Tips for Teachers

Tips for Students

Answers and Discussion

1. What kinds of things did you have to talk about?

In Part 1, candidates have to talk about what they are called, where they are from and what their occupation is. They may also be asked about their lives, their daily routines, their opinions or their future plans. This general conversation between the examiner and each candidate in turn is intended to settle the candidates into the exam, giving them the opportunity to talk about familiar topics.

2. Did you have to spell anything?

Yes, candidates are asked to spell their name in this part of the test.

3. How long were your answers?

Answers do not need to be very long in this part, but candidates should be encouraged to give more than one-word answers. For example, when asked about their occupation, instead of simply saying 'student' they could extend by saying: 'I'm a student at the moment, at a large school in Pisa.' In the second phase, candidates should extend their answers a little more by giving reasons for their answers or an example if it is appropriate.

4. Why do you think the examiner uses a prepared script?

This is to ensure that all the candidates get questions of the same level of difficulty and it provides the examiner with back-up questions if the candidate has problems understanding the first question.

5. What is the difference between Phase 1 and Phase 2?

Phase 1 is always the same and it is a published document, so teachers and students can look at it in preparation for the test. Also, both candidates are asked the same questions in this phase. It is intended to ease the candidates into the test and relax them. In Phase 2, the candidates are asked different questions, which are not published. It is therefore more challenging and students should listen to the examiner carefully.