CEFR Spoken Interaction Strategies 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which CEFR descriptor reflects the spoken interaction ability to 'follow rapidly changing topics in animated group discussions'?
- A2
- B1
- B2
- C1 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: C1
C1 descriptors include the ability to follow and contribute to fast-paced, multi-participant discussions on complex topics with ease.
Question 2: When a speaker says 'Could you give me an example?' during a conversation, this is an example of which spoken interaction strategy?
- Turn-yielding
- Requesting elaboration (Correct answer)
- Interrupting
- Topic avoidance
Correct answer: Requesting elaboration
Requesting elaboration is an interaction strategy that deepens understanding by prompting the speaker to expand on their point.
Question 3: In the CEFR framework, 'interactional competence' includes which of the following?
- Mastering grammar rules well enough to pass written examinations
- Knowing when and how to take turns, open/close interactions, and negotiate meaning (Correct answer)
- Translating complex texts accurately between two languages
- Producing extended monologues on abstract academic topics
Correct answer: Knowing when and how to take turns, open/close interactions, and negotiate meaning
Interactional competence encompasses pragmatic skills like turn management, topic negotiation, and discourse organization in real-time exchange.
Question 4: Which phrase is an example of a 'floor-holding' strategy in spoken interaction?
- 'Go on, I'm listening.'
- 'Actually, I think…' followed by a long pause to gather thoughts (Correct answer)
- 'So, to summarize what I've said…'
- 'That reminds me — what about you?'
Correct answer: 'Actually, I think…' followed by a long pause to gather thoughts
Using a filler like 'Actually, I think…' with a pause signals that the speaker intends to continue and is not ready to yield the turn.
Question 5: According to the CEFR, which spoken interaction skill is first expected at the B2 level but not yet reliably at B1?
- Greeting people and asking how they are
- Expressing and responding to feelings
- Taking an active part in debate and using appropriate language to agree or disagree politely (Correct answer)
- Asking for and giving directions
Correct answer: Taking an active part in debate and using appropriate language to agree or disagree politely
Participating actively in formal debate with polite agreement and disagreement language is a B2 descriptor, reflecting a higher degree of interactional precision and range.
Question 6: A learner who can 'spontaneously adapt their register depending on who they are speaking to' is operating at which CEFR level?
- A2
- B1
- B2
- C2 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: C2
C2 descriptors include effortless register variation, adapting tone, vocabulary, and style spontaneously to suit any interlocutor or context.
Question 7: Which of the following best illustrates a 'pre-closing' move in spoken interaction?
- 'Nice to meet you!'
- 'Anyway, I should let you go — thanks for chatting.' (Correct answer)
- 'By the way, I wanted to ask you something.'
- 'Could you say that again more slowly?'
Correct answer: 'Anyway, I should let you go — thanks for chatting.'
Pre-closings signal that the conversation is about to end, giving both parties a chance to add final remarks before signing off.
CEFR Spoken Interaction Strategies 4
Which CEFR descriptor reflects the spoken interaction ability to 'follow rapidly changing topics in animated group discussions'?