Sample test for speaking

The speaking test consists of three parts. Part 1 takes 4 to 5 minutes. Part 2 takes 3 to 4 minutes and part 3 takes 4 to 5 minutes. We will now look in on a speaking test interview.


Interviewer: Good morning. May I have a look at your passport?
Asana: Yeah.

Int.: And your name is?
Asana: My first name is Asana which means wild field or something like that. The reason my parents called me that is because my father just liked the sound of it. My family name is Tamaki. It's not a very common name in Japan, but I think it's easy to pronounce for English people.

Int.: All right Asana. In this first part I am going to ask you some questions about yourself. Where do you come from?
Asana: I'm from Japan, Yokohama which is (a) very very big city, close to Tokyo. I think the population is more than three million. But actually I was born in China, Beijing which is (a) huge city too. And my family moved to Yokohama when I was three years old. And I've recently applied for the citizenship in Australia because I don't like the huge population and pollution in Yokohama.

Int.: So, tell me what you like about Yokohama.
Asana: Well, it's exciting. For example, there are many shops, restaurants, and markets and people everywhere.

Inter.: All right Asana. Now tell me: What are you doing at present?
Asana: Well, I am looking for work. Fortunately there are lots of vacancies for my profession. I am really looking forward to working so that I can be independent financially. My parents have spent a lot of money on me.

Int.: And what kind of work do you do?
Asana: In Japan I was working for the government as a nurse, but it was a very hard job. And I did that for three years. Then I went to New Zealand to study English. And I moved to Australia about a year ago to study for my PhD. And as I told you before I am looking for employment right now.

Int.: Ok Asana. Now we move on to Part 2 of the speaking test. Have a look at this. Read it carefully. You have about 1 minute to think about your answer. Then approximately 1 to 2 minutes to talk to me about what's on the slip. You can use a pen and paper to make some notes.

At this point you need to brain storm for ideas. This is an example of how you could
make your notes.

Int.: All right. Are you ready?
Asana: Yes. I like classical music, and also folk music. Classical music is very relaxing. And folk music is interesting because it tells us (about) people's culture or history. And..... but I don't really listen to music much because I am very busy. I have to work because I've got a part time job and I have to shop and cook. And I like to read in my spare time. I usually listen to music in my car because I've got a really good sound system in my car. When my mother was young, Japanese people were just beginning to listen to western music in Japan. But now western style music is actually very popular in Japan. And in fact a lot of the music that young people in Japan listen to today is in English.

Inter.: All right Asana. We move on to Part 3 of the test now. What influence do you think music has on life?
Asana: Well, the effects of music can be good. It helps us to relax. And also to enjoy ourselves when we get together. But on the other hand, it can incite feelings of nationalism and some modern music encourages drug use or violence.

Int.: What part does music play in your culture?
Asana: Well, in the past Japanese music was quite nationalistic. It was used to encourage love for Japan or something like that. But today people listen to all types of music as they do in countries like America or the UK. And in future I hope music in Japan will improve because I don't think it's very good right now.

Int.: Ok. How would you define music?
Asana: Could you please repeat that question again?

Int.: How would you define music?
Asana: Well, it's something (that) sounds beautiful and helps us to relax. And it's a part of all cultures. All ages listen to it. And it can be used for both good and bad.

Int.: Thank you Asana. Your speaking test is over now. You can enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Asana: Thank you. I hope you have a good weekend too.

Source: Dr. Iravani's CD package