2016/2017
B2 PREPARATION - CEP de JAÉN
SESSION 9: AN OVERVIEW OF THE INTERACTIVE PHASE The focus of this unit is the interactive phase of the exam. Before we move into the topic itself, let’s consider some IMPORTANT POINTS THAT MUST BE COVERED: During the interactive phase, the candidate must always: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Take control of the interaction. Maintain the discourse by asking for information and commenting on responses. Encourage comment and opinion from the examiner. Take, offer and give up turns when appropriate. Take the opportunity to use as broad a range of Grade 9 language functions as possible. (See Language Reference)
And when appropriate: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Express abstract ideas. Express regrets, wishes and hopes. Express assumptions. Paraphrase. Evaluate options. Hypothesise. Evaluate past actions or course of events.
WARNING!!! THERE ARE 5 MISTAKES TO AVOID IN THIS PHASE 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Don’t interrupt the instructions. Don’t focus only on 1 word from the prompt. Don’t just ask 1-word questions. Don’t talk about yourself, talk about the examiner’s situation. Ask questions to find out more information before you give advice or make comments.
The Interactive phase only lasts four minutes, so there is a lot for you to do within a short frame time. This unit will provide some conversational strategies to help you comfortably approach the Interactive phase. The examiner will introduce this phase by saying: “For the next part, I’ll tell you something. Then, you have to ask me questions to find out more information and make comments. You need to keep the conversation going. After four minutes, I’ll end the conversation. Are you ready? ”
Ramón Mesa / Isabel Mª Quesada
Página 1
2016/2017
B2 PREPARATION - CEP de JAÉN SAMPLE PROPMPTS
1. After I left school, I moved away from my home town, but some of my friends stayed. I wonder who made the better decision. 2. Recently, my local government decided to close down the swimming pool. I think there should’ve been more consultation about it. 3. My friends gave up their well-paid jobs a couple of years ago and went to live on a farm in the country. Now they’re regretting this decision. 4. My sister told me that she wishes the computer had never been invented. She remembers how much easier her life was without them. Perhaps she’s right. 5. If I’d taken more notice of my teachers when I was growing up, my life would be very different now. 6. A large, new supermarket has just opened in my area. At first I thought it would be great, but now I wish it had never been built. 7. When my friend was 17, he had to change schools because his parents moved to a different town. I wonder if this was fair. 8. The town I live in has changed dramatically over the last few years. I’m now wondering whether such developments are always positive. 9. Sometimes I wonder what it might have been like to grow up with lots of brothers and sisters. 10. My friend’s been feeling really upset. She told me she made two bad decisions last year and wishes she could change them now. 11. For the past few years, I’ve been sent a birthday card with a romantic message, but I’ve no idea who might have sent them. It was funny at first but now I’m getting concerned. 12. Every year, at some point, like lots of other people, I look back and remember what went well and what didn't and try to make plans for the coming year. I've just had my annual review. 13. My family and I usually prefer independent holidays which we organise ourselves. Last year we tried something different. 14. My friend and I both witnessed the same road accident a few weeks ago and remembered what had happened very clearly but we gave the police two very different versions of events. 15. My cousin's been offered a new job. He says he was given a very strange interview so doesn't know whether to take the job or not. 16. I complained to my boss the other week about my salary and now I'm beginning to wish I hadn't said anything. 17. When my/my sister's family got a new pet last year, many changes had to be made to family life. Some members of the family weren't as happy as others. 18. When I was on holiday recently, I bought a typical souvenir of the region which I loved at the time but when I got it home, I had second thoughts about it. 19. If I'd taken music more seriously when I was younger, I think I might have been quite a good musician/singer.
Ramón Mesa / Isabel Mª Quesada
Página 2
