Grade 9

B2.3 CEFR

Examination format

total examination time: 15 minutes

The examination consists of three assessed phases:

Candidate-led discussion of a topic prepared by the candidate (up to 5 minutes)

Interactive task (up to 4 minutes)

Conversation on two subject areas selected by the examiner (up to 5 minutes).

Candidate performance

In addition to the items listed for the previous grades, the candidate is expected to demonstrate the

following communicative skills and meet the language requirements listed below during the examination.

Communicative skills

In the Topic phase

Show understanding of the examiner by responding appropriately

Communicate facts, ideas, opinions and attitudes about a chosen topic sustained across a

series of extended turns

Maintain coherence and cohesion throughout the phase by organising the discourse

Highlight significant points

Paraphrase where necessary in order to maintain the discourse

Engage the examiner in discussion of the topic

Handle interruptions without undue effort by recapping and recovering

In the Interactive phase

Take control over the interaction

Maintain the discourse by asking for information and expanding on the responses obtained

Develop the discussion by encouraging comment and opinion from the examiner

Take, keep, give up and offer turns when appropriate to do so

Where appropriate to the individual task, include exponents of the language functions as

listed opposite

In the Conversation phase

Show understanding of the examiner by responding appropriately

Take more responsibility for the maintenance of the interaction with the examiner

Follow up on comments from the examiner in order to develop the conversation

In case of a breakdown in communication, use paraphrasing and circumlocution

Grade 9

Language requirements

Language functions

Expressing abstract ideas

Expressing regrets, wishes and hopes

Expressing assumptions

Paraphrasing

Evaluating options

Hypothesising

Evaluating past actions or course of events

Grammar

Mixed conditionals

Verbs followed by gerund and/or infinitive, e.g. forget, stop, go on, remember

More complex forms of the passive with modals

Should/must/might/could + perfect infinitive

Correct verb patterns after wish and hope

Lexis

Vocabulary specific to the topic area

Vocabulary specific to the subject areas

Cohesive devices to recap and recover, e.g. as I was saying, anyway...

Hesitation fillers, e.g. I mean, you know

Stock phrases to gain time for thought and keep the turn, e.g. well, let me think...

Phrases and expressions relating to the language functions listed above

Phonology

The correct pronunciation of vocabulary specific to the topic and subject areas

Rising and falling intonation for keeping, giving up and offering turns

Stress and rhythm to highlight and emphasise main points and ideas

Intonation and pitch to convey attitude

Subject areas for the Conversation phase

Two subject areas will be selected by the examiner from the list below.

Dreams and nightmares

Crime and punishment

Technology

Habits and obsessions

Global environmental issues

Design

Please note Grade 9 candidates should not select their topic from the list of subject areas above

(see guidance notes on page 31).

Grade 9 communicative skills and language requirements have been mapped to B2.3 in the CEFR.