Test-day technique
The microphone, the clock, and templates.
10 minutes · A free lesson from Start here
Lesson quiz
Check what you have learned. Choose an answer to see whether it is right, and why.
Quick check: When does the microphone close?
- After exactly one minute
- Only when you click Next
- After about three seconds of silence
Show the answer
C: After about three seconds of silence — Whatever you say after it closes is not recorded.
Quick check: When should you start speaking?
- After counting to five
- Straight after the tone
- When the screen changes colour
Show the answer
B: Straight after the tone — Start at once, at a normal pace, and do not stop.
Quick check: How can a memorised template lower your score?
- If it does not fit the task, your content score drops
- Templates are banned
- Templates are always too short
Show the answer
A: If it does not fit the task, your content score drops — Use frameworks such as “The chart compares…”, not scripts.
Quick check: Where should the microphone be?
- Touching your lips
- On the desk
- Near your mouth, but not in front of it
Show the answer
C: Near your mouth, but not in front of it — Keep the same distance throughout, and do not breathe into it.