Task 3: Impromptu Speaking

(Guidelines for Students)

Steps of the Impromptu Talk (15%)

1. One topic from topics 01 to 20 will be selected at random (See topics in above link.)

2. You will be given one minute to prepare a talk on that topic. You can make notes to help you prepare for your speaking.

3. You will have two minutes to speak.

4. When you finish speaking, you will have to answer one or two questions from your teacher.

Your speaking will be assessed in the following aspects:

A. Content/Organization (Relevant to topic and thoughtful)

B. Fluency/ Vocabulary (Able to speak without long unnatural pauses; able to use appropriate vocabulary)

C. Accuracy/ Pronunciation (Can be clearly understood without excessive effort from listener)

Descriptor of Score 5

1. Content/Organization of talk (5 marks)

Content is relevant to the chosen question/topic; sufficient detail covering prompts given in the question/topic; information connected logically, not random pieces of disconnected information that listeners are left to assemble themselves.

2. Fluency/ Vocabulary (5 marks)

Can speak without unnatural pauses in mid-thought/ mid-sentence; does not have to pause to think of necessary words; does not lapse into first language; does not rely on “filler” such as “ummm” …. “ahhh” … “something like that”. The teacher’s additional questions are readily understood, and sufficiently answered.

3. Accuracy/Pronunciation (5 marks)

The degree to which students make errors that potentially affect the understanding of the listener / The degree to which the speaker can be understood by those who are listening without making special effort to bridge anticipated gaps (mentally filling in for the anticipated shortcomings of the student speaker).