Speaking Sample

Praxis: Test-takers will be asked to speak for 3 minutes on a given topic written on their computer screen. Directions will appear for 30 seconds (then disappear) before the recording starts. Your response will be recorded on Video.

Time: 1:00 to 3:00 minutes.

TIPS:

Give an organized response. Use a topic sentence to open and then Support, detail/example sentences, and a conclusion.

This task is NOT marked, but it goes to the prospective college, university, or employer. Try to keep talking about relevant ideas related to your topic (paragraph form) and conclude after the 2-minute mark.

As this is a Video recording as well, try to use your hands at times for emphasis when you speak.

For example:

1:00 Minimum

3:00 Maximum

You must know: Paragraphing – Topic Sentence then (support and examples/detail)

With this task, you must Speak for 1 to 3 minutes, which is a very long time when speaking – so please practice with this time limit before you take the Duolingo exam. This task is really an extended version of Read, Then Speak because they usually ask a question and follow it with sub-questions. The directions will appear 30 seconds before the recording begins -so you should try to organize your response – Unfortunately “no outside resources are allowed,” which includes taking notes on paper or a cell phone (see Rules Section), so you have to stay organized in your mind. You have to try and remember the topic and the sub-questions in your head. THIS IS WHY PRACTICE IS SO IMPORTANT: practice answering everything with an organized response.

Note*: While the video is running for this response, remember that when the submit button ‘turns orange, you have spoken for over 1 minute. Hopefully, you can speak for over 2 minutes, speaking in complete sentences – varying sentence structure and using contextual vocabulary.

For example:

Tell me about your last vacation.

What is the importance of travel?

What do you think are the most popular holiday destinations?

Tips:

1. Use chronological order
2. Give reason (3 is best for maximum score)
3. Give ‘benefits’ and ‘detriments’ (the pros & cons) if asked about a particular issue (global warming, taxes, employment etc)
4. If all else fails – Speak out loud about the topic on whatever you think of (But stay on topic)
5. Use filler expressions, such as

‘I have never thought about that before….’

‘Uhm, let me see…..’

‘I am not really sure what you mean…..on the one hand, do you mean..’

‘Sorry, I just need a moment to think….’

‘As I mentioned earlier….’

‘One thing I forgot to mention…’

Try to stay on topic at all times; however, when you shift the controlling idea, pause and speak, changing to another topic sentence (same topic but a different idea). You are being recorded on Video, and this sometimes makes people extra nervous, but try to speak directly into the camera, expressing your thoughts on different issues that surround the topic. Between 2 and 3 minutes should be your goal for the speaking sample.