Duration and format

The EALTS Test of Speaking in its paired candidate format lasts approximately 17-20 minutes. (Single candidate format 11-14 minutes)

The standard format involves two candidates and two examiners. One examiner, the interlocutor, conducts the test and gives an overall holistic assessment mark for each candidate’s performance using a standardised interlocutor frame. The other, the assessor, does not take any part in the interaction but focuses solely on making an analytical task-by-task assessment of the candidates’ oral proficiency. The interaction is recorded, and the candidates’ recorded performance is subsequently assessed by a minimum of two further assessors. 1

The paired format of the EALT Test of Speaking offers candidates the opportunity to demonstrate, in a controlled but unthreatening environment, their ability to use their spoken language skills effectively in a range of aviation-related contexts and in different interaction patterns. The format allows the candidates to demonstrate their ability to moderate or adapt their language as required to ensure shared understanding in conversation with both a native speaker and non-native speaker. Additionally the format facilitates a further check of the intelligibility of the language of a candidate to a non-native speaker and in turn the candidate’s comprehension of a non-native speaker.

There are three principal tasks in the EALT Test of Speaking: short exchanges with the interlocutor and fellow candidate; a collaborative task involving the two candidates; and, an individual speaking turn of approximately two minutes duration with an accompanying question and answer or comment exchange between the candidates. A possible further development of this final task is a three-way discussion between the candidates and the interlocutor. The candidate is assessed both on performance in the individual tasks and on overall test performance. 2

Candidates are expected to be able to respond to questions and to interact in plain English with both a native and non-native speaker, demonstrating competence in a range of oral skills. Each part of the EALT Test of Speaking focuses on a different type of interaction: between the interlocutor and individual candidate, between the two candidates, and between all three participants. The patterns of discourse vary within each part of the test, with each part fulfilling a specific function in terms of interaction pattern, task input and candidate output.

At any point during the interview, a candidate may ask clarifying questions or ask either the interlocutor or partner candidate to say again instructions, questions, information or details. A request by a candidate to the interlocutor to clarify or say again will cause the interlocutor to repeat or rephrase the element of the communication requiring clarification. A partner candidate requested to clarify or say again an element of the communication will be expected to manage the interaction appropriately. A candidate will not be penalised for asking for any element of the interaction to be repeated, clarified or confirmed.

Similarly, at any point in the interview, either candidate may be asked clarifying questions by the interlocutor or be asked to say again (either as a genuine request for clarification or as a device to assess further communicative competence). A request to a candidate by the interlocutor to say again allows the candidate the opportunity to repeat, rephrase, paraphrase or reformulate something that has been said and to check, clarify, confirm and where necessary correct the interlocutor’s understanding.

At any point during the interview, the interlocutor may summarise a candidate’s answer or opinion but include a deliberate error in the summary. This allows the candidate the opportunity to identify the apparent misunderstanding and to correct the error before further clarifying, confirming and checking the interlocutor’s understanding as may be required.

Candidates should remember that the interview is recorded and that the recording will be used as the basis for further assessment of their language. Candidates, aware of the recording and its purpose, are advised to adapt the expression, articulation and enunciation of their language accordingly, speaking clearly and distinctly at all times. 3

1 c.f. ICAO Doc 9835 Ch.6 Aviation Language Testing 6.7 and ICAO Cir 318-AN/180 Ch.1 Introduction to Language Testing 3.6-3.9

2 The EALT Test of Speaking elicits samples of interaction and comprehension on those topics occurring in radiotelephony communications without resorting to replicating radiotelephony communications. These topics are of a general piloting or controlling nature and involve question and answer routines, short reports and problem solving exchanges, briefings and reports.

3 c.f. ICAO 9835 Ch. 3 Linguistic Awareness and ICAO Good Radio-telephony checklist