CHAPTER II: SPEAKING TEST Canadian English Language Test of Oral Proficiency (CELTOP) Overview CELTOP is the Canadian English Language Test of Oral Proficiency. The Speaking Test measures an individual's ability to communicate orally in English. The Speaking Test is divided into four sections 2s indicated in the table below. This chapter provides a description of each section of the Speaking Test as well as examples for each section In the actual Speaking Test, you will have two clocks to monitor. One clock is located at the bottom of the computer screen. It records the amount of time remaining in the test. The other clock is located next to the Start Recording and Stop Recording buttons. It monitors the amount of time given to record your answer for that question. Format CELTOP Time Allotted Sections Speaking 30 Minutes Part 1 Answering General Questions Test Part 2 Interpreting Graphic and/or Tabular Materials 16 Questions Part 3 Telephone Role Play, Conversation, and News Item Part 4 Oral Response to a Topic Important Tips for Speaking English Pay attention to how English words are pronounced, Listen to spoken English at every opportunity and imitate what you hear. Use correct grammatical form when speaking, concentrating on correct verb forms, subject-verb agreement, and appropriate use of articles, Remember to use articles such as the, a, and an when required, Incorrect: She is going to store. Correct: She is going to the store.Part 1: Answering General Questions English Skills Overview In Part |. be prepared to speak, in a general manner. about yourself or an aspect of your life with regard to your daily routine, activities, likes ‘dislikes. and goals, Practise describing everyday activities in complete sentences using correct grammatical form. Choose a general topic, take a few seconds to think about the topic, and then practise speaking on this topic. Concentrate on the pronunciation and clarity of your speech, as well as on grammar, structure, and vocabulary. Try to vary your sentence structure and work on building up your vocabulary. Description During the actual test, you will wear a headset and need to make sure that you place the microphone near your mouth. In Part 1, you will hear four questions about common activities and places, or people in everyday situations. Each question will be spoken only once. The question will not be displayed on the computer screen. When you are ready to answer, click the START RECORDING box (see below). When you have finished answering. click the STOP RECORDING box. Remember to speak clearly and to use at least two complete sentences. There are 40 seconds provided to record a onse to each question in this section ee In this study guide, you will read a statement or question rather than listen to a recording. Each statement o question is typical of those that are found in Part 1 of the actual Speaking Test. ime Left: 00:40 Example: Answering General Questions Q. What is your name, address, and telephone number? Q. Describe two interesting things about the city in which you live. 26Part 2: Interpreting Graphic and/or Tabular Material English Skills Overview = Part 2, be prepared to gather and infer information from graphic or tabular material and then srovide verbal responses to questions. The first graphic may be an illustration such as one of ‘=e following: living arrangements; employment or occupational scenes; community or cultural brations; or events such as sports, art, or recreation. Be prepared to describe what is happening = the picture, what could possibly happen in such a situation, or what your experiences in a similar vation have been. Also, be prepared to state a personal opinion about some aspect of the picture presented, Practise describing different scenarios and supporting your responses with examples. ‘The second graphic may be a map, diagram, or table. Be prepared to analyse this graphic and to s=swer questions based on the information provided. Also, be prepared to provide a personal opinion out some aspect of the map, diagram, or table that you are viewing. For maps, practise giving Eirections using the cardinal points of reference (north, south, east, and west) and relative points of ference (¢.g., left, right, straight ahead). Also, become familiar with prepositions that indicate place in front of, next o, beside, behind) Description During the actual test, you will be shown two illustrations. Each illustration will be followed by three questions. You will hear each question and see the illustration at the same time. Each question will be spoken only once and will not be displayed on the computer screen. You will need to use the scroll bar on the right side of the computer sereen to see the entire image and to return to the top of the computer screen to record your answer. The START RECORDING bution and STOP RECORDING button are located at the top of the image. There are 40 seconds provided to record a response to each question in this section, Note: In this study guide, there are only two sample questions in Example A and only one question in Example B, During the actual test, there are three questions accompanying each illustration.Example A: Interpreting Graphic and/or Tabular Material us what is happening in this picture. To see al of each picture, use the scrollbar on the right side of the computer screen. SF nave 40 seconds fo complete your answer Time lett “Te continue, click the NEXT button atthe botlom ofthe sereen, in question cere Scroll bar Time remaining intest Q.. What other kinds of outdoor activities do you like to do in the summer? Explain. (No illustration accompanies this question.)Example B: Interpreting Graphic and/or Tabular Material Q. Describe in detail where the church is located. To see all ofeach picture, use the scroll bar on the right side of the computer screen. ‘You wil have 40 seconds fo complete your answer. ‘To continue, lick the NEXT button atthe bottom of the soreen. 29 Time left in question Scroll Bar * Time remaining in testPart 3: Telephone Role Play, Conversation, and News Item English Skills Over In Part 3, be prepared to understand directions for leaving a voicemail message, to answer a question about a conversation, and to answer questions about a news item that you will hear. These test items require good English comprehension and speaking skills. You are expected to use correct grammatical form in your responses. This means using complete sentences (not sentence fragments), using correct verb forms, and making sure that subjects and verbs agree. Ww Oral responses should be clear and long enough to completely answer each question, Responses of a longer length are recommended since short responses often indicate a lack of comprehension and vocabulary. Practise listening to conversations or news items and then summarizing what you have heard. Speak English often to correct pronunciation errors and become familiar with correct grammatical form. Expand your vocabulary by reading texts of various lengths and listening to as much spoken English as possible Description During the actual test, ou will be asked to do three things in this section: i) take part in a telephone role play, ii) listen to a conversation and then answer a question about it; and ii) listen to a news item and answer three questions about it. You will hear the telephone role play and the conversation only ‘once. You will hear the news item and its questions twice. After the first reading of the news item, you will hear all of the questions about it, but will not be able to answer them. You will hear the news item again and then be able to answer each question as it is presented. There are 40 seconds provided to record a response to each question in this section. Example: Telephone Role Play For this question, you will be asked to pretend to make a telephone call, which results in your reaching a voicemail. You will be asked to leave a message. In this study guide, you will read an example of a telephone role play that is similar to one that you will hear in the actual test. You need to cancel a medical appointment with your doctor because of an urgent situation. When you call the office, you reach its voicemail. Leave a message stating your name, telephone number, and the reason for your call Vorcenar RecoroiNet Hello, you have reached Dr. Johnson's office. We are currently unable to take your call Please leave a message stating your name, telephone number, and the reason for your call. We will return your call as soon as possible. You may begin your message now.Speaking Test Example: Conversation ; For this question, read the following conversation and answer the question that follows, Man: Hello, Jane. Are you ready for the meeting tomorrow? Women: No, I'm not Bill. I still haven't finished writing the report that I have to present ‘gmorrow. My daughter has been in hospital for the fast two dave Se. pence) @ struggle to get this report done, Man: I’m sorry to hear that. Is your daughter okay? Woman: Yes, but she has to stay in hospital for another two days. My husband is with her now. Man: Can I help you with the report? Woman: But, its already five o'clock. Aren’t you ready to go home? It’s been a long day for everyone, Man: That's for sure, but 1 was planning on staying late anyway because I'm going toa movie later. The movie starts at 8 p.m., so I could help for at leaet on Kane Woman: Welt if You could read the report over, that would be great. Tell me (F you think the Tih wrork on neg inderstandable. Oh, and check for grammar and spelling conor Til work on the charts and graphs. Men: Not a problem. You've always come to my ald when I needed it, so it’s nice to be able to return the favor, Woman: Thanks. I’m definitely buying you lunch next week. Q, Describe what happened in this conversation, Example: News Item Read the sample news item below and then answer the two questions that follow it Note: During the actual test, there are three questions following the news item Ladies, Hold on to Your Purses! Cece are warning all women to keep a tight hold on thelr purses, especially when walking along Say Streets. Thieves riding bicycles or driving cars are snatching the Purses of unsuspecting Q. What are two ways a woman can protect her valuables when walking along a city street? Q. Are there any circumstances that might justify stealing? Explain.Part 4: Oral Response to a Topic English Skills Overview In Part 4, be prepared to speak for one to two minutes on a topic that will be provided during the test. You may be required to debate an issue or provide your opinion on a real or hypothetical situation, such as, “In what way or ways would your life be different if television had never been invented?” When you hear what the topic will be, take a few seconds to organize your thoughts before speaking and make notes if necessary. Your responses should be clear, with good pronunciation and correct grammar. Strive for fluent responses, using complete sentences. Description The final question on the Speaking Test asks you to talk about a topic that is provided in the test. If you have time left in the test, ake a few moments to organize your thoughts before responding. There are 120 seconds (two minutes) provided to record a response to this question Example: Oral Response to aTopic Q. Modern life can be very stressful. What are some things you do or could do to deal with stress in your life? Test-Taking Strategies: Speaking Test * Listen carefully to the recorded questions. Take a few seconds to think about your responses. Take brief notes to help you remember things and to organize your thoughts in preparation for speaking, * Speak slowly and clearly when recording your responses, ‘+ Make sure the microphone is near your mouth. Not In a real-life situation, a person does not speak in isolation of external noises. To block out the sounds of other candidates speaking during the actual test, press your earphones closer to your ears. Review of Key Points for the Speaking Test ‘+ Use complete sentences when speaking, not sentence fragments. Practise correct Pronunciation of words. Use correct grammatical form. Remember to always use articles such as the, a, and an when required, + Keep in mind that grammar, pronunciation, comprehension, and clarity of content are assesset! to determine an individuat’s level of oral competency. ‘+ Speak clearly into the microphone. Before you begin the test, you will be given an opportunity to test the recording equipment and will hear how your voice sounds. For the actual test, CELPIP will not provide refunds or retests if your voice is too soft or indistinct for the markers to hear what you say. + Remember, the Speaking Test is a time-controlied test. Pay attention to the time Femaining during the test by looking at the Time Remaining box at the bottom of the computer screen,