ESOL Skills for Life — Level 2 Speaking and Listening sample prompts
Task 3 (4 minutes)
This task will be a role play in which the candidate makes and responds to complaints and criticism in a
wide range of formal and social exchanges.
The assessment criteria for this task are:
2.1 Use clear pronunciation to convey intended meaning
2.2 Use appropriate language in context according to formality
4.2 Respond to others constructively to move discussion forward
4.3 Obtain relevant information from others
Please see pages 10-13 of the specifications for detailed information on exactly what is covered by each of
these assessment criteria.
Sample prompts
1. I am your classmate. A long time ago you lent me some English books and DVDs but I have never
returned them. You are not happy about this.
2. I am your landlord. I promised to repair your broken washing machine several weeks ago but have
done nothing yet. You are not happy about this.
3. I am the college maintenance person. All of the chairs in your English class are broken and
uncomfortable. You are not happy about this.
4. I am your neighbour. I always have my television on so loud at night that your child finds it difficult
to sleep. You are not happy about this.
5. I am your classmate. I always arrive late to class and ask you to help me catch up with the work I
have missed. You are not happy about this.
6. I am your hairdresser/barber. I have recently increased all my prices significantly. You are not happy
about this.
Task 4 (up to 8 minutes)
Two candidates discuss a topic given to them by the examiner. Candidates will be given an issue of national
or global importance to discuss and will be expected to propose constructive solutions. The examiner acts
as a facilitator so they can guide the conversation along appropriately and provide additional topics if
necessary.
The discussion at this level must include contributing constructively to discussions, expressing views
constructively and responding to others constructively to move the discussion forward. At this level, the
examiner is not expected to intervene.
The assessment criteria for this task are:
1 Obtain relevant detail from extended verbal communication
4.1 Contribute to discussion and express views constructively
4.2 Respond to others constructively to move discussion forward
4.3 Obtain relevant information from others
Please see pages 10-13 of the specifications for detailed information on exactly what is covered by each of
these assessment criteria.
Sample prompts
1. ‘We have become too dependent on modern technology.’ Discuss the extent to which you agree
with this statement and suggest solutions to any problems you see.
2. ‘Education does not provide young people with enough practical skills to face the real world.’
Discuss the extent to which you agree with this statement and suggest solutions to any problems
you see.
3. More than half the world’s population now live in cities. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages
of this, and suggest solutions to any problems you see.
4. ‘Funding space exploration is an irresponsible waste of money.’ Discuss the extent to which you
agree with this statement and suggest solutions to any problems you see.
5. Some people say that celebrity culture is taking over our society. Discuss the advantages and
disadvantages of having celebrities as role models and suggest solutions to any problems you see.
6. Some people believe that computer games are very harmful to children. Discuss the advantages
and disadvantages of young people playing computer games and suggest solutions to any
problems you see.