VARONA'S INSTITUTE, S.L. : C/ Prroco D. Emilio Franco, 53 - Tlf: 91 4789486 / Avda. Buenos Aires, 21 TLF: 91 7788517
INTERACTIVE PHASE
VARONA'S INSTITUTE, S.L. : C/ Prroco D. Emilio Franco, 53 - Tlf: 91 4789486 / Avda. Buenos Aires, 21 TLF: 91 7788517
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: -..........
VARONA'S INSTITUTE, S.L. : C/ Prroco D. Emilio Franco, 53 - Tlf: 91 4789486 / Avda. Buenos Aires, 21 TLF: 91 7788517
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)
VARONA'S INSTITUTE, S.L. : C/ Prroco D. Emilio Franco, 53 - Tlf: 91 4789486 / Avda. Buenos Aires, 21 TLF: 91 7788517
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.
VARONA'S INSTITUTE, S.L. : C/ Prroco D. Emilio Franco, 53 - Tlf: 91 4789486 / Avda. Buenos Aires, 21 TLF: 91 7788517
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
VARONA'S INSTITUTE, S.L. : C/ Prroco D. Emilio Franco, 53 - Tlf: 91 4789486 / Avda. Buenos Aires, 21 TLF: 91 7788517
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 ....
VARONA'S INSTITUTE, S.L. : C/ Prroco D. Emilio Franco, 53 - Tlf: 91 4789486 / Avda. Buenos Aires, 21 TLF: 91 7788517
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
Top Related