Answers and Discussion
Look at the discussion of the points raised by the Phase 1b tasks. What would you recommend to your students as the most efficient strategies for dealing with these tasks?
- Is this phase related to Phase 1a?
No. Phases 1a and 1b are only related in theme at Level 1 and 2, not at Entry levels. - How can candidates best use the preparation time for this task?
Candidates are given 1½ minutes to prepare and to make notes at Entry 1, and 1 minute at Entry 2 and 3. They should take full advantage of this time. At Entry 1, they should aim to write down four or five questions they want to ask, even though they may not have time to ask them all. At Entry 2 and 3, candidates should aim to write down three or four ideas that they would like to talk about on the given topic. - At Entry 2 and Entry 3, are candidates given time after their partner’s talk to prepare questions and to make notes?
No. Candidates are expected to be able to ask their questions as soon as their partner has finished speaking. They can make notes while their partner is speaking, but they do not have time to think of questions to ask once their partner has finished. - At Entry 2 and Entry 3,can the listening candidate ask their partner a question during their partner’s talk?
No, candidates should not interrupt during their partner’s talk and must save their questions for when their partner has finished speaking. - How many questions do candidates have to ask?
Candidates do not have a set number of questions to ask at Entry 1. At Entry 2, candidates should be prepared to ask two questions, and at Entry 3, three. - Will the interlocutor ask any questions?
No. The interlocutor does not join in the interaction in this phase of the test.