INTERACTIVE PHASE

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INTERACTIVE TASK
This phase provides the opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their ability to initiate and take
control over the interaction through the use of questioning techniques and functions associated with
requesting information, seeking clarification and encouraging further detail.. In addition to general
functions such as requesting information, the language functions listed for the particular grade
should arise naturally from each task prompt.
In this phase, the emphasis is placed upon the candidates ability to use functional language rather
than upon the accurate use of the grammatical structures listed for the grade.
It is important that, once the examiner has set up the situation, the candidate takes responsibility for
the interaction. The interaction will take the form of multiple turns, with the examiners turns being
much shorter than those of the candidate.
In some cases this may involve role-play but the examiner and candidate are free to be themselves
so as to create as authentic an exchange as possible.
At the Advanced stage, the actual tasks have been designed to provide the candidates with the
opportunity of demonstrating not only their ability to express the functions of the grade but also
their control of the grammatical items listed for all grades up to and including Grade 9. (See
Grammar Reference)
Sample exchange in the Interactive phase at Grade 11

Examiner: - Two months ago, it was advertised in the newspaper that there was a fantastic new
opportunity in a television company. Admittedly, the advert was quite small so that perhaps should
have implied something. Anyway, I applied for it.
Candidate: - So what kind of job did it turn out to be? And were you short-listed?
Examiner: - Eventually I have been short-listed for the director's department as a clerical worker.
Candidate: - How do you feel about that? Are you raring to do it?
Examiner: - I must say income is quite profitable, indeed.
Candidate: -..........

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Grade 11 - Interactive prompts

The examiner will introduce this phase by saying: "In this task, I'll start by telling you something. You'll have to
ask me questions to find out more information. It's your responsibility to maintain the conversation. Are you
ready?"
1. People say that laughing is good for your health, physically and psychologically, and I'm sure that's true. I
always feel ten times better after a good laugh and there are lots of things that make me laugh but sometimes I
wonder if I should be laughing at them at all. (Inferring, justifying an argument, evaluating different standpoints)
2. We all seem to get inundated all the time with appeals for money from different charities. You can't give to all
of them and I find it very hard to decide which ones to support. (Inferring, expressing caution, evaluating different
standpoints)
3. Last week, I had someone in to do some home improvements for me but you should see what my house looks
like now. (Inferring, expressing caution, challenging opinions)
4. A friend of mine came to see me the other day and said he was desperate for my help. I really don't know what
to do. (Inferring, expressing caution, softening and downplaying propositions)
5. People always talk about what period in the past they would like to have lived in. I'm happy to be living in the
present when you think what the future could hold. (Inferring, evaluating different standpoints, justifying an
argument, expressing reservations)
6. Last year I decided to study something new. I didn't learn much about the subject but attending the course
changed my life. (Inferring, expressing caution, challenging opinions)
7. I've heard about people getting married in some very strange places and in unusual ways. It does make me
wonder how serious these people are about marriage. (Inferring, justifying an argument, challenging arguments
and opinions, evaluating different standpoints)
8. I really feel I ought to tell my boss how unhappy many of the staff are and how low morale is at the moment but
it's a very difficult thing to do and I don't know whether to go ahead or leave it. (Evaluating different standpoints,
justifying an argument)
9. My sister complains that her husband never helps with the housework but at the same time she gets her
daughter to help with the washing-up and lets her son sit and do nothing. I often talk to her about it but she can't
see what I'm getting at. (Evaluating different standpoints, justifying an argument, softening and downplaying
propositions)
10. I live on a very busy road where there are frequent road accidents. The local council plan to put up a speed
camera which at first I thought was a wonderful idea but when I heard how it's going to affect me personally, I
wasn't so sure. (Evaluating different standpoints, expressing caution, justifying an argument, softening and
downplaying propositions)
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USEFUL FUNCTIONS FOR THE INTERACTIVE TASK

JUSTIFYING ARGUMENTS
This idea is backed up by research.
This idea has been proven to work.
Time after time, this method of study has given good results.
I strongly believe in this idea because . E.g. the alternatives are not viable.
I am convinced that this is the best solution/alternative.
E.g. Environment pollution
I am convinced that recycling is the best possible solution to the problem of environmental
pollution because all other alternatives have proven to be too costly or too difficult to enforce.
INFERRING
Making somebody understand without saying directly what you want to say.
E.g. Vanessa: Maybe I could help you to prepare your classes because I have lots of experience
teaching little children and I know they can be difficult
Vanessa is inferring that the teacher is not doing a good job.
E.g. Vanessa: I should really ring John but I've forgotten my mobile and I don't have time to go to
the public phone.
Vanessa is inferring that she wants to borrow my phone to ring John.
EXPRESSING CAUTION
You need to be careful when...
You shouldn't jump to conclusions.
You should weigh up both sides of the argument before making a decision.
People really need to take their time before making a decision about...
I would advise you to be careful.
Don't rush into things.
Take your time.
CHALLENGING ARGUMENTS / OPINION
I'm afraid I couldn't possibly agree.
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Why do you think tht is there evidence to back that up?

I would have thought exactly the opposite.
I couldn't disagree more because I read an article that said exactly the opposite.
Are you sure about that?
EVALUATING DIFFERENT STAND POINTS
On the one hand...., on the other hand....
Whereas...
While this idea makes a lot of sense, I think I would be more convinced by.....
EXPRESSING RESERVATIONS
I'm not sure that I would be convinced....
I wouldn't be won over by that argument.
While it's and interesting point of view, I'm not 100% convinced.
DEDUCING:
Must be

Cant be

Might be

Janes light is on.

It might be a pet pit.
She must be at home.
She cant be out
It could be a local fair.
They must be at school.

Could be

They might be training for a tournament

The cart must be too heavy.
It cant be August.
It must be in America
It must be very frightened

EXPRESSING OPINIONS TENTATIVELY

I strongly agree/ disagree
I couldnt agree less
In my opinion, I would say that...
Do you really think that...,
As far as Im concerned,
Id say that
What I think is

I dont agree that

Im certain that
You are incorrect
This cant be true
The way I see it,
My impression is that
I have the feeling that

it is undeniable that
I reckon
I would argue that
I feel that
I hold the view that
I agree that
You are right in saying

It seems to me that
To my mind,

I have no doubt
I support the view

That seems to be correct

I shall

Dont you think the colour

EXPRESSING BELIEFS
I believe that

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According to my beliefs,
I would say that
Im definitely going to
Ive decided to

Im thinking of
Im determined to
Im planning to
I really mean to

is ...(too dark)?
Wouldnt you say that?
I have heard that
It is rumoured that
I feel suspicious about

DEFENDING A POINT OF VIEW

Well, the things is,
Let me explain
The main reason why is that
They are quite a few reasons why

First, then, lastly

, thats why
Little did I know what he was doing.

SUMMARISING ARGUMENTS
all in all

in essence

as a result

in short
certainly
that is
in brief

as has been said

on balance
hence

in summary
finally
to conclude

STALL FOR TIME (WHEN YOU'RE ASKED A DIFFICULT QUESTION)

That's such a good question
That's a difficult question

That's tricky one

I'd have to think about that

Let me see...
Well

BE VAGUE AND / OR IMPRECISE

Once in a blue moon
In a hour so

From time to time

Loads of.. (mistakes)

More or less
About (eight)-ish

Bits and pieces

In a way

That kind of thing

Sort of / kind of

GIVE ADVICE / MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ABOUT PLACES

It's a must / a must see (tienes que ver)
It's good value for money (precio justo)
It's a bit overrated / overpriced (no merece la pena, es sobrevalorado/ nadtseneno e)
It's not all it's cracked up to be. (no es tan bueno como lo describen)
I found it a bit dull /touristy (no es nada interesante)
If I were you I'd go to ....
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Don't miss... /Make sure you go to .....

You should try -ing....
I suggest going..../ that you go there
Watch out for (ten cuidado)
One thing to be wary of is (tienes que ser precabido con, ten cuidado con )
STARTING A DISCUSSION
Why dont we start by ?
Lets begin with (shall we?)

Shall we first?
We could start by talking about

INVOLVING THE OTHER PERSON

What do you think (about) ?

Do you agree with that?

What would you say?

BRINGING THE DISCUSSION TO AN END

So lets decide which

Shall we make a decision?

Anyway, we have to decide

SUGGESTING THINGS TO DO
I hope you will
You really must / You absolutely have to
How do you fancy ?

You could go to the

What / How about ?

SUGGESTING WHAT TO BRING

It would probably be a good idea

Dont bother

REFERRING TO QUESTIONS
As for (X) itself

You asked about

You wanted to know whether

TALKING ABOUT POSSIBILITIES

You will be able to

You should manage to

We might be able to

APOLOGISING
Im very sorry but

Im afraid there wont be

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Unfortunately, I dont think

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