Speaking exams can be conducted for different reasons: for example, to level place students, or to test students.  Depending on the reason for testing, test criteria will be different.  In addition, teachers might be required to use tests developed by their own institution, or well-known tests like the Cambridge KET/PET/FCE exams, and the TOEFL.  In these cases, teachers may need to adapt themselves to someone else’s testing rubric, while in other situations, teachers may have to design their own tests.

In the first part of this presentation, Maria will talk about the criteria to take into account when designing your own speaking exam, and will discuss approaches to using someone else’s testing rubrics.  The role of the examiner/s, and the role of the student/s in the exam will also be discussed.  She will present various assessment rubrics she has used. 

In the second part of the workshop, audience members will (1) use various testing rubrics in mock-exam situations, (2) share their own examination criteria and rubrics, and (3) be asked to prepare rubrics for different teaching situations.