CEFR Spoken Interaction Strategies 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In CEFR spoken interaction, 'negotiation of meaning' refers to:
- Agreeing on the financial terms of a business deal in English
- The collaborative process by which speakers work to establish mutual understanding (Correct answer)
- Translating idiomatic expressions so all parties comprehend them
- Deciding which language to use when speakers have different native tongues
Correct answer: The collaborative process by which speakers work to establish mutual understanding
Negotiation of meaning is the interactive process where speakers collaboratively check, repair, and confirm understanding throughout a conversation.
Question 2: Which strategy reflects a C1-level speaker's approach to handling an unexpected or complex topic in conversation?
- Politely declining to comment until they have prepared
- Smoothly using paraphrase and reformulation to engage without long hesitations (Correct answer)
- Switching to simpler language and shorter sentences to stay safe
- Asking the interlocutor to explain the topic in writing first
Correct answer: Smoothly using paraphrase and reformulation to engage without long hesitations
C1 speakers can use paraphrase and reformulation to stay engaged with unprepared complex topics, maintaining fluency without significant breakdown.
Question 3: When a speaker uses 'Well, that's one way to look at it, but have you considered…?' in discussion, they are demonstrating:
- Polite disagreement and topic development through spoken interaction (Correct answer)
- An inability to directly state their own opinion
- A formal academic register inappropriate for conversation
- A turn-yielding strategy that ends their contribution
Correct answer: Polite disagreement and topic development through spoken interaction
This phrase is a face-saving disagreement move that challenges the other's view indirectly while introducing a new angle — a key interactional skill at B2 and above.
Question 4: Which of the following describes an A1 speaker's spoken interaction capability, according to CEFR?
- Can participate in extended conversations on a variety of topics
- Can interact in a simple way provided the other person is prepared to speak slowly and help (Correct answer)
- Can express opinions about complex social issues with supporting arguments
- Can follow most conversations without difficulty if speech is clear
Correct answer: Can interact in a simple way provided the other person is prepared to speak slowly and help
A1 interaction is characterized by very limited exchange that depends heavily on interlocutor support, slow speech, and repetition.
Question 5: Asking 'What exactly do you mean by that?' during a discussion is an example of which CEFR interaction strategy?
- Topic shifting
- Seeking clarification (Correct answer)
- Floor-holding
- Backchannel feedback
Correct answer: Seeking clarification
Seeking clarification is a core interaction strategy used to resolve ambiguity and ensure shared understanding of a term or idea.
Question 6: According to CEFR, which spoken interaction descriptor is associated with the B1 level in transactions and service encounters?
- Can handle most transactions likely to arise in everyday situations in shops, banks, and post offices (Correct answer)
- Can carry out a simple transaction in a shop and use limited courtesy formulas
- Can negotiate the price and conditions of a complex commercial transaction
- Can understand and follow instructions in professional or technical service situations
Correct answer: Can handle most transactions likely to arise in everyday situations in shops, banks, and post offices
B1 transaction descriptors cover everyday situations like shops, banks, and post offices where routine language and some flexibility are required.
Question 7: Which of the following is considered a 'discourse marker' used in spoken interaction to signal a contrast or shift?
- 'Furthermore'
- 'However' (Correct answer)
- 'Firstly'
- 'In conclusion'
Correct answer: 'However'
'However' signals a contrastive shift in direction, helping listeners track how the speaker's new point relates to what was just said.
CEFR Spoken Interaction Strategies 5
In CEFR spoken interaction, 'negotiation of meaning' refers to: