BEC Vantage sample speaking test Time allowed | 14 minutes In the BEC speaking test there are normally two candidates and two examiners. One examiner will talk, ask questions and generally instruct the candidates about the different tasks in the speaking while the other examiner listens to the communication interchange. The second examiner will not talk or participate actively in the process. The BEC Vantage speaking test is divided into three parts BEC speaking Part 1 Conversation | approximately 3 minutes duration The examiner will encourage the candidates to talk about themselves and to give their personal opinions in this part of the BEC speaking test. BEC speaking Part 2 Mini-presentation | approximately 6 minutes duration In this part of the BEC speaking test individual candidates are presented with a card with three topics related to business on it. Each topic will have two related ideas for a talk. Each candidate will choose one of the ideas and will have one

Communication or Communications? We need better communications between parents and teachers. [incorrect] We need better communication between parents and teachers. [correct] Communication is an uncountable noun and refers to the act of talking to people: The job requires excellent communication skills . Email is now our main means of communication . [not mean of communication ] Communications [plural] refers to all the methods of sending information, for example by telephone, email, post, instant messenger: The company produces cellular phones and other communications equipment . More Grammar Tips

English grammar mistakes | using nouns: appearance, outlook, looks Public art can have a considerable effect on the outlook of public spaces. [incorrect] Public art can have a considerable effect on the appearance of public spaces. [correct] The appearance of something is the way it looks and a person's appearance is the way the person looks [their face, body, hair etc.] and the way they dress: Artificial ingredients are sometimes added to enhance the taste or appearance of food . Many young women spend a lot of time on their appearance . [not their appearances ] A person's looks refers to how attractive they are - their face, etc. but not their clothes: She had gone grey and lost her looks . [= she was not as attractive as before]. A person's outlook is the way they think about their life and the future: The accident completely changed her outlook on life. She enjoys each day more now . How to use English modal verbs English Grammar