Trinity GESE 11 Interactive Phase With Advanced Functions

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INTERACTIVE PHASE


INTERACTIVE TASK

This phase provides the opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their ability to initiate and take

control over the interaction through the use of questioning techniques and functions associated with

requesting information, seeking clarification and encouraging further detail.. In addition to general

functions such as requesting information, the language functions listed for the particular grade

should arise naturally from each task prompt.

In this phase, the emphasis is placed upon the candidates ability to use functional language rather

than upon the accurate use of the grammatical structures listed for the grade.

It is important that, once the examiner has set up the situation, the candidate takes responsibility for

the interaction. The interaction will take the form of multiple turns, with the examiners turns being

much shorter than those of the candidate.

In some cases this may involve role-play but the examiner and candidate are free to be themselves

so as to create as authentic an exchange as possible.

At the Advanced stage, the actual tasks have been designed to provide the candidates with the

opportunity of demonstrating not only their ability to express the functions of the grade but also

their control of the grammatical items listed for all grades up to and including Grade 9. (See

Grammar Reference)

Sample exchange in the Interactive phase at Grade 11

Examiner: - Two months ago, it was advertised in the newspaper that there was a fantastic new

opportunity in a television company. Admittedly, the advert was quite small so that perhaps should

have implied something. Anyway, I applied for it.

Candidate: - So what kind of job did it turn out to be? And were you short-listed?

Examiner: - Eventually I have been short-listed for the director's department as a clerical worker.

Candidate: - How do you feel about that? Are you raring to do it?

Examiner: - I must say income is quite profitable, indeed.

Candidate: -..........


Grade 11 - Interactive prompts

The examiner will introduce this phase by saying: "In this task, I'll start by telling you something. You'll have to

ask me questions to find out more information. It's your responsibility to maintain the conversation. Are you

ready?"

1. People say that laughing is good for your health, physically and psychologically, and I'm sure that's true. I

always feel ten times better after a good laugh and there are lots of things that make me laugh but sometimes I

wonder if I should be laughing at them at all. (Inferring, justifying an argument, evaluating different standpoints)

2. We all seem to get inundated all the time with appeals for money from different charities. You can't give to all

of them and I find it very hard to decide which ones to support. (Inferring, expressing caution, evaluating different standpoints)

3. Last week, I had someone in to do some home improvements for me but you should see what my house looks

like now. (Inferring, expressing caution, challenging opinions)

4. A friend of mine came to see me the other day and said he was desperate for my help. I really don't know what

to do. (Inferring, expressing caution, softening and downplaying propositions)

5. People always talk about what period in the past they would like to have lived in. I'm happy to be living in the

present when you think what the future could hold. (Inferring, evaluating different standpoints, justifying an argument, expressing reservations)

6. Last year I decided to study something new. I didn't learn much about the subject but attending the course

changed my life. (Inferring, expressing caution, challenging opinions)

7. I've heard about people getting married in some very strange places and in unusual ways. It does make me

wonder how serious these people are about marriage. (Inferring, justifying an argument, challenging arguments and opinions, evaluating different standpoints)

8. I really feel I ought to tell my boss how unhappy many of the staff are and how low morale is at the moment but

it's a very difficult thing to do and I don't know whether to go ahead or leave it. (Evaluating different standpoints,

justifying an argument)

9. My sister complains that her husband never helps with the housework but at the same time she gets her

daughter to help with the washing-up and lets her son sit and do nothing. I often talk to her about it but she can't

see what I'm getting at. (Evaluating different standpoints, justifying an argument, softening and downplaying propositions)

10. I live on a very busy road where there are frequent road accidents. The local council plan to put up a speed

camera which at first I thought was a wonderful idea but when I heard how it's going to affect me personally, I

wasn't so sure. (Evaluating different standpoints, expressing caution, justifying an argument, softening and

downplaying propositions)


USEFUL FUNCTIONS FOR THE INTERACTIVE TASK JUSTIFYING ARGUMENTS

This idea is backed up by research.

This idea has been proven to work.

Time after time, this method of study has given good results.

I strongly believe in this idea because . E.g. the alternatives are not viable.

I am convinced that this is the best solution/alternative.

E.g. Environment pollution

I am convinced that recycling is the best possible solution to the problem of environmental

pollution because all other alternatives have proven to be too costly or too difficult to enforce.

INFERRING

Making somebody understand without saying directly what you want to say.

E.g. Vanessa: Maybe I could help you to prepare your classes because I have lots of experience

teaching little children and I know they can be difficult

Vanessa is inferring that the teacher is not doing a good job.

E.g. Vanessa: I should really ring John but I've forgotten my mobile and I don't have time to go to

the public phone.

Vanessa is inferring that she wants to borrow my phone to ring John.

EXPRESSING CAUTION

You need to be careful when...

You shouldn't jump to conclusions.

You should weigh up both sides of the argument before making a decision.

People really need to take their time before making a decision about...

I would advise you to be careful.

Don't rush into things.

Take your time.

CHALLENGING ARGUMENTS / OPINION

I'm afraid I couldn't possibly agree.


Why do you think tht is there evidence to back that up?

I would have thought exactly the opposite.

I couldn't disagree more because I read an article that said exactly the opposite.

Are you sure about that?

EVALUATING DIFFERENT STAND POINTS

On the one hand...., on the other hand....

Whereas...

While this idea makes a lot of sense, I think I would be more convinced by.....

EXPRESSING RESERVATIONS

I'm not sure that I would be convinced....

I wouldn't be won over by that argument.

While it's and interesting point of view, I'm not 100% convinced.

DEDUCING:

Must be Might be Cant be Could be

Janes light is on. They might be training for a tournament

It might be a pet pit. The cart must be too heavy.

She must be at home. It cant be August.

She cant be out It must be in America

It could be a local fair. It must be very frightened

They must be at school.

EXPRESSING OPINIONS TENTATIVELY

I strongly agree/ disagree I dont agree that it is undeniable that

I couldnt agree less Im certain that I reckon

In my opinion, I would say that... You are incorrect I would argue that

Do you really think that..., This cant be true I feel that

As far as Im concerned, The way I see it, I hold the view that

Id say that My impression is that I agree that

What I think is I have the feeling that You are right in saying

It seems to me that I have no doubt That seems to be correct

To my mind, I support the view

EXPRESSING BELIEFS

I believe that I shall Dont you think the colour


is ...(too dark)?

According to my beliefs, Im thinking of Wouldnt you say that?

I would say that Im determined to I have heard that

Im definitely going to Im planning to It is rumoured that

Ive decided to I really mean to I feel suspicious about

DEFENDING A POINT OF VIEW

Well, the things is, First, then, lastly

Let me explain , thats why

The main reason why is that Little did I know what he was doing.

They are quite a few reasons why

SUMMARISING ARGUMENTS

all in all in essence as a result

in short as has been said in summary

certainly on balance finally

that is hence to conclude

in brief

STALL FOR TIME (WHEN YOU'RE ASKED A DIFFICULT QUESTION)

That's such a good question That's tricky one Let me see...

That's a difficult question I'd have to think about that Well

BE VAGUE AND / OR IMPRECISE

Once in a blue moon From time to time More or less

In a hour so Loads of.. (mistakes) About (eight)-ish

Bits and pieces That kind of thing Sort of / kind of

In a way

GIVE ADVICE / MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ABOUT PLACES

It's a must / a must see (tienes que ver)

It's good value for money (precio justo)

It's a bit overrated / overpriced (no merece la pena, es sobrevalorado/ nadtseneno e)

It's not all it's cracked up to be. (no es tan bueno como lo describen)

I found it a bit dull /touristy (no es nada interesante)

If I were you I'd go to ....


Don't miss... /Make sure you go to .....

You should try -ing....

I suggest going..../ that you go there

Watch out for (ten cuidado)

One thing to be wary of is (tienes que ser precabido con, ten cuidado con )

STARTING A DISCUSSION

Why dont we start by ? Shall we first?

Lets begin with (shall we?) We could start by talking about

INVOLVING THE OTHER PERSON

What do you think (about) ? Do you agree with that? What would you say?

BRINGING THE DISCUSSION TO AN END

So lets decide which Shall we make a decision? Anyway, we have to decide

SUGGESTING THINGS TO DO

I hope you will You could go to the

You really must / You absolutely have to

How do you fancy ? What / How about ?

SUGGESTING WHAT TO BRING

It would probably be a good idea Dont bother

REFERRING TO QUESTIONS

As for (X) itself You asked about You wanted to know whether

TALKING ABOUT POSSIBILITIES

You will be able to You should manage to We might be able to

APOLOGISING

Im very sorry but Im afraid there wont be Unfortunately, I dont think

Trinity GESE 11 Interactive Phase With Advanced Functions

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