Module 1 · Speaking & Writing part

Speaking

Seven task types, presented in this exact order in the exam. Every response is scored on content plus pronunciation and oral fluency — smooth, natural-paced delivery matters on every single item.

01

Read Aloud

Scores: Speaking
  • 5–7 questions
  • 15 points each
  • Passage 50–60 words
  • Prep 25–30s
  • Record 30–40s

The very first task of the exam. A short passage appears on screen; use the preparation time to scan it, then read it naturally once the microphone opens.

Sample passage style

A short academic paragraph, for example a definition of a public policy such as a smoking ban — two to three sentences of formal written English that you read exactly as shown.

✅ Strategy

  • Use the prep time to spot difficult words and punctuation pauses.
  • Keep a steady, natural pace — fluency and pronunciation carry 10 of the 15 points.
  • Don't stop to self-correct; keep moving forward.
02

Repeat Sentences

Scores: Speaking + Listening
  • 10–12 questions
  • 13 points each
  • Sentence 8–16 words

You hear one sentence and must repeat it in the same sequence. Content is critical here — this task contributes a huge share of your Listening score (13.36 points), so treat it as a double-scoring opportunity.

✅ Strategy

  • Focus on the meaning of the sentence, not individual words — chunks are easier to hold.
  • Speak immediately after the beep while the sentence is fresh.
  • If you miss words, repeat what you caught confidently rather than stalling.
03

Describe Image

Scores: Speaking
  • 5–6 questions
  • 16 points each
  • Prep 25s
  • Record 40s

The highest-weighted speaking task (25.4 points of your Speaking score overall). The image can be a line graph, bar graph, pie chart, Venn diagram, process, pyramid, map, or a general picture. Cover as much as you can in 40 seconds.

📋 Describe Image template

The (type of image) gives information about (title).

Firstly, the image depicts (first feature) — for graphs: the x-axis and y-axis · for pie charts/tables: the different elements · for processes: the number of steps · for pyramids: the number of layers · for maps/floorplans: the major area · for general images: the central figure.

Furthermore, it shows (comparison or step 1).

In addition, I can understand that (comparison 2 / next steps / another side).

However, the (type of image) clearly conveys (highest & lowest values, or first & last step).

To conclude, the picture gives an overview of (title).

✅ Strategy

  • Always name the highest and lowest values for graphs, charts, and tables.
  • Never leave the recording silent — keep speaking until the timer ends.
04

Retell Lecture

Scores: Speaking + Listening
  • 2–3 questions
  • 16 points each
  • Audio 60–90s
  • Prep 10s
  • Speak 40s

Listen to a short lecture, take notes, then summarize it in your own words. The template below turns your notes into a structured 40-second response.

📋 Retell Lecture template

The primary focus of the lecture was (topic).

Initially, the speaker addressed (point 1). Additionally, he explained (point 2). Moreover, (point 3). Also, (point 4). However, (point 5) was noted. In the end, (point 6) was highlighted.

To conclude, the lecture provided an overview of (topic) and emphasised (2–3 keywords).

✅ Strategy

  • Note keywords, not sentences — 6 short points fill the template perfectly.
  • Keywords from the audio count as content even inside the template frame.
05

Answer Short Questions

Scores: Speaking + Listening
  • 5–6 questions
  • 1 point each
  • Answer in 2–3 words

A general-knowledge question asked in audio; answer in a couple of words. For example: "What is the red liquid that flows through a body?" — Blood.

✅ Strategy

  • Answer instantly and briefly — one correct word earns the point.
  • If unsure, say your best guess; there is no penalty.
06

Summarize Group Discussion

Scores: Speaking + Listening
  • 2–3 questions
  • 16 points each
  • Prep 10s
  • Speak 2 min

You hear three people having a discussion; after the beep, summarize the whole conversation. With 16 points into both Speaking and Listening, this newer task type rewards organised note-taking by speaker.

📋 Summarize Group Discussion template

The main focus of the discussion was on (topic).

Initially, the first speaker talked about (point 1). He also addressed (point 2) and explained that (explanation).

Furthermore, the second speaker mentioned (point 3). Moreover, he also shared ideas about (point 4), giving additional details about (explanation).

Next, the third speaker contributed by discussing (point 5). Additionally, he elaborated on (point 6), for instance (explanation).

After that, the focus moved to (point 7). Towards the end, another important point mentioned was (point 8).

To conclude, the discussion highlighted important aspects such as (point 9) and (point 10).

07

Respond to a Situation

Scores: Speaking
  • 2–3 questions
  • 16 points each
  • Respond in 40s

You read and listen to a prompt describing a real-life situation, take quick notes, then respond appropriately in 40 seconds after the audio ends.

📋 Respond to a Situation template

Hello, thank you for raising this concern / providing this opportunity.

I see that (state the situation in one line).

According to me, the best solution to this is (the action suggested by the question).

This should help us with (reason for that action).

Alternatively, we could consider (a second possible action).

Please advise your thoughts, I will be happy to proceed accordingly.

✅ Useful polite phrases

  • Greet politely: "Hi there," · "Excuse me," · "Good morning/afternoon."
  • State the problem: "I noticed that…" · "There seems to be a misunderstanding about…" · "I have a bit of a concern about…"
  • Request or suggest: "Would it be possible to…" · "Could we perhaps…" · "I'd really appreciate it if you could…"
  • Offer help: "I'm happy to…" · "I'd be glad to help if needed."
  • Close with thanks: "Thanks for your understanding." · "Thank you for looking into this."

Speaking scoring criteria

Every speaking task is scored on three traits. Content ceilings vary; pronunciation and oral fluency are always worth 5 each.

Question typeContentPronunciationOral fluency
Read Aloud555
Repeat Sentences355
Describe Image655
Retell Lecture655
Summarize Group Discussion655
Respond to a Situation655