EALT Test of Speaking Overview

Test Format	A direct face-to-face interview with elements of face-to-face and voice only communications.
Timing	17-20 minutes
Number of sections	3 (with a possibly extended final section)
Interaction pattern	Two candidates and two examiners. One examiner takes the part of both interlocutor and assessor. This examiner facilitates the interaction: asking questions, instructing the candidates and setting the test tasks. The other examiner acts as the assessor only and does not take part in the interaction.
Task Types	Short two- and three-way exchanges between the interlocutor and the candidates; a collaborative task between the two candidates; a speaking turn by each of the candidates of approximately 2 minutes duration (with the possibility of a further three-way discussion).
Task Focus	Exchanging factual information; negotiating shared understanding; responding appropriately to interaction in an aviation context; comprehending and interacting in both standard ICAO phraseology and plain English; reporting and responding to messages and situations requiring action; managing the speaker / listener relationship; making a verbal report in plain English; producing extended speech in an aviation context.
Marks	At the conclusion of the live interview, based on overall impression, the interlocutor, dependent upon his/her area of professional expertise, awards achievement ratings in each of the six features of language described in the ICAO Language Proficiency Rating Scale* or indicates a YES/NO response with reference to the ICAO Holistic Descriptors of operational language. Again, dependent upon his/her area of professional expertise, the assessor applies analytically the detailed descriptors contained in the ICAO Scale or the Holistic Descriptors on a task-by task-basis before awarding separate, independent ratings. The recording of the interview is sent to two other remote assessors for them to provide further independent assessments of the candidate’s performance. Candidates are assessed on their own individual performance and not in relation to each other.

STRUCTURE AND TASKS

Task 1

Task type and format

The interlocutor leads the interaction with the two candidates with a series of spoken questions on familiar topic frames drawn from the candidates’ own environment of professional or recreational aviation activity. The candidates are asked to demonstrate their language proficiency in short exchanges concerning common and concrete topics. The topics may include duties, responsibilities, procedures, activities, career, environment and circumstances relevant to the aviation-related context in which the candidates operate.

Focus

Responding to questions and expanding on responses. General language of social and professional interaction and communications in the context of aviation.

Timing

5-6 minutes

Task 2

Task type and format

Two-way voice-only problem solving exchange between the candidates.

Candidates discuss with each other the nature and details of a non-routine incident presented as a radio-telephone communication in a recorded aural (voice only) prompt. One candidate may be nominated to present a brief report in plain English.

Focus

Aural comprehension; expressing factual details; turn-taking (initiating and responding appropriately); checking, confirming and clarifying; collaborating in the exchange of information; negotiating agreement and understanding; expressing agreement and/or disagreement; describing incidents and events; reporting communications (gist and details); making a concise oral report.

Timing

5-6 minutes

Task 3

Task type and format

Individual speaking turn followed by questions or comments from the listening candidate.

The interlocutor asks each candidate in turn to present a briefing of approximately 2 minutes duration on separate scenarios identifying specific non-routine situations selected by the interlocutor. The candidate is given a cue- card listing a series generalised prompts. The listening candidate is invited to ask one or two rounding-off questions at the end of the speaking turn.

At his/her discretion, the interlocutor may extend Task 3 into a discussion of a more abstract nature, based on verbal questions thematically linked to their Task 3 scenarios.

Focus

Presenting a briefing; sustaining a long turn; managing discourse by giving specific information; addressing the communication requirements of unusual circumstances or emergency situations.

Timing

7-8 minutes (including 1 minute preparation time).