CEFR Spoken Interaction Strategies 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which CEFR scale specifically assesses a learner's ability to collaborate with others to accomplish a task through spoken language?
- Spoken Production
- Spoken Interaction — Goal-Oriented Cooperation (Correct answer)
- Linguistic Competence
- Phonological Control
Correct answer: Spoken Interaction — Goal-Oriented Cooperation
The 'Goal-Oriented Cooperation' sub-scale under Spoken Interaction measures how well learners negotiate, discuss, and reach outcomes together.
Question 2: An A2 speaker using spoken interaction strategies would most likely:
- Debate complex policy issues using hedging language
- Handle short social exchanges using simple phrases and formulaic expressions (Correct answer)
- Negotiate contracts and resolve disputes in professional settings
- Spontaneously switch register between formal and informal contexts
Correct answer: Handle short social exchanges using simple phrases and formulaic expressions
A2 descriptors cover brief social exchanges and formulaic expressions for common situations rather than extended or complex interaction.
Question 3: Hedging language in CEFR spoken interaction — such as 'I'm not entirely sure, but…' — serves primarily to:
- Indicate the speaker is not a native language user
- Signal uncertainty or tentativeness while keeping the conversation going (Correct answer)
- Request the listener to respond with a yes or no answer
- Avoid being held responsible for factual errors
Correct answer: Signal uncertainty or tentativeness while keeping the conversation going
Hedges signal that the speaker is not fully committed to a claim, which is a pragmatic strategy for managing face and maintaining collaborative dialogue.
Question 4: According to CEFR, which descriptor applies to B2 spoken interaction in informal discussion?
- Can understand and exchange simple information on familiar topics
- Can use the language fluently, accurately, and effectively on a wide range of subjects
- Can account for and sustain his/her opinions in discussion by providing explanations, arguments, and comments (Correct answer)
- Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling
Correct answer: Can account for and sustain his/her opinions in discussion by providing explanations, arguments, and comments
B2 descriptors for informal discussion specifically include sustaining opinions with explanations, arguments, and comments, reflecting independent-level interaction.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes a 'backchannel' in spoken interaction?
- A private side conversation that runs parallel to the main discussion
- Brief signals like 'mm-hmm,' 'right,' or 'I see' that show you are listening (Correct answer)
- An offline communication channel used when in-person talk fails
- A pause inserted before a difficult answer to gain thinking time
Correct answer: Brief signals like 'mm-hmm,' 'right,' or 'I see' that show you are listening
Backchannels are brief verbal or non-verbal signals that indicate attention and encourage the speaker to continue without taking the floor.
Question 6: In CEFR terms, what distinguishes 'spoken interaction' from 'spoken production'?
- Spoken interaction involves reading aloud, while production involves spontaneous speech
- Spoken interaction is bilateral or multilateral, requiring real-time turn exchange with others (Correct answer)
- Spoken production is assessed only in writing through transcription tasks
- Spoken interaction only occurs in formal, monitored test settings
Correct answer: Spoken interaction is bilateral or multilateral, requiring real-time turn exchange with others
The key distinction is that interaction is collaborative and involves active turn-taking with interlocutors, whereas production is one-directional output like a monologue.
Question 7: Which strategy would a B1 speaker most likely use when they lack a word during spoken interaction?
- Stop speaking and end the conversation
- Switch to their native language and hope the listener understands
- Use gesture, mime, or describe the concept using simpler words (Correct answer)
- Only speak on topics where they know all necessary vocabulary
Correct answer: Use gesture, mime, or describe the concept using simpler words
B1 interaction descriptors include coping with unexpected or complex situations by using circumlocution, gesture, and simple descriptions as compensatory strategies.
CEFR Spoken Interaction Strategies 3
Which CEFR scale specifically assesses a learner's ability to collaborate with others to accomplish a task through spoken language?