ESOL Skills for Life
Speaking and Listening test
All Speaking and Listening tasks are designed to reflect the everyday experience of the ESOL learner, and involve the candidates in familiar formal exchanges connected with education, training, work and social roles.
Focus
At each level, the assessment focuses on gathering evidence that the candidate can listen and respond, speak to communicate and engage in discussion.
More information on the assessment.
Format — Entry 1, 2 and 3
There are two main phases in the Speaking and Listening mode at Entry 1, 2 and 3. In the first phase, candidates are expected to ask and answer questions on familiar topics. This gives an opportunity for assessment in the Speak to Communicate and Listen and Respond strands (and Engage in Discussion at Entry 3).
The second phase consists of an integrated listening and speaking event. A listening text delivered on CD allows assessment of the candidate's ability to listen for both gist and detail, with evidence of achievement gathered through spoken answers (though the candidate can note responses on paper). A thematically related role-play and/or discussion follows, allowing further assessment of skills in the Speak to Communicate and Engage in Discussion strands.
More information on the Entry level test format.
Format — Levels 1 and 2
There are also two main phases in the Speaking and Listening mode at Levels 1 and 2. In the first phase, candidates are asked for their name (for identification purposes only) and then given a short, informal, lead-in discussion task to prepare them to give a formal presentation. This presentation lasts 2 minutes, and is in response to a written statement. Candidates have 1 minute to prepare and are encouraged to make notes. After each candidate's presentation, the other candidate and the assessor are each given an opportunity to comment or ask questions.
The second phase consists of an integrated listening and speaking event. Two parallel texts, or two extracts of a single text, are delivered on CD, and each candidate answers two questions after each text. These questions are presented orally, and candidates are encouraged to make notes. This is followed by a 2 part thematically-related discussion. In the first part, the interlocutor may take part, but only if necessary in order to prompt candidates to complete the task. In the second part, the topic is extended, with the interlocutor (and the assessor at Level 2) asking extension questions to lead the discussion into other areas and contexts.
More information on the Level 1 & 2 test format.
Delivery
This test is carried out in a paired format, with two candidates, an interlocutor and an assessor. A teacher from the college/centre acts as the interlocutor and manages the interaction, using a pack of material with several different test versions to choose from. The interlocutor will be a teacher from the college/centre where the student is taking the test. The external assessor is provided by Cambridge ESOL. The assessor does not take an active part in the interaction at Entry 1—3, but does take part in Phase 1b at Level 1, as well as in Phases 1b and 2b at Level 2.
The provision of the interlocutor by the college ensures, as far as possible, that the test is conducted by someone who understands the experience, background and learning context of the individual candidates. Interlocutors need to meet Minimum Professional Requirements (MPRs) stipulated by Cambridge ESOL. The induction and training of interlocutors is achieved via a distance-training pack.
Where there is an odd number of candidates to be assessed in Speaking and Listening at a centre, the final test will still use a paired format, but an extra student will need to be provided by the college to take the test with the final candidate. This extra student is not assessed, but must be at the appropriate level for the test.
Marking
The Speaking and Listening mode is marked by the assessor during the test. The assessor marks according to a standardised mark scheme, and at the end of the test completes each candidate's personalised mark sheet. These are then returned to Cambridge ESOL for computer scanning. Throughout the test, the candidates are assessed, not in relation to each other but according to the criteria in the mark scheme.
The standardisation of the Speaking and Listening mode conduct and assessment is achieved through:
- A network of professionals in a hierarchical structure called the Team Leader system (Team Leaders in the UK are appointed by Cambridge ESOL to manage the professional aspects of the operation).
- A set of quality assurance procedures called Recruitment, Induction, Training, Co-ordination, Monitoring and Evaluation (RITCME). These are implemented for all examiners appointed by Cambridge ESOL.
Speaking and Listening mode sample papers
Download the Skills for Life Speaking and Listening sample papers and mark schemes.
