e-TEP Speaking Tips
The e-TEP speaking part takes about 12 minutes: a warm-up question and three scored tasks. Two raters score your answers for task completion, grammar, vocabulary, and fluency and pronunciation. Here is how to approach each task.
Task 0 · Warm-up (not scored)
15 s preparation · 30 s speaking
- This is to check your microphone and relax. Give a short, simple answer.
- Example question: What do you usually do to relax at the weekend?
Tasks 1 and 2 · Independent tasks
30 s preparation · 60 s speaking
- Use a structure: opinion → reason 1 + example → reason 2 + example → short conclusion.
- During preparation, note only 3–4 key words; do not write full sentences.
- Give a personal example: 2–3 sentences with a time, a place and a result are enough.
- Finish with a one-sentence conclusion near the end of the 60 seconds.
Task 3 · Integrated task
60 s preparation · 150 s speaking
- You hear a short talk (in the real exam you watch a video), then summarise and discuss it.
- While listening, note the main idea and 2–3 supporting points (an example, a number, a result).
- Spend about one third of the time on the summary and two thirds on your own view.
- Make a clear move from summary to opinion: Now I'd like to say what I think about this.
A sample answer (Task 2)
Some students prefer to study alone, while others prefer to study in groups. Which do you think is more effective? Give reasons and examples.
In my opinion, studying in a group is more effective than studying alone, for two main reasons. First, other people can explain things you don't understand. For example, last year I was struggling with statistics, and a friend in my study group explained one topic in ten minutes that I had been stuck on for days. Second, a group keeps you motivated. When you know your friends are waiting for you in the library, you can't just stay at home and watch videos. Of course, some tasks, like memorising vocabulary, are easier alone. But overall, I think studying with others helps you learn more and stay on track.
About 120 words, which is roughly what most people can say in 60 seconds. Notice the clear opinion, two reasons, a personal example, a short counter-point and a conclusion.
Useful phrases
Giving an opinion
- In my opinion, …
- I strongly believe that …
- I can see both sides, but overall …
Adding reasons and examples
- The main reason is that …
- Another reason is …
- For example, when I was …
Summarising a talk
- The speaker talks about …
- The main point is that …
- She gives the example of …
Buying time
- That's an interesting question.
- Let me think about that for a second.
- What I mean is …
How to practise at home
- Record yourself and listen back. The speaking part on this site records your answers in your browser.
- Practise with a timer: 60 seconds is shorter than you think.
- Practise with some background noise; in the real exam other candidates speak at the same time.
- Answer the same question twice: your second try will be more fluent and organised.