Key Advice for the Speaking section

• Give long answers.  The examiner needs a good 'amount' of your English to be able to assess you.  Short answers mean low marks, whatever your real level. You need to show how good your English is.
• Do not worry about the time-keeping.  That is the responsibility of the examiner.
• If you need time to think, use a bridging phrase to give you some time.  For example, " That's an interesting question", "Oh, I haven't thought about that before".
• Don't use the same words again and again - you will lose marks for relying on a small range of vocabulary.
• Be enthusiastic and friendly.  It really makes a difference.
• Finish each sentence clearly.  Some students seem to lose their way and don't complete their ideas.
• Do not rush.  This is not a speed contest!  It will only give the examiner a headache.
• An examiner can often rate a test by how painful it was.  Make it enjoyable for you and the examiner!
• Even when the question is basic, for example "How big is your family?", give as much information as possible and use the most interesting vocabulary you can.
• Use key discourse markers the examiners are looking for.  
• Don't worry if the examiner interrupts you - they have to be very careful with their time-keeping.  It isn't a reflection on your level of English.