Speaking Test Preparation EAP Activities

Here is a useful speaking test preparation activity in which students learn and practice answering typical speaking test questions following certain criteria. First, in pairs, students read responses to a typical speaking test question and then use three criteria (topic development, organisation, and grammar and vocabulary) to discuss the respective strengths and weaknesses of the responses. Next, students take part in a mock speaking test where one student is the examiner and the other is the candidate. The examiner's task is to ask the questions and complete a feedback form as they go to identify strengths and areas for improvement. The candidate's task is to provide full answers following the three criteria and speak clearly without pausing or hesitating. When the test is over, the examiner uses the feedback form to give their partner constructive feedback on how they did in the test. Afterwards, students swap roles and repeat the process.