Speaking skills

10.1

Talking with the examiner

Syllabus

take part in a conversation or interview, giving factual information and opinions
respond to questions and develop your answers with reasons and examples
use interactive skills: starting, responding, asking for clarification and taking turns

Source: Cambridge International syllabus

The speaking test is a friendly conversation 对话, not a test you fail by being nervous.

Take part fully

Answer the question, then add more. A one-word answer is too short.
Give reasons and examples. Show what you can do with English.

The examiner asks Do you like sports; the answer Yes alone is too short, but answer plus a reason plus an example climbs like stairs to a full turn Answer, then add more: a reason and an example make a full turn

Interact well

Listen to the examiner and respond 回应 to what they say.
If you do not understand, it is fine to ask: "Sorry, could you repeat that?"
Take turns 轮流 naturally, as in a real conversation.

Vocabulary Train

English	Chinese	Pinyin
conversation	对话	duì huà
respond	回应	huí yìng
turns	轮流	lún liú

10.2

Giving a short talk

Syllabus

give a short talk that describes an event or explains and justifies an opinion
expand your answers by giving examples, justifying, comparing and speculating
speak with control of vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation and intonation

Source: Cambridge International syllabus

You may be asked to talk about a topic for a short time.

Develop your ideas

Do not just list points. Develop 展开 each one with a reason or an example.
Use phrases like "for example", "that is why" and "I suppose" to extend your answers.

Speak clearly

Speak with good pronunciation 发音 and natural intonation 语调.
Do not rush. It is better to speak clearly than quickly.
If you forget a word, say it another way. This is called paraphrasing 释义.

Useful language

Memorise a few phrases 短语 for each move. They keep you talking when your mind goes blank.

To give an opinion: In my opinion… / I'd say… / For me,…
To add detail: for example… / that's why… / what I mean is…
To buy thinking time: That's a good question… / Well, let me think… / I suppose…
To agree or disagree politely 礼貌: That's true, but… / I see what you mean, though…

A short pause with "Let me think…" sounds far better than silence. It shows control, not panic.

A model turn

See how one student turns a plain question into a full, natural answer.

Examiner: Do you enjoy studying at home?

Student: In my opinion, home is better for some subjects. For example, I revise 复习 maths well at home because it is quiet and nobody interrupts 打断 me. But I suppose group work is easier at school, where I can ask my friends straight away. So really, it depends on the task.

The student gives an opinion, backs it with an example, admits the other side, and finishes with a neat conclusion. That is a top-mark turn — and anyone can build it with these phrases.