In this post, we'll explore questions that are being tested in the Linguaskill General Speaking test by Cambridge Assessment English. This will help us craft strategies for tackling them in subsequent posts.
The Cambridge Linguaskill General Speaking test is a fully online, computer-based test. With a total test time of 15 minutes, the test is to be completed by answering a number of questions split into 5 parts:
| task description | difficulty level | number of questions |
|---|---|---|
| Candidates answer eight questions about themselves (the first two questions are not marked). This part accounts for 20% of the final result. |
Easy | 8 |
| task description | difficulty level | number of questions |
|---|---|---|
| Candidates read eight sentences aloud. This part accounts for 20% of the final result. |
Easy to Medium | 8 |
| task description | difficulty level | number of questions |
|---|---|---|
| Candidates are given a topic to talk about for one minute. 40 seconds are allowed for preparation. This part accounts for 20% of the final result. |
Medium to Hard | 1 |
| task description | difficulty level | number of questions |
|---|---|---|
| Candidates are given one or more graphics (for example a chart, diagram or information sheet) to talk about for one minute. One minute is allowed for preparation. This part accounts for 20% of the final result. |
Hard | 1 |
| task description | difficulty level | number of questions |
|---|---|---|
| Candidates give their opinions in the form of short responses to five questions related to one topic. 40 seconds are allowed for preparation. This part accounts for 20% of the final result. |
Medium to Hard | 5 |
At the core of it, the Linguaskill General Speaking test evaluates your vocabulary and grammar skills, just like Reading, Listening, and Writing.
However, in the Speaking test, there is the extra condition of having to use your English skills and speak them quickly, with very little thinking time.
Most people struggle with the time/thinking aspect of the Speaking test. Not only must you form an opinion or what you wish to say quickly, you must be able to speak it accurately in one go.
There are some strategies you can apply to make answering the questions easier. These will be taught to you in the next post.
