From this week, the column will talk about the CET speaking test, focusing on how to prepare for the test and test taking skills.

I. What is the CET Spoken English Test?

The College English Test (CET) was designed mainly to measure reading, listening and writing skills. The Spoken English Test (CET-SET) is an extension of that. It was first used in May 1999 and is intended to further test speaking and listening skills. It is administered twice a year, in mid-May and mid-November.

II. Who is eligible to take it?

College students who have taken the CET in the past two years and have a score of 75 or above for Band 6 or 80 or above for Band 4. Because of limited testing resources and examiners, there are test centres in only 19 places now. As conditions improve, more test centres will be added.

III. What is the format?

The test is given in groups of three and occasionally four and is presided over by two examiners. It lasts approximately 20 minutes.

It consists of three parts. The first is a warm-up, lasting about five minutes. Participants take turns giving a brief introduction (name, registration number, etc), then each is asked one or two questions about the topic.

Second, each person is given a picture, a graph, or a statement, and, after a minute of preparation, has to give a one-and-a-half minute presentation based on the picture, graph or statement. Then, they are given four and half minutes for a short discussion to see if they can reach agreement on the topic. During the discussion, they are encouraged to debate with each other or to ask questions to clarify a point. This part is intended to see how coherently they can express themselves in English, and how well they can pass on information, put forward an idea, participate in a discussion or carry on a debate. Performance is judged according to the contribution to the discussion. The second part lasts approximately 10 minutes.

Third, the examiner asks each person a final question about the topic. The purpose is to find out more about the person's communicative competence.

IV. What are the scoring criteria?

Examiners usually consider the following:

1. Accuracy and range: accuracy in pronunciation and intonation, and the extent and complexity of the language used.

2. Size and discourse management: how much the person says during the test, how the discourse is developed and whether it is cohesive and coherent.

3. Flexibility and appropriateness: how well the person can handle different situations or topics or can use language appropriately as the situation requires.

V. Score and certification:

CET-SET is graded with an A, B, C or D.

An A means being able to communicate orally in English on familiar topics without much difficulty.

A B means being able to communicate orally in English on familiar topics, in spite of mistakes that do not affect overall communication.

A C means being able to carry on simple oral communication in English.

A D means not being able to communicate orally in English.

An A, B or C results in a certificate giving the score and an explanation by the Education Ministry's Higher Education Department. For a D score no certificate is given.

Coming up: Tips on how to take CET speaking test.

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The author is a professor of English from NanjingUniversity