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Assessment Criteria
The four criteria used to assess candidates are as follows:
Both examiners assess the candidate; the assessor applies the detailed,
analytical scales, while the interlocutor applies the global scale.
Candidates are assessed individually on their own performance and
not in relation to each other. The criteria should be seen in the
light of the Cambridge ESOL Common Scale for Speaking Level 4, which
means that candidates are expected to have a good operational command
of the language and be able to handle communication in most situations.
It should be remembered that candidates are assessed according to
their actual performance, rather than what the examiners feel they
might be capable of producing under other circumstances.
Grammar and Vocabulary
This refers to range and accuracy as well as the appropriate use
of grammatical and lexical forms. At BEC Higher level a range of
grammar and vocabulary is needed to deal with the tasks. At this
level grammar is mainly accurate and vocabulary is used effectively.
Discourse Management
This refers to the coherence, extent and relevance of each candidate's
individual performance. Contributions should be adequate to deal
with the BEC Higher level tasks. Candidates should produce utterances
which are appropriate in length.
Pronunciation
This refers to the candidate's ability to produce comprehensible
utterances. At BEC Higher level, meanings are conveyed through the
appropriate use of stress, rhythm, intonation and clear individual
sounds, although there may be occasional difficulty for the listener.
Interactive Communication
This refers to the candidate's ability to take an active part in
the development of the discourse. At BEC Higher level, candidates
should be sensitive to turn-taking throughout most of the test and
hesitation should not demand patience of the listener.
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