Speaking - LanguageCert B1 Achiever
Speaking is a 12-minute face-to-face test in the LanguageCert B1 Achiever exam. It has four parts: introduction and conversation, picture description, discussion and role play. The examiner assesses interactive communication, pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary, and discourse. You are not expected to sound like a native speaker; you must make your meaning clear and keep the interaction going.
Core rules
- Answer in full sentences, but do not give a speech; add one reason or example.
- Use natural fillers such as ‘Well’, ‘Let me think’ or ‘Actually’ to gain time without silence.
- If you do not understand, ask: ‘Could you repeat that, please?’ This is not a penalty.
- In picture tasks, move from general to detail: ‘This picture shows… In the foreground… They might be… because…’
- In role play, respond to the examiner’s function: request, suggest, refuse politely, ask for information.
Worked example
Picture: a family at an airport with suitcases. Weak answer: ‘I can see a family. There are bags.’ Stronger answer: ‘This picture shows a family at an airport. In the foreground, two children are sitting on suitcases, and the mother is checking a ticket. They might be waiting for a flight because they look tired but excited. I think they are going on holiday.’ Reasoning: the stronger answer describes position, action, speculation and personal reaction. It gives the examiner more language to assess and shows B1 range: present continuous, ‘might be’, ‘because’.
Traps that cost marks
- One-word answers that stop the interaction.
- Memorised speeches that do not answer the actual question.
- Listing objects in a picture without actions or ideas.
- Staying silent when you need thinking time.