Speaking: Fluency, Interaction and Accuracy
What the speaking task rewards
The speaking section typically combines a short prepared or semi-prepared monologue with an interaction or discussion, sometimes prompted by a stimulus such as a picture or short text. Assessors reward communicative effectiveness: can you sustain speech, organise ideas, respond to follow-up questions and repair breakdowns? Accuracy matters, but hesitation and silence cost more than a small grammatical slip.
Concepts you must control
- Monologue structure. Signpost with во-первых, во-вторых, с одной стороны, с другой стороны, таким образом. A clear frame buys thinking time and shows organisation.
- Opinion language. По-моему, я считаю, что, на мой взгляд, я согласен с тем, что plus correct clause structure.
- Circumlocution. If a word is missing, describe it: это вещь, которой мы..., человек, который... This is a skill, not a failure.
- Interaction moves. Asking for clarification (не могли бы вы повторить?), checking (правильно ли я понял, что...?), and extending (кстати, это напоминает мне).
- Pronunciation priorities. Consonant devoicing at word end, vowel reduction in unstressed syllables, and correct stress, which changes meaning (за́мок/замо́к).
Traps
Candidates often memorise a monologue and then fail to answer an unexpected follow-up, or answer a different question than asked. Another trap is answering in one sentence; examiners expect elaboration with reason and example. Avoid switching between ты and вы when role-playing. Do not let self-correction dominate: one quick repair, then continue.
Rule of thumb
For any prompt, use a three-step pattern: direct answer, reason, example or contrast. That yields roughly three sentences and demonstrates range without risking a memorised script.
Worked example
Question: Как ты думаешь, стоит ли школьникам работать летом? Answer: По-моему, да, но только несколько часов в день. Это даёт опыт и немного денег. С другой стороны, летом нужно и отдыхать. Answer, reason, contrast: concise, accurate and clearly organised.