Linguaskill Business speaking test takers usually fail to get their desired level because of some common mistakes. It is normal to be nervous when taking the exam. However, some fail because they did not speak a lot during their answers. In this part, I will share some of my observations.
1. Giving short answers
This happens in Parts 1, 3 and 5. Most test takers think that it is already enough to just answer the question. In Part 1, the student must provide an additional detail for each main answer. For example, if the question is “Do you travel a lot?”, the answer must not be a short “Yes, I do” or “No, I don’t. Mention some countries you have been to or the reason for stating “no”.
In Part 3, if the first point is “When your last meeting was”, it is not enough to say “It was yesterday”. Provide more details about that particular meeting yesterday. For example, “It was yesterday. There were five people in that meeting”. Ideally, give at least two sentences for each point.
In Part 5, each question must be answered in 20 seconds. Here, the test taker is expected to give the main answer. For example, “What advertising strategy would be effective for our new product?”, it is not enough to say “Television advertising is useful”. Expand more. The sentence, “It has a wider customer reach compared with other strategies” may be a very useful additional detail.
Even if there is a time limit, it is not an excuse not to explain more. Remember, in a speaking test, you should speak a lot because that will be the basis of your score.
2. Repeating sentences or ideas
When one’s ideas and sentences are repeated, it reflects his lack and limited vocabulary. It is a common mistake for test takers to repeat their statements just to stretch their answers until the time ends. The ideas only circle around the main question. Think of ways to explain the ideas further. When giving an explanation, there are two options. First is to provide an example. Second is to talk about the advantage or disadvantage of a given idea.
3. Having a limited vocabulary
Test takers who have a limited vocabulary will not be able to explain their points further. Thus, they end up giving short answers and repeating their sentences. To achieve the B2 level, one must have a good grasp of his vocabulary. It would also help to be familiar with terms closely related to the main topic. For example, in Part 3, if the main situation is about the last meeting, terms like “agenda”, “discuss”, “issue”, “resolve”, etc. can be used.
4. Not speaking clearly
One of the most important things to remember during the speaking test is that one’s voice is recorded. Hence, it is necessary to modulate one’s voice. In Part 2, the test taker must read the sentences. The reading must be clear and the words must be enunciated well. Each sound of the letter counts, even the pauses. Before the exam, read one or two paragraphs in English, record your voice and listen to it. If you yourself cannot understand what you are listening to, that means you have to work harder. Reading a lot before the exam also helps expand your vocabulary.
5. Not being familiar with business situations
All parts of the speaking test for the Linguaskill Business revolve around a business setting. The questions may be about your tasks, colleague, company, boss, etc. With these, it is necessary to be familiar with any topic that is related to your job. If a particular situation is not something you have not experienced yet, you have no choice but to imagine and be creative with your answer. It is not an excuse to say that you cannot think of the answer.
6. Lack of confidence
In any exam, test takers need a great deal of confidence to face and undergo the challenging process of the examination. Do not focus too much on your shortcoming as a speaker. It is normal to feel nervous or afraid before the exam. However, it should not be detrimental to your performance. Not being able to finish the exam or going mentally blank are the common scenarios to watch out for. Shift your focus on your goal.
These are only some of the common mistakes during the exam. While situations may vary from person to person, it is important to remember that there is always room for improvement. As they say, “Practice makes perfect”. Take the sample test before the exam to be familiar with each part. This lessens the pressure and will add some confidence. Goodluck!
コメント