SPEAKING EXAM PRACTICE

SPEAKING EXAM PRACTICE

Give everyone a set of pictures or a mind map and have them record an audio file of their 1 minute comparisons and 3 min parwork discussions (Canbridge First/Advanced Speaking Parts 2 and 3) on their phones in their own time then send them to you by email. This is optional but many take the opportunity to do this. It might seem like a lot of work for the teacher but I find that it’s actually easier for me, as I can listen again and give more valuable feedback rather than simultaneously listening to them and scribbling down things I thought I heard during a 20 min face-to-face session.

They can record themselves as many times as they like and only send me the one they think is their best version, instantly solving the problem of limited time to practise these in class. They also get to hear themselves and be their own examiners, and have a better idea of how long these parts last for.

Comments

  1. Elizabeth BekesNovember 12, 2017 at 7:26 AM

    This is such a sensible activity and not overstretching anybody's technical skills. I love the fact that your students can record themselves as many times as they wish! Incidentally, when I was learning Greek and Spanish (as well as brushing up my Russian) in Crete, I found language exchange partners and recorded our sessions. Listening to the audio cassettes (I know, this was about 10 years ago) later on meant that I came to understand bits that I had not understood first time round.

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  2. Julia BlinovaNovember 12, 2017 at 8:03 AM

    That's a brilliant technique, but I think self-recording can be used with any students, not only with those preparing for exams. Sometimes I even use it as an alternative to writing (e.g. write 5 sentences about your routine). Those reluctant to write or whose priority is speaking love it.

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