Subheadings:
- Introduction to Types of Speaking
- Imitative Speaking
- Intensive Speaking
- Interactive Speaking
- Responsive Speaking
- Extensive Speaking
- Micro and Macro Skills of Speaking
Introduction to Types of Speaking
Before assessing speaking skills, we need to understand the basic types of speaking. Each type focuses on different aspects of speaking proficiency.
Imitative Speaking
Assessment Task for Imitative Speaking:
- Repetition of Words: The speaker repeats words after the assessor, e.g., “beat, heat, meat.” The assessor evaluates pronunciation and accent.
- PHONEPASS Test: This test is conducted on a computer or via a live phone call. For example, a student repeats what they hear on the phone or answers questions.
- Q: May I talk to John?
- A: John is outside the room. Can you please call later?
Intensive Speaking
Assessing Intensive Skills:
- Direct Response Test: The speaker answers direct questions.
- Q: Do you like music?
- A: Yes, I do.
- Read Aloud Test: The speaker reads text aloud. The test measures pronunciation, lexemes, phonemes, and sentence speaking.
- Sentence Completing Task: The student completes a dialogue.
- A: Hi John____________.
- B: Hi Liza, I’m fine.
- Picture Reading Task: The test taker completes a story based on a picture.
- Translation of Text: The test taker interprets text in their own words.
Interactive Speaking
Assessment Task for Interactive Skills:
- Question and Answer Test: The speaker answers a series of questions, which may be played on a computer or in face-to-face conversation. Paraphrasing can also be used.
- Q: What does your father do?
- A: He works in a bank.
- Interview: This can include personal or informative interviews, role play, dramas, and games.
Responsive Speaking
Assessment Task for Responsive Skills: Tasks are similar to those for assessing interactive skills and include face-to-face conversations and direct questions.
- Q: Do you like going shopping?
- A: Yes, I do.
- Q: How often do you go shopping?
- A: Twice a month.
Extensive Speaking
Assessment Task for Extensive Skills:
- Task: The student creates a news story, event, or dialogue using key words.
- Example Keywords: flood, destroyed, material loss, human loss, aid, US Army.
Micro and Macro Skills of Speaking
- Micro Skills: Focus on small items of English, such as phonemes, words, or letters.
- Macro Skills: Focus on larger elements like speeches, debates, or long discussions.