Overview of the new ECPE Speaking Test
The New ECPE Speaking Test consists of 5 stages and it is a two-on-two (two candidates and two
examiners) decision making task. The three-way format (three candidates and two examiners) is
used in case there is an odd number of candidates during an administration. Examiner 1 has two
different information sheets, each with a description of two options on it (e.g. two job applicants
for a teaching position). Candidate 1 receives one sheet and Candidate 2 receives the other. One
candidate presents his/her two options and receives a recommendation from the other about which
of the two options presented is the best. The second candidate also presents his/her two options
and receives a recommendation. Each candidate then decides on one of his/her own two options. Of
those two, they reach a consensus on one, and then present their decision to a person of high status
(e.g. a member of the International Olympic Committee) and defend it.
Both examiners are present during the entire speaking test. Examiner 1 conducts stages 1-4 and
Examiner 2 participates in stage 4 and 5.
The entire speaking test lasts approximately 25-35 minutes in the two-on-two format and
approximately 35-45 minutes in the three-way format.
Rationale
The multi-stage, decision making New ECPE Speaking Test requires candidates to collaborate and
decide on a single option and then present and defend their final decision. It allows for both extended
speech from each candidate and collaborative interaction between the candidates. The stages build
on each other, and in order to complete the task successfully, candidates have to display the ability
to summarize, take turns, ask for clarification, weigh advantages and disadvantages, shift from an
informal to a more formal speech style, make a formal presentation, and justify and defend a decision.
Candidates are afforded the opportunity to demonstrate the full range of their linguistic ability.
They are expected to produce spoken language that is representative of C2 level on the Common
European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
The semi-structured format of the ECPE Speaking Test promotes consistency in the administration of
the test.
Scoring
A candidateʼs linguistic ability is assessed independently by the two examiners and separately from
the other candidateʼs linguistic ability. The two examiners must then agree on a single score for each
of the candidates.
Candidates receive a holistic score. All stages are assessed except for the planning part for the
presentation (stage 4), although even then candidates are not allowed to switch to their native
language.
A five-level scoring rubric A, B, C (minimum pass) and D, E (Fail) is used to assess candidate
performance in three different areas:
• Discourse and Interaction (development and functional range)
• Linguistic resources (range and accuracy — for both vocabulary and grammar)
• Delivery and Intelligibility (fluency and articulation)
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