Skills for Life Speaking & Listening Levels 1 and 2 – Phase 1b
Task Description
How long does Phase 1b last?
This Phase lasts nine minutes at Level 1 and ten minutes at Level 2. Candidates each talk for two minutes on a topic provided by the interlocutor. They are given one minute's preparation time for this. After each presentation, there is one and a half minutes of discussion at Level 1 and two minutes at Level 2.
What is the purpose of Phase 1b?
Candidates give a formal presentation demonstrating an ability to develop detailed ideas on a topic, sequenced in a logical way, to hold an extended turn, to adapt their register to the formality of the situation and to form full sentences as opposed to fragments or chains of clauses. Candidates should demonstrate a range of vocabulary and structures appropriate to the level. When a candidate is listening to their partner, they should demonstrate the ability to understand the content of the presentation and both comment and ask questions on the content at the end.
What skills are being assessed?
Candidates are assessed according to all three strands (Listen and Respond, Speak to Communicate, Engage in Discussion) of the Adult ESOL Core Curriculum. A breakdown of the assessment criteria can be found in Focus on Assessment.
What do the candidates have to do?
Candidates are asked to give a formal presentation uninterrupted for two minutes on a topic related to the discussion in Phase 1a. Each candidate is handed a booklet with a general statement and prompts giving them ideas to think about in order to help with their preparation. Both candidates prepare their presentation at the same time and are given one minute in which to do this, making notes if they wish.
After each presentation, the listening candidate is expected to comment on or ask questions about what their partner has said. The assessor may also ask questions, though might not if the candidate has already spoken sufficiently for marks to be decided upon.
Understanding the Task
To understand better how candidates need to approach this task, it may help you to look at and analyse some tasks.
Look at the sample Phase 1b tasks from Skills for Life Speaking & Listening Level 1 and 2 sample papers, and think about what candidates have to do.
Sample speaking and listening Tasks
Sample speaking and listening Tasks
Things to consider
Now look at these questions about the nature of the task and consider your answers.
- How is this phase related to Phase 1a?
- How can candidates best use the preparation time for this task?
- Do candidates have to use all of the prompts on their task card?
- What type of questions or comments might a candidate ask or make after their partner’s presentation?
- How many questions do candidates have to ask about their partner’s presentation?
- Can the listening candidate ask their partner a question during the formal presentation?
- Will the assessor always ask questions?