SPM English Speaking Test: Everything You Need To Know
Photo by Victor Barrios
Does the very thought of the SPM English Speaking Test make you nervous? Don’t fret, you’re not alone.
Many students fear the thought of being assessed on their speaking – and rightfully so! Speaking tests can be scary. To umm and to err is only natural but, you’re more likely to do so when you’re nervous.
One way to power through is to learn the ins and outs of your SPM English Speaking Test and really familiarise yourself with the test. That’s why we’ve broken down the speaking test for you below so you can get test-ready.
SPM English Speaking Test: Overview
Before we dive in, let’s set the scene.
The test is paired; which means two students will be assessed at the same time. The test takes around 13 minutes and consists of three parts which are designed to test your range of speaking skills.
In the assessment room, there will be an assessor and an interlocutor. The interlocutor is there to take part in the conversation and make sure you get the chance to perform the tasks required to the best of your ability. Their role will become clearer as we break down the individual sections.
In general, SPM English Speaking Test examines your ability to explain your everyday activities and express your opinions on different topics.
SPM English Speaking Test: Part One
Part One is fairly simple and lasts around 2 - 3 minutes.
Here, you’ll be asked questions – individually – about yourself, and is broken up into two phases.
Phase 1: Factual Information
The interlocutor will begin by asking you questions that you’ll already know the answer to. For example:
What’s your name?
Where do you live?
How do you get to school?
Phase 2: Familiar Topics
Next, you’ll be asked questions about your school, daily routine or home life. For example:
What do you usually do on the weekends?
How do you spend your spare time?
What do you normally do after school?
A key thing to remember is that you can keep your answers short and simple in this SPM English Speaking Test section.
SPM English Speaking Test: Part Two
In Part Two, you’ll be tasked with speaking on your own for 1 - 2 minutes based on a prompt given to you in a booklet. You’ll be tested on a topic that should be familiar to you and will be given time to think about what you’re going to say.
Here are two examples:
Topic #1:
Talk about a person you admire.
You should say:
Who this person is?
What this person looks like?
Why do you admire this person?
If you think it is important for people to have good role models (why or why not)?
Topic #2:
Talk about a family celebration you had recently.
You should say:
What the event was?
What did you do there?
If you enjoyed yourself (why or why not)?
Why are family celebrations important in Malaysia?
As we mentioned before, this test is conducted in pairs. Let’s say you are Candidate A and answer Topic #1. Candidate B will then be asked brief questions about Candidate A’s topic by the interlocutor.
Candidate B will then answer Topic #2, and you will also have to answer simple questions about Candidate B’s topic.
Follow-up questions could include:
Topic #1:
Who do you admire?
Why do you admire them?
Topic #2:
What was your most recent celebration?
Did you enjoy yourself?
Why did you (or didn’t you) enjoy yourself?
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio
SPM English Speaking Test: Part Three
Part Three is the trickiest of the three parts and usually lasts about 4 - 5 minutes.
Here, you and your partner will have to discuss a given topic, answer a follow-up question, and then speak for a minute in response to a question relevant to the topic.
Phase #1
Both candidates are tasked with discussing a topic based on a mindmap provided in a booklet. Here’s a sample:
Topic: Why do people shop online?
Talking points:
No crowds
Time-saving
Better prices
Convenient
Wide variety
To follow trends
An important thing to note is that both candidates should contribute equally to the discussion. Talking more won’t help you score higher marks. You’re meant to give your opinion on the topic and ask your partner a question.
This phase is looking for your ability to hold daily conversations while speaking in English. With the above example, here’s a sample conversation:
Interlocutor: Please discuss why people shop online.
Candidate A: I believe people shop online because there are no crowds or long queues. This helps people save time and makes online shopping more convenient. What do you think, Ali (Candidate B)?
Candidate B: I think people shop online because they have access to a wide variety of options and, sometimes, better prices too. Online shopping makes it easier and more affordable for people to follow trends.
The mindmap gives you answers to the question that will help you formulate your answer. You just have to string the ideas into sentences.
Phase #2
Next, the interlocutor will ask a simple follow-up question. Here’s an example:
Interlocutor: Decide together what you think is the most popular reason people shop online.
Candidate B: I think the main reason people shop online is that it is convenient. What do you think, Lee (Candidate A)?
Candidate A: I agree! People save so much time and effort by shopping online and getting their items delivered to their door.
Phase #3
In this last phase, the interlocutor will ask a related question and you’ll have to respond without a guide or talking points given to you.
Interlocutor: You’ve been talking about why people shop online – let’s hear your opinion on this. In what ways does advertising on social media influence people’s buying behaviour?
Here, you’ll have one minute to provide your individual response. Both candidates will respond to the same question.
Photo by Zen Chung