The CEFR Speaking Test Examples You Need To Get Exam-Ready
Photo by Chu Cuong
Much like any other exam, the CEFR speaking test for SPM is another example of a test that calls for a lot of practice.
While some students may think that speaking is far easier than writing – it isn’t! You need to show your speaking skills some love too.
Before you dive right into practising, you’ll first need to familiarise yourself with the SPM Speaking Test format. Once you’re ready, put your speaking skills into practice with our CEFR speaking test examples below!
CEFR Speaking Test Examples: Part 1
Example Phase 1
These questions will only vary slightly from the example below. The assessor is looking for factual responses, making this the easiest phase to ace!
The main questions to both candidates include:
Question: What is your name, please?
Candidate 1: My name is Dinesh.
Question: And yours is?
Candidate 2: My name is Siti.
Question: Where do you live?
Candidate 1: I live in Bukit Bandaraya, Kuala Lumpur.
Candidate 2: And I live in Shah Alam, Selangor.
Question: How do you come to school?
Candidate 1: I take the bus to school every day. Candidate 2: I come to school by car. My mother drives me to school every morning.
Example Phase 2
In this phase, you’ll be asked about your daily routine. Here, you’ll want to speak for about 30 seconds per question.
To do well, you should answer each question in complete sentences and try to build an answer that’s 1 - 2 sentences long.
Here are some sample questions and answers:
Question 1: What do you usually do after you wake up in the morning?
Answer: After I wake up in the morning, I usually brush my teeth, shower, and then have breakfast with my family.
Question 2: What do you normally do after coming back from school?
Answer: After I get back from school on most days, I shower, have lunch, then get started on my homework. Once I’m done, I usually take a short nap.
Question 3: How do you spend your free time?
Answer: I spend most of my free time reading; I particularly enjoy reading thrillers and science fiction books. Otherwise, I like to watch movies with my family.
Question 4: What do you do on weekends?
Answer: On weekends, I spend time outdoors with family. We often go on hikes together or visit our local park. Besides that, I am often in the kitchen, helping my mother cook.
CEFR Speaking Test Examples: Part 2
Quick recap! In this section, students will have to refer to the Candidate booklet. Here, a topic will be given with talking points.
In this part, Candidate A will speak first and will address all talking points in complete sentences. Once Candidate A is done, Candidate B will answer a question briefly about Candidate A’s topic. These steps are then repeated for Candidate B.
Below we have three CEFR speaking test examples. The first question includes a sample answer, and the following two are for you to have a go!
Example 1
Talk about a recent outing with your friends.
You should include:
where you went
what you did
if you enjoyed yourself there (why/why not)
the benefits of having friends in life
Sample Answer
Where you went: Late last month, I went to Mid Valley Megamall with my friends.
What you did: We went to watch a movie called ‘The Black Phone’. We agreed that it was the best horror movie we have seen in a while! After the movie, we went window-shopping and had dinner.
If you enjoyed yourself: Although the shopping centre was very busy, I really enjoyed being able to go to the cinema with my friends again. We have not gone to the cinema since the pandemic began.
The benefits of having friends: There are many benefits in having friends. They are always there for the ups and downs in life. Hence, having friends can reduce stress and help us live happier, fuller lives.
Additional Questions For The Other Candidate
Question: Siti, where did you go on your most recent outing with your friends?
Candidate B: I went white water rafting in Slim River with my friends a few weeks ago.
Question: Did you enjoy yourself?
Candidate B: Yes, I really did enjoy myself! I can’t wait to go white water rafting again with my friends.
Example 2
Talk about a job you would like to have in the future.
You should say:
what is your ambition
why did you choose that ambition
what skills do you need for that job
if loving your job is more important than making a lot of money (why or why not)
Brief question for the other candidate: What job would you like to do? Why?
Example 3
Talk about your future plans.
You should say:
what are your plans after the SPM
reasons for your plans
what you will have to do to fulfil your plans
if you think it’s important to make plans after secondary school (why or why not)
Brief question for the other candidate: What do you want to do after SPM? Do you have a goal you want to achieve?
Photo by cottonbro
CEFR Speaking Test Examples: Part 3
Part 3 consists of three phases and involves both candidates. This includes discussing the given topic with your partner, making a decision together, and answering a question briefly.
Here, your conversation skills are being tested. If you need a bit of practice before jumping into these sample questions, learn four simple steps you can take today for beginners to improve their English conversation skills!
Some common speaking test topics that you can practise include:
Tourism and travel
Education
Transport
Environment
Family life
Sports and health
The Internet
Crime and safety
Advertising and retail
There are three CEFR speaking test examples below. Again, we’ve prepared a sample answer for Question 1 and two more for you to try on your own.
Example 1
Phase 1 Question: How could tourism boards ensure cleanliness at tourist spots?
Talking Points:
organise clean-ups
run awareness campaigns
employ more people to clean up the places
put up signs telling people not to litter
install cameras to monitor people’s activities
fine or punish people who litter
Phase 1: Sample Discussion
Candidate 1: Firstly, tourism boards can organise clean-ups if they want
tourist spots to be clean. They can involve everyone in this effort.
Candidate 2: I agree. When everyone is involved in the clean-up, the tasks are divided, and work can be done a lot faster.
Candidate 1: Siti, what do you think about issuing compounds or punishing people who litter? In my opinion, I think it’s a good idea because people will think twice before littering. People try to avoid fines whenever possible. To help in identifying the culprits, the authorities should install CCTVs.
Candidate 2: You’re right Dinesh, but this can be quite expensive because you’d need a lot of cameras and people to monitor the videos. I think putting up warning signs might be a good option too!
Phase 2: Making A Decision
Question: Decide together which is the most effective way to ensure cleanliness at tourist spots.
Candidate 1: I believe tourism boards should just employ more people to keep tourist spots clean. What do you think, Siti?
Candidate 2: You’re right, however, I don’t think the tourism boards should
have to take full responsibility for ensuring that tourist spots are kept
clean. It should be everyone's responsibility.
Candidate 1: You have a point. In that case, do you think issuing fines is the best way to make sure the tourist spots stay clean?
Candidate 2: Yes, I definitely think so. People do not like losing money and when they do, it warns others to not commit such an offence.
Candidate 1: That is a strong point. Let's conclude that compounds and punishments are the best way to ensure the cleanliness of tourist spots. Thank you.
Phase 3: Brief Question
Question: How does tourism affect the cleanliness of a place?
Candidate 1: I would say that tourism has a negative impact on the cleanliness of a place. I have seen in the news that tourists have defaced buildings and even natural formations with graffiti. What are your thoughts on that?
Candidate 2: I have read that news too, Dinesh. I strongly believe that while a majority of people are responsible, there are a few that give tourists a bad name.
Candidate 1: Did you know that places like Mount Kinabalu and Mount Everest are filled with litter? People can’t seem to enjoy these spots without littering.
Candidate 2: I wholeheartedly agree. Tourism has badly affected the cleanliness of tourist spots. That's why seas with heavy tourist traffic are polluted.
Candidate 1: We both think that tourism negatively affects the cleanliness of a place or environment.
Example 2
Phase 1 Question: What are the ways to lead a healthy lifestyle?
Talking Points:
regular exercise
avoid unhealthy habits
stay hydrated
regular check-ups
sufficient sleep
balanced diet
Phase 2 Question: Decide together which is the most effective way to stay healthy.
Phase 3 Question: In your opinion, why is it important for people to lead a healthy lifestyle?
Example 3
Phase 1 Question: What are the steps to take in avoiding dengue fever?
Talking Points:
remove stagnant water
sleep with mosquito nets
spring clean
wear long-sleeved clothes
apply mosquito repellant
Phase 2 Question: Decide together which is the most effective way to prevent dengue fever.
Phase 3 Question: In your opinion, how do we get people to take dengue precautions?
Photo by George Pak