How to Test Speaking Skills in Japan

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Chapter 7: Write & Speak a Conversation

2 Begin Stage 1 Let students know when their 25 minutes will end If there is no clock in your classroom, you’ll have to keep the time yourself If you have a computer and projector, consid er shining a big timer up on the screen Free countdown timers can be accessed at wwwonline-stopwatchcom and projected

Projecting the time helps keep everyone on track.

3 Begin Stage 2 Set your timer for 10 minutes and encourage stu dents to practice their conversations until they can perform them fluently Let them know they are free to edit their scripts as they like, but there won’t be enough time for too much of this 4 When Stage 2 ends, collect each pair’s English transcript 2 5 After collecting their English transcripts, get everyone started on the extra language practice task 6 Once everyone is busy with the language task, begin Stage 3, the assessment phase: • Turn on your recording device and place it on the desk of the first pair You will not need to stop and start the recorder— just let it run

2 TIP : If you want to look at each transcript as the students perform their conversations, collect them in the order you will assess them This will save you the hassle of shuffling around for their papers when you’re moving about the room