test presentation in english

ELLT Oxford Speaking with Sample Topics

When it comes to language proficiency assessments, the Oxford English Language Learning and Teaching (ELLT) Speaking Test stands out as a robust evaluation tool. Designed to measure a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in English, this test assesses spoken language skills across various contexts – through having presentations on trending topics.

In this blog, we’ll delve into the intricacies of the Oxford ELLT Speaking Test, providing insights, tips, and sample speaking topics to help you navigate this assessment with confidence.

Understanding the Oxford ELLT Speaking Test:

The Oxford ELLT Speaking Test is structured to evaluate a candidate’s proficiency in spoken English across four key skills: pronunciation, fluency, vocabulary, and grammar. The test typically comprises interactive tasks that simulate real-life communication scenarios, enabling examiners to gauge how well candidates can express themselves in different contexts.

Test Format:

The Oxford ELLT Speaking Test often includes a variety of tasks such as introductory questions, presentations, question answers, and describing images. Each task is designed to evaluate specific language skills and competencies. For presentations, confidently express your ideas, maintain a clear structure, and engage your audience. Practice effective time management to ensure a well-rounded performance in this key segment.

Key Components of the Oxford ELLT Speaking Test:

Pronunciation:

Candidates are assessed on their ability to articulate sounds accurately and use intonation effectively. Practice pronunciation through phonetic exercises, listen to native speakers, and record yourself to identify areas for improvement.

The test measures how smoothly and confidently candidates can express their thoughts. Develop fluency by engaging in regular conversations, participating in language exchange programs, and practicing timed speaking exercises.

Vocabulary:

Candidates are evaluated on their range and accuracy of vocabulary use. Expand your vocabulary by reading widely, learning new words in context, and incorporating them into your spoken language.

This component assesses a candidate’s grammatical accuracy in spoken English. Review and practice common grammatical structures, paying attention to verb tenses, sentence structures, and word order.

Sample Presentation Topics:

Following are some past test’s presentation topics that you can consider to prepare for your ELLT Speaking exam.

Sample 1: ‘Fast fashion is the mass production of cheap, poor quality, disposable clothing. The fashion industry produces 80 billion garments a year. That’s over 10 for every person on earth and it’s 400% more than it was produced 20 years ago.’ (Soure: PebbleMag) Some people believe we should stop buying fast fashion. To what extent do you agree with this statement? Discuss both sides of the argument and give your own personal opinions.

Sample 2: ‘Toy manufacturers have been working on making their packaging more gender neutral. It is quite common nowadays to see a scientific kit with both a boy and a girl in the photo, and likewise for a role-play kitchen. However, 86% of dolls sales go to a female recipient and 90% of toy vehicles to boys.’ (Source: The Guardian) When buying toys for children, it’s important to avoid stereotypes of girls as future homemakers and boys as future breadwinners. To what extent do you agree with this statement? Discuss both sides of the argument and give your own personal opinion.

Sample 3: ‘Scientists have discovered that people who get up earlier in the morning tend to be happier and better protected against depression.’ (Source: The Guardian) Does it make any difference if a person is an early riser or a night owl? Or can both types of people be equally productive? Discuss the pros and cons of each and give a personal reflection.

Preparation Tips:

Review sample test materials and understand the structure of the speaking test to be better prepared on the day of the assessment.
Engage in regular speaking practice with language partners, tutors, or through language exchange programs to build confidence and fluency.
Seek feedback from teachers, language experts, or peers to identify areas for improvement and refine your speaking skills.
Read extensively in English to enhance your vocabulary and learn to use words in different contexts.
Practice speaking in various situations, such as casual conversations, interviews, and presentations, to adapt to different communication contexts.

Conclusion:

By understanding the key components, format, and implementing effective preparation strategies, candidates can approach the test with confidence. Remember, consistent practice, targeted feedback, and a commitment to improving specific language skills are key to success in the Oxford ELLT Speaking Test.

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Speaking exams
Typical speaking tasks

Talk about yourself

This is a very common task at the beginning of a speaking exam. It is something you can prepare at home and practise. If you know what to say, you will feel more relaxed and confident at the start of the exam.

Instructions

Watch the video of two students talking about themselves in a speaking exam. Then read the tips below.

Examiner : Hi. What’s your name?

Kelvin : My name is Kelvin.

Examiner : Kelvin, OK. So, Kelvin, I’m going to ask you a few questions. I’d like to ask you about your school. So, what subjects do you like most?

Kelvin : I think I like economics most because I can study different kinds of demand and supply theory and I can use it in my daily life to observe the market. I think that’s very interesting, yeah, and very useful.

Examiner : OK. And are there any subjects that you don’t like so much?

Kelvin : Actually, I don’t like physics too much because I need to calculate many difficult questions and all those mathematics words. I’m not really used to them. So, I don’t like physics.

Examiner : I see. All right. Well, how about in the future? Are you hoping to go to university?

Kelvin : Yeah, sure.

Examiner : OK, and what would you like to study there?

Kelvin : I think I would like to study something about business. So, I think nowadays we can only make a lot of money by participating in the financial sectors. So, I would like to study something about financial business. I want to get rich, yes.

Examiner : OK, that’s great. Thanks, Kelvin.

Melissa : My name is Melissa.

Examiner : Melissa?

Melissa : Yeah.

Examiner : Hi, Melissa. And, can you tell me about your family?

Melissa : I’ve got no sisters and brothers. I live with my father and mother and my dog.

Examiner : And your dog?

Melissa : Yeah!

Examiner : Great. All right, I’d like to ask you a few questions about your school. So first, what subjects do you like most?

Melissa : I like mathematics the most because I think it’s satisfying to calculate the solution.

Examiner : OK. So, mathematics ... is there any other one?

Melissa : And English, I think, because it’s fun to learn a language.

Examiner : Great, OK. Which subjects do you think are most useful for you?

Melissa : I think accounting is the most useful because every company needs an accountant and to be an accountant I need to study this subject.

Examiner : Sure, OK. And are there any subjects that you don’t like?

Melissa : I hate Chinese because it’s difficult to study the passages. Yeah, and I don’t really understand what it’s about.

Examiner : OK, that’s great. Thanks, Melissa.

Here are our top tips for talking about yourself in an exam.

Think about the types of topics and questions you may be asked before the exam. School, family, free time, daily routines and future plans are common topics.
Practise answering simple questions about yourself. Work with a friend to practise or record yourself and listen to the recording.
Listen carefully to the questions. If you don’t understand the question, ask your teacher to repeat it.
Give complete answers in full sentences.
Look at the examiner. His/her face may tell you when you’ve said enough and he/she is ready for the next question.
Memorise your answers. It’s good to have ideas ready, but it’s better not to memorise long replies to typical questions.
Just reply with ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
Panic if you are asked an unexpected question. Take a few seconds to think before you answer it.

Here are some examples of things you can say about yourself:

My name’s ... I’m from ... / I live in ... I was born in ... I’m ... years old. I go to ... school. I like ... because ... I don’t like ... because ... In my free time / After school, I ... My best friends are ... because ... My favourite (school subject, actor, pop group, sport) is ... because ... I have ... brothers and sisters. In the future, I’d like to ... because ...

Check your understanding: true or false

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Everyone loves talking about themselves! Have you ever had a speaking exam like this? Can you think of any other sentences that might be useful?

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