Job Discussion Forums

[bawny34]

Hi

I just have a question regarding part 4 of the Speaking task in the advanced exam.

From what I am gathering, the examiner guides the discussion in this part. Is that right? In other words, the examiner directs a question at one of the candidates and then when the candidate is finished, the examiner may ask what the other candidate feels on the subject. Is that right? Or is the second candidate free to add their opinion on the subject without the examiner inviting them to join in?

I have read the handbook but still can't make out if adding your input uninvited is allowed.

On another matter (the part 3 task), one of my students asked me if they can clarify with the examiner the meaning of one of the prompts if there is some confusion (this happened in a classroom practice activity). She was afraid she would be penalised for asking for clarification in an exam situation.

Any feedback on this would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

[lagwagon]

Hi. Been teaching CAE for seven years and was the Cambridge Coordinator at my school. As far as I've been able to assess, the candidate can only ask the examiner to repeat the prompt. The examiner's only job is to read from the script. He cannot define or explain anything. Best thing to do is to tell your students to go with what they best understood. Teach them the expression, "If I understood the prompt correctly..."

As for Part 4, it is meant to be a discussion between the candidates. The examiner is to ask a question without addressing it to either candidate and they are to share the task of initiating the response. (Initiating is part of the grading structure.) The only time the examiner may address a question to a particular candidate is when he feels a candidate has not given enough. He is then giving the candidate a chance to contribute. It should still be a conversation as they are being grading on their conversational abilities at this point. Thus, the other candidate should respond to what the first has said.

Hope this helps!