Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the ILEC Test of Speaking a test of the candidates’ legal knowledge?
Do candidates have to speak to each other as well as to the examiner?
What happens if candidates don’t understand what the examiner has asked them to do?
What happens if candidates find themselves with a partner who is much better than themselves?
What if there is an uneven number of candidates?
Can candidates take the test on their own?
Can candidates choose their partner themselves?
Do candidates have a choice of topic to prepare in Part 2?
If candidates can’t think of a word, will they lose marks?
Will the examiners give any feedback at the end of the test?
How are the marks for the Test of Speaking recorded?
Is the ILEC Test of Speaking a test of the candidates’ legal knowledge?
No. Candidates are not being tested on their legal knowledge but on their ability to use English to talk about law-related situations.
Why are there two examiners?
One acts as the interlocutor, conducting the test and awarding a mark for global achievement. The other acts as the assessor, taking no part in the interaction and awarding analytical marks. Awarding marks in this way helps to ensure that candidates are marked fairly.
Do candidates have to speak to each other as well as to the examiner?
Yes. They speak to the examiner, on their own and to each other.
What happens if candidates don’t understand what the examiner has asked them to do?
They can ask the examiner to repeat the instructions.
What happens if candidates find themselves with a partner who is much better than themselves?
Candidates are assessed on their own ability and not in relation to one another. Each candidate has the opportunity to show the examiners what they can do and to speak on their own.
What if there is an uneven number of candidates?
The last test of the session (morning, afternoon or evening) will be taken in a group of three.
Can candidates take the test on their own?
Only in very special circumstances would this be considered, e.g. if the candidate has special needs. Otherwise the test is always taken in pairs or a group of three.
Can candidates choose their partner themselves?
Sometimes, but this may not be possible at some centres.
Do candidates have a choice of topic to prepare in Part 2?
Yes. They choose one out of two topics.
If candidates can’t think of a word, will they lose marks?
No. The important thing is that they are able to communicate their message. As long as they are able to paraphrase what they want to say, they will not lose marks.
Will the examiners give any feedback at the end of the test?
No. They will simply thank the candidates for coming.
How are the marks for the Test of Speaking recorded?
On the mark sheets the candidates give to the examiners at the beginning of the test.If you have any other questions about ILEC Speaking, contact
us and we'll answer the most frequently asked questions here.