C1 Speaking Assessment

Assessment Criteria
Examiners assess candidates based on the following five criteria, each scored on a scale from 0 to 5 (in 0.5 increments):

  1. Grammatical Resource:
    • Evaluates the range, accuracy, and complexity of grammar used.
    • At C1 level, candidates are expected to use a wide range of grammatical structures with flexibility and control, with only minor errors that do not impede communication.
  2. Lexical Resource:
    • Assesses the variety and appropriateness of vocabulary.
    • Candidates should use a broad range of vocabulary, including idiomatic expressions, collocations, and precise word choices suitable for a C1 level.
  3. Discourse Management:
    • Focuses on the coherence, fluency, and structure of the candidate’s speech.
    • Candidates should produce extended responses that are well-organized, relevant, and logically connected, with minimal hesitation.
  4. Pronunciation:
    • Evaluates clarity, stress, rhythm, and intonation.
    • At C1, pronunciation should be clear and natural, with effective use of stress and intonation to convey meaning. However, a non-native accent is acceptable as long as it does not affect intelligibility.
  5. Interactive Communication:
    • Assesses the ability to interact effectively with the interlocutor and other candidate(s).
    • Candidates should initiate and respond appropriately, maintain and develop the conversation, and show sensitivity to turn-taking and collaboration.

Global Achievement
In addition to the analytical criteria above, examiners assign a Global Achievement mark (also 0–5) to reflect the candidate’s overall performance across all parts of the test. This considers how well the candidate demonstrates C1-level speaking ability as a whole. Scoring Process