CPE Speaking and Oral Communication 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does 'discourse management' mean in CPE Speaking assessment?
- Speaking very quickly without stopping
- Organizing and developing ideas coherently over extended turns (Correct answer)
- Correcting your own grammar mid-sentence constantly
- Memorizing and reproducing prepared speeches
Correct answer: Organizing and developing ideas coherently over extended turns
Discourse management assesses the ability to produce extended, coherent speech using linking devices, logical sequencing, and idea development.
Question 2: In CPE Speaking, what does 'range of vocabulary' assess?
- Whether you can spell words correctly when speaking
- The breadth and precision of vocabulary used in spoken responses (Correct answer)
- How many different topics you mention
- Whether you use only formal vocabulary at all times
Correct answer: The breadth and precision of vocabulary used in spoken responses
Vocabulary range in speaking assesses how varied, precise, and appropriate the candidate's word choices are across different topics.
Question 3: What are 'fillers' in spoken English, and should CPE candidates use them?
- Long pauses of more than 30 seconds; always avoid them
- Words like 'um,' 'uh,' 'well,' and 'you know' that buy thinking time; use sparingly and naturally (Correct answer)
- Technical jargon used to impress examiners; use as many as possible
- Formal transition phrases; mandatory in every sentence
Correct answer: Words like 'um,' 'uh,' 'well,' and 'you know' that buy thinking time; use sparingly and naturally
Fillers are natural features of spoken language that provide thinking time; using a few naturally is acceptable, but overuse can impede fluency scores.
Question 4: What is 'circumlocution' and when is it useful in CPE Speaking?
- Repeating exactly what the examiner said
- Describing or explaining a word or concept when you cannot recall the exact term (Correct answer)
- Speaking in circles to avoid answering the question
- Using very long complex sentences at all times
Correct answer: Describing or explaining a word or concept when you cannot recall the exact term
Circumlocution means describing a concept indirectly when you cannot recall the exact word, demonstrating resourcefulness and communicative skill.
Question 5: Which CPE Speaking strategy best demonstrates C2-level proficiency?
- Giving yes/no answers without elaboration
- Developing ideas with examples, elaborating on opinions, and responding to the partner's points (Correct answer)
- Memorizing model answers and reciting them
- Speaking only about topics you have rehearsed in advance
Correct answer: Developing ideas with examples, elaborating on opinions, and responding to the partner's points
C2-level speaking involves spontaneous, extended responses that develop ideas fully, include relevant examples, and engage genuinely with the interlocutor.
Question 6: How is 'phonological control' assessed in CPE Speaking?
- By checking whether the candidate uses a native-like accent
- By evaluating clarity, stress patterns, intonation, and how easily the candidate is understood (Correct answer)
- By counting the number of pronunciation errors
- By testing whether the candidate can identify phoneme symbols
Correct answer: By evaluating clarity, stress patterns, intonation, and how easily the candidate is understood
Phonological control at CPE level assesses how effectively a candidate uses stress, rhythm, and intonation to convey meaning and aid comprehension.
CPE Speaking and Oral Communication 2
What does 'discourse management' mean in CPE Speaking assessment?