The Oxford Test of English is an online English test that assesses your skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking. You can take the test to demonstrate your English level, according to the Common European Framework of Reference (or CEFR), e.g. B1, B2, C1 etc.
The English speaking test takes only 15 minutes, and assesses your ability to communicate clearly and effectively in everyday situations. It is divided into four parts.
The structure of the English speaking test
Part 1: Interview
This section involves eight questions on everyday topics, designed to help you warm up and get comfortable.
- Questions 1 and 2: You’ll talk for 10 seconds per question.
- Questions 3–8: You’ll talk for 20 seconds per question.
Part 2: Voicemails
You’ll handle two voicemail tasks, each with both spoken and written input.
- Voicemail 1: Leave a voicemail
- Voicemail 2: Reply to a voicemail
- You have 20 seconds to prepare for each voicemail and 40 seconds to speak.
Part 3: Monologue
You’ll choose two out of four photos to talk about.
- Preparation time: 30 seconds
- Speaking time: 60 seconds
Part 4: Follow-up questions
You’ll answer six questions related to your monologue topic.
- Speaking time: 30 seconds per question
What are they testing me on in each part of the test?
Each section of the English speaking test evaluates specific aspects of your speaking skills.
Part 1:
- Responding to questions
- Giving factual information
- Expressing personal opinions on everyday topics
Part 2:
- Organising longer speech
- Speaking formally or informally, depending on the context
Part 3:
- Sustaining extended discourse
- Describing, comparing, and contrasting
- Speculating and suggesting
Part 4:
- Responding to questions
- Expressing, justifying,g and responding to opinions
- Expressing feelings, agreeing and disagreeing
How can I prepare for the different parts of the speaking test?
It’s useful to have expressions you can use in each part of the speaking test, to help prompt you and your ideas. It’s also a good idea to look at example tests so you know what to expect in the exam.
Part 1 – Interview
Look at this example test. Think about how you’d answer the questions.
For example: 2 – I come from Japan, and live in the city of Kyoto; 4 – I like watching different shows on Netflix and YouTube, and I use subtitles so I can listen and read at the same time; 7 – I met my best friend when I was working in my first job in a restaurant, six years ago. We got on with each other straight away and have been friends ever since.
Part 2 – Leave a voicemail
In this part of the test, it might be useful to have some words and phrases to invite, suggest or respond to someone.
- Inviting: I’d love it if you could … Would you like to …? How about …?
- Responding to news: That’s great to hear! I’m so sorry to hear that.
- Giving advice: You could try … Why don’t you … You should …
Part 3 – Monologue
- Advantages: The advantages are … The benefits would be … The good thing about this is that ….
- Disadvantages: There are some drawbacks, like … The disadvantages are … It might be better if …
You can find out more information about part 3 here.
Part 4 – Follow-up questions
- Describing: It seems to be … In the picture, I can see …
- Giving reasons: The main reason is … This might be because …
- Contrasting: On one hand … on the other hand… In contrast to … While this is true …
- Speculation: Perhaps … It could be … It’s possible that …
- Comparing: Both of these things show that … While [X] shows …, [Y] shows …
- Giving opinions: In my opinion … I believe that … To me, …
Other ways to prepare for the speaking part of the Oxford Test of English
- Practise with friends or a language partner: Use some example questions from tests you’ve found online, or practise skills like contrasting, speculating, and comparing.
- Record yourself: Record yourself answering questions. Listening back helps you to identify areas for improvement.
- Listen to authentic speech: Watch English videos, and pay attention to pronunciation, tone, and connected speech.
- Practise, practise, practise: The best way to get better at any skill is to practise! Get speaking with anyone and everyone you can.
By understanding the structure of the OTE speaking test and knowing what you’re being tested on, you’ll be well-prepared for the Oxford Test of English and have all the key skills you need to succeed. Remember, it’s not just about learning English – it’s about communicating with confidence!
Read here for more top tips on the speaking test of the Oxford Test of English.
Activity
Decide if the answers are True (T) or False (F). Then, correct the false statements.
There are 5 parts in the OTE speaking test. T/F
The speaking test lasts 1 hour. T/F
Part 2 requires you to leave or respond to a recorded voice message. T/F
Part 4 requires you to compare photos. T/F
In part 1, you’ll need to talk about personal information. T/F
In part 2, you have no preparation time. T/F
On the other hand … and Contrary to this … are useful expressions for speculating. T/F
From my point of view … and To me … are useful expressions for giving your opinion. T/F
Answers
F – there are 4 parts.
F – it lasts around 15 minutes.
T
F – in part 4 there are six questions on the topic of part 3.
T
F – you have 20 seconds to prepare.
F – these expressions are useful for contrasting.
T
Billie Jago
is an ELT writer and teacher trainer specialising in digital learning materials and assessment resources. She has written for various well-known coursebooks, and writes items for high stakes exams such as the PTE, OTE, IELTS and Cambridge. Alongside materials writing, she delivers international teacher training sessions and is the founder of the ELTcpd professional development platform and YouTube channel. She is also the co-founder of the educational consultancy, OtterEducation.
