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Frequently Asked Questions
How many marks is the Speaking test worth?
Are candidates from the same school paired together?
Do the candidates speak to each other as well as
to the examiner?
Do both examiners speak throughout the test?
Does knowing your partner make it easier to do well?
What happens if candidates are 'mis-matched', for
example by putting a shy person with an outgoing one?
What happens if there is an uneven number of candidates?
How many marks is the Speaking
test worth?
There are a total of 20 marks, weighted to 25, making 25% of the
total score for the KET exam.
Are candidates from the
same school paired together?
This depends on the centre. In some, candidates from the same school
are paired together. In others, where candidates from a number of
different schools are entered, candidates may be paired with students
from other schools. Candidates should check with the centre to find
out the local procedure.
Do the candidates speak
to each other as well as to the examiner?
Yes, the interaction patterns vary during the test. In Part 1, the
candidates speak to the interlocutor but in Part 2, they must interact
with each other. In this part, it is essential that they speak to
each other and NOT to the interlocutor, unless asking for clarification.
Do both examiners speak
throughout the test?
No, only the interlocutor speaks. The assessor remains silent except
for greeting and saying goodbye to the candidates.
Does knowing your partner
make it easier to do well?
There is no evidence that knowing their partner helps candidates
to perform better, or worse, in the Speaking test. Some people feel
more relaxed and confident when they are paired with someone they
know, while others may feel inhibited or that the situation is unnatural.
In both cases, the examiners are trained to provide equal opportunities
for all candidates to perform to the best of their ability.
What happens if candidates
are 'mis-matched', for example by putting a shy person with an outgoing
one?
Examiners are trained to deal with this situation and ensure that
no-one is disadvantaged. Everyone has the chance to show what they
can do. However, candidates need to remember that they need to make
the best use of the time to show off their language skills without
dominating their partner.
What happens if there is
an uneven number of candidates?
The last test will be conducted with a group of three candidates.
In this case the test will last 13-15 minutes.
If you have any other questions about KET Speaking, contact
us and we'll answer the most frequently asked questions
here.
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