How to show interaction

How to show interaction

By Olga Makarenko

​GCSE/A level

Apart from using good grammar and many words, you also need to show your ability to interact with the person you're talking to.

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There's a mark for interaction in both GCSE and A level exams.

Russian Language Centre, Manchester

Let's look at Marking Criteria for GCSE/A level

In GCSE oral exam, there's a mark for interaction and spontaneity in task 3 - Conversation.

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Read carefully the Descriptors, what's the difference between the Top band and the Bottom band?​

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In A level oral exam, there's a mark for interaction in task 1 and task 2 (all the tasks)

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Read through the band descriptors. Can you see the difference? What do you learn from it?​

What does this mean for you?

Russian Language Centre

You need to be an active listener!

​1. Pay Attention

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Give the speaker your undivided attention, and acknowledge the message. Recognize that non-verbal communication also "speaks" loudly.

• Look at the speaker directly.

• Put aside distracting thoughts.

• Don't mentally prepare a rebuttal!

• Avoid being distracted by environmental factors. For example, side conversations.

• "Listen" to the speaker's body language

Russian Language Centre

​2. Show That You're Listening

Use your own body language and gestures to show that you are engaged.

• Nod occasionally.

• Smile and use other facial expressions.

• Make sure that your posture is open and interested.

• Encourage the speaker to continue with small verbal comments like yes, and "uh huh", "да-да..", "интересно", "конечно", "это да"

Russian Language Centre​, Manchester

3. Provide Feedback

Our personal filters, assumptions, judgments, and beliefs can distort what we hear. As a listener, your role is to understand what is being said. This may require you to reflect on what is being said and to ask questions.

• Reflect on what has been said by paraphrasing. "Вы имеете ввиду... ," and "Те есть вы хотите сказать... ," are great ways to reflect back.

• Ask questions to clarify certain points or to ask for more information. "Что вы имеете ввиду?... ." "Вы знаете этого автора?", "Вы согласны?" "Что вы думаете?"

Russian Language Centre, Manchester