BEC Preliminary – Speaking: Understanding the
Assessment Criteria Worksheet
Below is a list of factors that are considered when assessing the BEC
Preliminary Speaking test. Match the factor with its description.
Factor
A. intonation
B. coherence
C. range
D. accuracy
E. hesitation
F. individual sounds
G. extent
H. turn-taking
I. stress and rhythm
J. initiating and
responding
K. appropriacy
L. relevance
Description
1. The candidate pronounces sentences
emphasising the information-carrying
words. He/She also 'links' words where
appropriate.
2. The candidate can pronounce words using
the appropriate sounds well enough to be
understood.
3. The candidate's mistakes in grammar and
vocabulary do not stop him/her from being
understood enough to carry out the task.
4. The candidate chooses the right words and
grammatical forms for carrying out the
different tasks of the test.
5. The candidate knows a wide enough variety
of words and grammar forms to carry out
the tasks of the test.
6. The candidate varies the pitch of his/her
voice at the appropriate points in his/her
utterances to carry meaning.
7. His/Her turns are the right length for
purpose of the conversation.
8. What he/she says is logical in relation to
what was said - by someone else - in the
turn before and in terms of what the
speakers are trying to do by speaking. For
example, make an arrangement to meet for
coffee.
9. The candidate is able to take an active part
in the exchanges of the speaking tasks,
doing his/her fair share of introducing next
topics/ideas and listening to and following
up on what his/her partner says.
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10. The candidate's utterances have a logical
link from one to the next.
11. The speaker pauses to search for ideas or
language.
12. The candidate starts to speak and stops
speaking at appropriate parts in the
discussion.
Use this grid to note your answers:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
L.
Now match these factors with the four main areas of assessment for the BEC
Preliminary Speaking test:
Grammar and
Vocabulary
Discourse
Management
Pronunciation
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Interactive
Communication
Answer Key for BEC Preliminary Speaking
Understanding the Assessment Criteria Answers
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
L.
6.
10.
5.
3.
11.
2.
7.
12.
1.
9.
4.
8.
Now match these factors with the four main areas of assessment for the BEC
Preliminary Speaking test:
Grammar and
Vocabulary
Discourse
Management
Pronunciation
Interactive
Communication
C, D, K
G, B, L
A, F, I
E, H, J
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