Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)

Speaking paper overview

Content Test focus and commentary ALTE Can Do statements at Level C1
Study: CAN follow abstract argumentation, for example the balancing of alternatives and drawing a conclusion. Work: CAN contribute effectively to meetings and seminars within own area of work and argue for or against a case. General: CAN keep up a casual conversation with a good degree of fluency, coping with abstract expressions.

CEFR description at Level C1

CAN express him/ herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. CAN use language flexibly and effectively for social and professional purposes. CAN formulate ideas and opinions with precision and relate skilfully to those of other speakers. CAN present clear, detailed descriptions of complex subjects integrating subthemes, developing particular points and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion.

The Speaking Test uses a paired format where two candidates are assessed by two trained Cambridge ESOL examiners. One examiner acts as an interlocutor and conducts the test, while the second examiner acts as an assessor and does not join in the conversation. The Speaking Test requires candidates to carry out a range of speaking tasks: Each candidate has a short conversation with the interlocutor about themselves and subjects from daily life. Each candidate then has a 1-minute turn where they are asked to make comparisons, express opinions, describe and speculate about visual stimuli. Both candidates are asked to engage in conversation together while completing a collaborative task. They must then engage with the interlocutor in a wider discussion about the completed task.

The paired Speaking Test format offers candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to use spoken language skills effectively in a range of contexts. By using a face-to-face test with paired candidates, we reduce the anxiety experienced by candidates, create a more authentic exercise in communication and thereby get a more reliable measure of their ability to use English. At Level C1, candidates are required to show their ability to organise their thoughts and ideas and express themselves coherently using appropriate language. Candidates need to show they can exchange information, express and justify their opinions, and agree or disagree with one another. They must also demonstrate that they are capable of discussing topics and certain issues in depth.

Commentary:
The use of a face-to-face Speaking Test in Cambridge English: Advanced allows for both monologues and paired speaking, including candidatecandidate and examinercandidate interaction. This enables the test to cover a broad range of spoken interaction and functions, which enhances its validity. The content of the test also accurately reflects the realities of spoken interaction in work and study contexts where reciprocal interaction through speech is the norm and where the ability to adapt ones discourse according to social, cultural or topic conventions is often a crucial skill. The presence of two examiners during the face-to-face test allows for a balanced evaluation of the candidates performance, in relation both to their ability to produce sustained speech, and their ability to take part effectively in the emergence and development of the discourse. Furthermore, the combined evaluation provided by the two examiners represents more than a single perspective on the performance and makes the assessment process richer. Once again, the nature of the interaction in the test echoes the sort of interaction that typically occurs in a business/ office context or in a student seminar.

Advanced Video Factsheets UCLES 2010 EMC.6894a.0Y06

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Speaking