DOs and DON’Ts

DO

try to enjoy the test and take advantage of every opportunity to show the examiners what you can do.
remember that this is not a test of your financial knowledge but of your ability to use English in finance-related situations.
listen carefully to the interlocutor’s instructions and remember them. This will help you to perform better in the test.
try to respond naturally to the interlocutor’s questions.
try to use a range of tenses and vocabulary when you are speaking.
use the prompts given to help you if you wish, but remember that you will not be penalised for not using them.
try to concentrate throughout the test. Your performance at the end of the test is equally as important as your performance at the beginning.

DON'T

rehearse long speeches to use during the test.

hesitate for too long before speaking. You will waste valuable time.
give one-word answers. Try to expand on your responses.
interrupt your partner during their long turn. You will have the opportunity to ask a question afterwards.
ask the examiner to supply a word you can’t remember, or don’t know. Paraphrase what you want to say.
reply to a question saying, ‘I don’t know’. Force yourself to have an opinion.
stop talking before the time is up. Keep going until the interlocutor says, ‘Thank you.’