APTIS General Speaking

The APTIS General Speaking Test is a computer-based component of the British Council’s Aptis English proficiency test. It assesses the ability to communicate effectively in everyday, real-life situations and lasts approximately 12 minutes. Responses are recorded via microphone and later marked by trained examiners. There is no live interlocutor or interaction with other candidates.The test is designed to cover a range of levels (primarily A1–B2 on the CEFR, with higher performances possible) and becomes progressively more demanding. Questions appear in both written and spoken (pre-recorded) form. For each task you have a maximum speaking time; you can stop the recording early once you have finished, but you should aim to use most of the available time and fully address the prompt.Structure of the Speaking Test:
The test consists of four parts:

Part 1: Personal information (A1/A2 focus)

• You answer three short questions about yourself, your interests, daily life, or familiar topics.
• Time: 30 seconds per question.
• No preparation time.
• Goal: Give clear, relevant personal information and expand a little beyond single-word or very short answers.

Part 2: Describe, express opinion and provide reasons and explanations (B1 focus)

• You see one photograph.
• First you describe the photo.
• Then you answer two further questions related to the topic (often involving personal experience and a more general comment or opinion).
• Time: 45 seconds for each of the three responses.
• No preparation time.
• Goal: Describe accurately, give opinions, and support them with reasons or explanations.

Part 3: Describe, compare and provide reasons and explanations (B1 focus)

• You see two photographs on a related topic.
• First you describe and/or compare the photos.
• Then you answer two further questions that typically require comparison, opinion, or speculation.
• Time: 45 seconds for each of the three responses.
• No preparation time.
• Goal: Compare and contrast, express opinions, and give reasons or speculate appropriately.

Part 4: Discuss personal experience and opinion on an abstract topic (B2 focus)

• You see a picture (mainly as a prompt) and three questions on a single, more abstract topic.
• You have 1 minute to prepare and may take brief notes.
• You then speak continuously for up to 2 minutes, integrating answers to all three questions into a coherent long turn.
• Goal: Organise ideas logically, give and justify opinions, discuss advantages/disadvantages or personal experience, and maintain fluency and cohesion over a longer stretch of speech.

Scoring and Marking Criteria
Speaking is marked by examiners using task-specific holistic scales. Each part is scored separately (typically 0–5 for Parts 1–3 and 0–6 for Part 4). Scores contribute to an overall scaled score (0–50) for Speaking and a corresponding CEFR level. Key areas assessed include:

• Task fulfilment / topic relevance
• Grammatical range and accuracy
• Vocabulary range and accuracy
• Pronunciation
• Fluency (and, in later parts, cohesion)

Higher bands require clear relevance, control of structures appropriate to the level, sufficient vocabulary, intelligible pronunciation, and the ability to expand ideas without excessive hesitation or breakdown in communication. Exact descriptors vary by part and target level.Preparation Tips

• Practise under timed conditions and record yourself so you can review fluency, pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary.
• Always answer the question fully: expand with reasons, examples, and extra detail rather than giving minimal responses.
• In Parts 2 and 3, practise describing and comparing photos systematically (people, place, activity, atmosphere, differences/similarities).
• For Part 4, use the preparation minute to note a simple structure (e.g., introduction → answer Q1 → Q2 → Q3 → brief conclusion) and key points; keep notes short.
• Focus on communicating your message clearly rather than aiming for perfection. Self-correction is fine if it does not disrupt fluency.
• Build familiarity with common everyday and abstract topics (work/study, free time, travel, technology, environment, education, relationships, etc.).
• Practise linking ideas with cohesive devices (because, however, for example, on the other hand, in addition, etc.).
• Check microphone levels and become comfortable speaking to a computer screen.

Official practice materials, demo tests, and marking scales are available on the British Council Aptis website. Regular speaking practice—recording answers to sample questions, describing photos from everyday sources, and timing yourself—is the most effective preparation.The Aptis General Speaking test is practical, efficient, and closely aligned with real-world communication needs. Understanding the exact format and practising each part under exam conditions will help you perform confidently on test day.