The Speaking Test in China




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IELTS Speaking - Mat Clark

The Speaking Test in China
 
1.
 
Chinese Performance and the Reason
1.1.
 
Chinese Performance
As an IELTS examiner, I tested speaking candidates in most Chinese cities. I have 
often heard stories about candidates in certain cities getting higher scores than others, for 
example, ―Candidates in Beijing get higher scores than candidates in Wuhan.‖ This is 
actually an ―IELTS myth‖ and there is no truth in this theory. In reality, there is a nationwide 
trend of score averages and although some tests may contradict this trend on certain dates, 
the scoring average is quite consistent. 
On average, 15~20% of candidates score below 5 (mostly 4); 60% of candidates 
score 5; 15~20% of candidates score 6; less than 5% score 7; a very small number of 
candidates score 8 or 9. (In my 5 year career of IELTS testing in China, which covered 
around 4,000 interviews I did not award a single speaking 9!) 
From these numbers we can make the assumption that in general, Chinese candidates 
find it quite easy to score 5, but there are clearly some problems with scoring 6, 7 and 8. 
I always begin a new IELTS speaking class by asking my students what score they 
need for speaking and the response is usually: 
40% need a speaking score of 6; 
60% need a speaking score of 7; 
Clearly, most candidates are scoring below their required score in the speaking test. 
We can assume part of the problem rests in their preparation for the speaking test because 
most candidates achieve their desired score for listening, reading and writing (although the 
writing test has its own problems – these will be dealt with in another book). 
We can now ask the question: Why do so many Chinese candidates have problems 
scoring 6 or higher for speaking? 
Look at the following reasons and decide which you think are the most accurate in 
answer to the question above, put a cross (X) beside any reasons which you think are not 
true: 
a)
The questions are too difficult. 
b)
The candidates are nervous. 
c)
The candidates haven't had enough practice. 
d)
The candidates make lots of grammar mistakes. 
e)
The examiners are too strict. 


Mat Clark – IELTS Speaking 
6
f)
The candidates give too many boring answers. 
g)
The candidates didn't know enough about the topics. 
h)
The candidates have poor pronunciation. 
i)
The examiner didn't agree with the candidates' opinions. 
j)
The candidates didn't communicate efficiently. 
k)
The candidates have a Chinese accent. 
l)
The candidates didn't answer the question directly. 
m)
The candidates didn't understand the question fully. 
n)
The candidates had no experience of talking with foreigners. 
o)
The candidates think in a Chinese way (with Chinese logic). 
p)
The candidates can't express their ideas clearly. 
q)
The candidates were unfamiliar with the examiner's accent. 
r)
The examiner talks too quickly. 
s)
The candidates are not used to speaking in English. 
t)
The candidates speak too slowly. 
Which 3 reasons are the most accurate? If you are working in a class group, compare 
your reasons with your partner.

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