Speaking: Interactive B2 Communication
What the Speaking section tests
The ECCE Speaking test lasts about 10-15 minutes and is conducted with an examiner. It typically has four parts: introductory questions, a visual prompt, a role-play, and a discussion. It assesses B2 interactive communication: fluency, accuracy, pronunciation, range, and the ability to keep a conversation going.
Core rules
- Expand answers: give a reason or example after each short answer ("I enjoy cycling because...").
- In the visual task, organize your description: foreground/background, similarities/differences, and speculation ("They might be waiting for...").
- In the role-play, take the initiative: ask questions, make requests, and respond to the examiner's information.
- Use functional language: "Could you tell me...?", "I'd rather...", "What about...?", "That sounds good, but..."
- In the discussion, state an opinion, justify it, and acknowledge another view ("I see your point, but...").
- If you do not understand, ask for repetition or clarification; silence loses marks.
Worked example
Role-play: You are booking a hotel for a friend. Ask the examiner (hotel receptionist) about price and location. Candidate: "Could you tell me how much a double room costs for two nights? Also, is the hotel within walking distance of the train station?" Reasoning: both questions are polite indirect questions, which suit the role-play. They obtain the two pieces of information named in the task. A weaker response ("How much? Where?") is too direct and does not sustain interaction. The follow-up "Also..." shows the candidate can manage the exchange.
Traps that cost marks
- Giving one-word or yes/no answers.
- Delivering a memorized speech instead of responding to the examiner.
- Ignoring a follow-up question or changing topic abruptly.
- Overusing fillers ("um", "you know") instead of pausing.
- Speaking too fast and losing clear stress and intonation.