The oral part of the exam is always a test not only of your knowledge but also of your communication skills. Formats vary (individual, group, or digital); you can read about this in the previous article. Today, we will focus on the most demanding one - the paired speaking test.
You don't get to pick your partner; they are assigned by the examiners, so you need to be ready for anything. Don't see your partner as a rival, but as a teammate who is essential to getting the score you want. Here is how to stay in control when things get tricky.
1. If the partner speaks little or is difficult to understand
Remember: in a paired exam, examiners evaluate your interactivity. If your partner is silent, do not try to fill the entire space with your own monologue - that is a mistake.
- Be the initiator. Ask clear, simple questions.
- Show flexibility. If the partner's answer is not quite relevant, do not ignore it, but try to keep the conversation going, for example:
- Wie kommen wir zum Bahnhof? (How do we get to the station?)- Das ist nicht Ok. Das ist teuer. (That's not Ok. That's expensive.)- Du meinst wohl, dass es teuer ist, ein Taxi zum Bahnhof zu nehmen? Ich stimme dir zu! Wir könnten dann einen Bus nehmen, was denkst du? (You probably mean that taking a taxi to the station is expensive? I agree! We could take a bus then, what do you think?)
2. If the partner doesn't let you get a word in edgewise
The ability to politely interrupt and regain the floor is also part of language competence.
- Keep the pace. An ideal dialogue is a game of ping-pong. Make a point, give an argument, then ask your partner a question.
- Control the balance. Do not let your partner turn the time you have together into their personal presentation. The examiner needs to hear you.
- Intervene politely. Use phrases such as:
«Entschuldigung, ich möchte etwas hinzufügen...» (Excuse me, I would like to add something...)«Das ist interessant, aber wie wäre es, wenn ...» (That's interesting, but how about if...)«Darf ich kurz unterbrechen?» (May I interrupt for a moment?)
3. In an unexpected situation: if your partner leaves the room
Yes, this can happen due to stress. The main rule is - don't panic.
In this case, one of the examiners will become your partner. This actually works in your favor:
- You will hear perfect pronunciation.
- You will definitely be understood.
- The examiner will support the conversation in every possible way so you can demonstrate your skills.
In any case, remember that a calm and confident attitude is key to passing the exam successfully. One important piece of advice: avoid listening to candidates who are retaking the exam and spreading panic stories in the hallway during breaks or before the exam. Such conversations will only throw you off balance.
Your result is a combination of knowledge and self-control. You will succeed!
