How it works
You listen to and read a short description of a situation (up to 60 words), then answer a question about what you would say. You get 10 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to speak. It's scored on content, pronunciation and oral fluency.
According to Pearson, content checks whether you deal with the situation effectively, use the details in the prompt correctly and choose the right register, formal or informal, for the person you're talking to.
A simple structure
- Greet and set the scene: Hi Sam, I'm really sorry, but…
- Explain the situation using the prompt's details: names, days, times and amounts must match.
- Suggest a solution or ask for what you need: Would it be possible to…?
- Close politely: Thanks so much for understanding.
Choose the right register
| Talking to | Sounds like |
|---|---|
| A friend or classmate | Hey, sorry about this, I've got a bit of a problem… |
| A lecturer, manager or stranger | Excuse me, I'm sorry to bother you, but I wanted to let you know… |
Keep slang light. A friendly "no worries" can work with a classmate, but not with a lecturer.
Practice situations
Use 10 seconds to plan and 40 seconds to speak. You can record yourself with the speaking recorder.
- You borrowed a classmate's notes for an assignment, but you spilt coffee on them. Your classmate needs them back tomorrow. What would you say?
- Your manager has asked you to work this Saturday, but you have already booked a medical appointment. What would you say to your manager?
- A neighbour's dog has been barking late every night this week, and you have an exam on Friday. What would you say to your neighbour?
- You ordered a laptop online two weeks ago, but it hasn't arrived and the tracking hasn't changed. You call customer service. What would you say?
- Your lecturer has given you feedback on an essay, but you don't understand one of the comments. What would you say to your lecturer?
Sample answer for situation 2: Hi Michelle, thanks for thinking of me for Saturday. Unfortunately, I've already booked a medical appointment that morning, and it took weeks to get, so I'd rather not cancel it. Would it help if I came in on Sunday instead, or stayed a couple of hours late on Friday? I'm happy to help however I can. Just let me know what works best for the team.
Mistakes to avoid
- Changing details from the prompt (Friday becomes Sunday, a classmate becomes a teacher).
- Being too casual with someone senior.
- Stopping after 15 seconds. Use the time, but keep it natural.