Answers and Discussion

PET Speaking Part 1

Task Description

What do the candidates have to do?
The candidates have to listen to and answer the examiner's questions.

What does the examiner have to do?
The examiner has to read and ask questions from a prepared script.

What is the purpose of this part?
This part tests the language of simple social interaction, meeting people and giving personal details about nationality, occupation, daily routine etc.

How long does this part last?
This part of the test lasts between 2 and 3 minutes.

Understanding the Task

To understand better how students need to approach this task, it may help you to try the activity yourself, and think about what you had to do. Look at the sample Part 1 examiner's script. Complete the task in a group of three with one of you being the examiner and the other two being the candidates. Think about what the candidates have to do.

If you have a copy of the Speaking test video, you could watch Part 1 now. If not, you can read a transcript.

Sample Part 1 (PDF)
Transcript

Look at these questions about how you did the task and consider your answers.

1. What kinds of things did you have to talk about?
   
   
2. Did you have to spell anything?
   
   
3. How long were your answers?
   
   
4. Why do you think the examiner uses a prepared script?
   
   
5. What is the difference between Phase 1 and Phase 2?