Step 1

Make sure you know how to talk about the work-related topics and be ready to answer (discuss) the questions presented in the Appendix.

step 2. To enrich your presentation, use:

− introductory phrases

− signal words to structure your ideas

− phrasal verbs (see Vocabulary review)

− idioms (see Vocabulary review)

− appropriate grammar structures (see Grammar review)

Ä Useful tips

− Don’t interrupt the examiner. Wait until he/she has finished speaking.

− Don’t be afraid to ask your partner/examiner to repeat something if you haven’t understood.

− Don’t give short answers. Say what you think and why. Don’t say: “I don’t know”.

− To respond effectively to an examiner’s question, you should structure your answer carefully:

1. respond to the question by repeating key words or concepts.

2. support your answer with details, examples or reasons.

3. introduce additional points.

4. give a short summary of your answer (if your response is quite long).

Exercise 1.

º Ex. 1. Speaking

Listen to the tape and answer the examiner’s questions.

Exercise 2.

º Ex. 2. Speaking

The examiner will assess you on the following categories:

− use of grammar

− use of vocabulary

− pronunciation

− fluency

− ability to communicate

Listen to two candidates passing exam (Speaking section) and assess them on the categories listed below. Was their performance: poor/satisfactory/good/excellent? Write P (poor), S (satisfactory), G (good), E (excellent) in the gaps.

	Nicole	Diego
Use of grammar/vocabulary
Pronunciation
Ability to communicate

Exercise 3.

What expressions can you use when you want to express your opinion?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

If you are asked for your opinion, there is no “right” answer. For example, if the examiner asks you: “What qualities are the most important for pilots?”, pause for a moment to work out what to think (say). Use expressions like:

− Well, it depends………

− I think…

− I suppose…

If the examiner says something like: “Do you think so?”, it is because he/she wants you to say a bit more or give reasons for your opinion, not because you are wrong.

Exercise 4.

You may be asked to recount an aviation incident that has occurred to you or to someone you know. In this case you can use the following versions of the beginning:

− Yes, in fact something very similar happened to me once…….

− Yes, in fact something very similar happened to me about two years ago when I was flying out of Heathrow.

Pay particular attention: you should use past verb tenses to talk about your experience (refer to Grammar review).