because” or “and” are equally acceptable.

  • Question: Do you think fast food is bad? “Absolutely, if it is eaten too often. It can cause problems such as heart disease or diabetes. Also, it can lead to weight problems which are really common nowadays.”

A linking word is not always necessary in a simple sentence short answer. One or two short answers in Part 1 mixed in with longer responses are more natural and immediate than the same pattern/length sentences many candidates use.

  • Question: Do you eat much fruit?   “Yes, I do. I love tropical fruit like mangoes and pineapples.”