– Communicate facts, ideas, opinions and attitudes about a chosen topic sustained across a series of extended turns
– Maintain coherence and cohesion throughout the phase by organising the discourse
– Highlight significant points
– Paraphrase where necessary in order to maintain the discourse
– Engage the examiner in discussion of the topic
– Handle interruptions without undue effort by recapping and recovering
– Take control over an interaction
– Maintain discourse by asking for information and expanding on the responses obtained
– Develop the discussion by encouraging comment and opinion
– Take, keep, give up and offer turns when appropriate to do so
– Follow up on comments in order to develop the conversation
– In case of a breakdown in communication, use paraphrasing and circumlocution
Language functions |
– Expressing assumptions, hypothesisng – Paraphrasing – Expressing abstract ideas – Evaluating options – Expressing regrets, wishes and hopes – Evaluating past actions or courses of events |
Grammar |
– Mixed conditionals – More complex forms of the passive with modals – Should/must/might/could’ + perfect infinitive – Verbs followed by gerund and/or infinitive, e.g. forget, stop, go on, remember – Correct verb patterns after wish and hope |
Lexis |
– Phrases and expressions relating to the language functions listed above – Hesitation fillers, e.g. I mean, you know – Phrases and expressions relating to the language functions listed above – Stock phrases to gain time for thought and keep the turn, e.g. well, let me think – Phrases and expressions relating to the language functions listed above – Dreams and nightmares – Design |
Phonology |
– The correct pronunciation of vocabulary specific to the topic and subject areas – Rising and falling intonation for keeping, giving up and offering turns – Stress and rhythm to highlight and emphasise main points and ideas – Intonation and pitch to convey attitude |