LanguageCert ESOL B2 Communicator flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Listening Part 1

Seven short recordings with three-option multiple choice. Each audio is played twice. Questions test gist, specific detail, or speaker's purpose. Read options before listening.

Listening Part 2

Six conversations with a matching task. Match each speaker to a topic, opinion, or place. Options are paraphrased, so listen for meaning, not exact words.

Listening Part 3

Seven longer recordings (interviews, announcements) with three-option multiple choice. Played once. Distractors often repeat words from the audio but are incorrect.

Listening Part 4

Ten short extracts with three-option multiple choice. Tests implied meaning, speaker attitude, or function. Played once. Focus on tone and context.

Paraphrase trap

A listening distractor that repeats a word from the audio but does not answer the question. Correct answers usually express the same idea in different words.

Connected speech

Pronunciation feature where words link or sounds change (e.g., 'gonna', 'wanna'). Common in B2 listening. Practice recognizing reduced forms to improve comprehension.

Reading Part 1

Five short texts (notices, emails, signs) with three-option multiple choice. Tests gist and detail. Read the question first, then scan the text.

Reading Part 2

Five questions matching people's needs to short profiles. Tests scanning for specific information. Underline keywords in the profiles and look for synonyms in the texts.

Reading Part 3

Seven four-option multiple-choice questions on a longer text. Tests detailed comprehension and inference. Answers are not always stated directly; read between the lines.

Reading Part 4

Eight gaps in a short text with four options per gap. Tests lexico-grammar: collocation, phrasal verbs, prepositions, and linking words. Read the whole sentence before choosing.

Skimming

Reading quickly for the main idea. Use for Part 1 gist questions and to preview longer texts before detailed reading. Takes about 30 seconds per text.

Scanning

Reading quickly to find specific information (names, dates, numbers). Essential for Reading Part 2 matching. Move your eyes fast; do not read every word.

Distractor

An incorrect option that contains words from the text but creates a false statement. In Reading Part 3, check that the whole option is true, not just one word.

Writing Task 1

Formal email or letter of 100-120 words responding to three bullet points. Use formal register: no contractions, polite formulas, clear paragraphs. Spend about 20 minutes.

Writing Task 2

Informal email/letter or article of 120-150 words. If article, include a title and address a general reader. If email, use informal register. Spend about 30 minutes.

Formal register

Language suitable for official letters: no contractions, use 'Dear Sir/Madam', 'I am writing to...', 'Yours faithfully'. Avoid slang and idioms.

Informal register

Language for friends: contractions (I'm, don't), phrasal verbs, exclamation marks, direct questions. Use 'Hi [Name]' and 'Best wishes' or 'Take care'.

Yours faithfully vs sincerely

Use 'Yours faithfully' when you do not know the reader's name (Dear Sir/Madam). Use 'Yours sincerely' when you know the name (Dear Mr Smith).

Cohesion

Linking ideas with conjunctions and reference words (however, therefore, this, these). Assessed in Writing. Use a range of linkers accurately.

Task achievement

Writing criterion measuring whether you cover all bullet points, stay on topic, and meet the word count. Missing a bullet point loses marks.

Speaking Part 1

Interview (2-3 minutes) on familiar topics: work, studies, hobbies, home. Give extended answers with reasons or examples, not one-word replies.

Speaking Part 2

One-minute monologue on a topic card with three prompts. You have 30 seconds to prepare. Structure: introduction, two or three points, conclusion.

Speaking Part 3

Collaborative task (3 minutes) with another candidate. Discuss options and reach a decision. Use negotiation language: 'Shall we...?', 'What about...?'

Speaking Part 4

Discussion (3-4 minutes) with the examiner on topics related to Part 3. Give opinions, reasons, and examples. Develop your answers fully.

Interactive communication

Speaking criterion assessing turn-taking, responding to the examiner/partner, and initiating discussion. Invite your partner: 'What do you think?'

Fluency and coherence

Speaking criterion: speak without long pauses, self-correct naturally, and link ideas logically. Use fillers like 'Well...' to gain time.

Lexical resource

Speaking and writing criterion: range and accuracy of vocabulary. Use topic-specific words and collocations; avoid repeating the same basic words.

Grammatical range

Criterion measuring variety of structures (conditionals, passives, relative clauses) and accuracy. In B2, attempt complex sentences but keep them clear.

Pronunciation

Speaking criterion: clear individual sounds, word stress, and intonation. British English accepted. Unclear pronunciation that impedes understanding loses marks.

Topic card

Speaking Part 2 prompt with a topic and three bullet points. You must talk for one minute. Cover all points and add a concluding comment.

Collaborative task

Speaking Part 3: two candidates discuss options and reach a decision. Use phrases like 'I agree', 'That's a good point', 'Shall we decide?'

Word count penalty

In Writing, answers significantly under the required length lose marks for task achievement. Aim within 10% of the limit; over-length is not penalized.