Say, Support, Seal: one frame for every speaking task
By Michael Ukwuma
Our speaking frame, how to use 30 seconds of preparation, and what raters listen for.
Thirty seconds. That is all you get to prepare for most speaking tasks. If you spend it deciding how to organize your answer, you have nothing left for ideas.
So we fix the organization in advance. Every answer follows the same three moves. Say. Support. Seal.
Say
Your first sentence answers the question directly. Your advice. Your choice. Your opinion. Your overview of the picture. No warm up. No 'Well, this is a very interesting question'.
Support
Two or three points, each with a reason, an example or a detail. Link them with clear transitions: first, another reason, on top of that, for example, because of this.
Paragon's official advice for Task 1 and Task 7 is about three suggestions or reasons with support. For description tasks, give a few well described details rather than a long list.
Seal
One closing sentence that brings the listener back to your main point. 'So, that is why I really think you should take the evening course.' If the timer is about to end, your seal is more valuable than one more detail.
What to do in your 30 seconds
- Decide your Say in three seconds. Do not look for the perfect answer. Look for the one you can talk about.
- Note two or three key words for your Support, one per point.
- Breathe. Start speaking the moment recording begins.
What raters listen for
- Content and Coherence: enough relevant ideas, organized, with examples.
- Vocabulary: words that fit the situation, with some range.
- Listenability: rhythm, pronunciation and intonation, few long pauses and fillers, varied sentences.
- Task Fulfillment: you answered what was asked, in the right tone, using the time.
Relax about accent. Accent is not the problem. Paragon says accent only matters if it stops you being understood. Clear key words and a steady pace matter much more.
Key points
- Say your answer in the first sentence.
- Support with two or three points and examples.
- Seal with a closing line before time runs out.