SPEAKING: TEST STRATEGIES

Simulated Test Resources:

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Where to Purchase:
​Rules:
  • Try to complete one simulated test without outside help.
  • Check the answers by yourself.
  • Use the self-evaluation form to diagnose your weakness.

Self-Evaluation and Suggestions for the Conversation:

Self-Evaluation and Suggestions for the Cultural Presentation:

Strategies for a 5: Conversation

Before the test:

  • Learn how the conversation is graded so you’ll know what’s expected and how you measure up.
  • Understanding the question is as important as answering it. You will usually have to answer at least one prompt, and usually two prompts, in the 20-second interval before the conversation continues and another question is asked.​
  • Practice 20 new vocabulary/phrases daily using “Frequently Used Vocabulary Words and Phrases” 
  • Make speaking Chinese a daily habit.

During the test:

  • First, address the question directly, then elaborate in greater detail.
  • Twenty seconds is not short. Speak as much as possible. If your mind goes blank, restate the question or use a familiar expression such as “As far as I know …” or “In my opinion …” to give yourself time to think.
  • Do not worry about your Chinese grammar and do not speak English.

Strategies for a 5: Cultural Presentation

Before the test:

  • Learn how the cultural presentation is graded so you’ll know what’s expected and how you measure up.
  • Build your structure (template) for the cultural presentation and memorize it.
  • Record the description of Chinese cultural practices/products given by native speakers of Chinese and learn from these.
  • Learn from the answers of the questions from previous years. Practice adapting your prepared structure to the 10 sample topics on the practice page.

During the test:

  • Carefully read the prompt. Pay attention to any adjectives that specify the cultural practice or product you need to talk about.
  • If the prompt has more than one part, be sure to throughly address all parts.
  • Make the best use of the four-minute preparation time.
  • State your main idea first before elaborating. Speak fast and fluently for the familiar part. Use set phrases or rephrase the question if your mind goes blank or you are having difficulty.
PRESENTATION TEMPLATE:

1. PRACTICE: What is the cultural practice/product?    >>

2. SIGNIFICANCE: Why is this product/practice important in Chinese culture?    >>

3. PERSONALIZATION: How does this relate to me? How have I encountered this personally?
>>> See the Culture Presentation Template document for more detailed, step-by-step templates and useful phrases.