Frequently Asked Questions for SPM Speaking Examination

How long should the entire SPM Speaking test take?

• 8 - 10 minutes

• 10 - 13 minutes

• 12 - 15 minutes

• 15 - 18 minutes

Keeping to timing for each section is important because:

• It helps you complete all sections within the allotted time.

• It ensures test reliability and fairness.

• It ensures you get extra time for difficult questions.

• It means you can ignore the easier questions.

Analytical criteria used in assessing candidates include:

• Communicative Achievement

• Communicative Competence

• Vocabulary

• Grammar

The person who leads/controls the interaction in Part 3 of the test is:

• The interlocutor

• The candidates

• Both the examiner and the candidate equally

• An observer

Select the kind of timepiece you should use.

• Wristwatch

• Wall clock

• Stopwatch

• Smartwatch

Timing of the test should begin at which point?

• When the candidate starts speaking

• After the first question is answered

• Halfway through the test

• When interlocutor greets the candidates

You should change roles (interlocutor to assessor) when:

• the speaking part of the test is completed

• the test begins

• the instructions are being read

• the roles are fixed

The interlocutor completes which information on the mark sheet?

• Vocabulary

• Grammar

• Overall Spoken Performance

• Communicative Competence

Reacting to candidates who need support in understanding or speaking involves:

• Repetition of all or part of the rubric

• Pointing to a task in the Candidate booklet

• Speaking more quickly to move on.

• Use of a scripted back-up question/prompt

Interrupting a candidate or candidates discreetly when necessary can be done by:

• Using the 'hovering hand'

• Raising your voice to get their attention

• Interrupting loudly and abruptly

• Saying a polite but firm 'Thank You'