Which practice helps manage turn-taking effectively during the Speaking test?

Which practice helps manage turn-taking effectively during the Speaking test?

• A. Speak continuously without pausing.
• B. Use discourse markers to signal transitions and pauses.
• C. Interrupt the interlocutor.
• D. Speak as softly as possible.

Answer: (B)

Managing turn-taking in a speaking test relies on signaling when you’ve finished a point and inviting the other person to respond. Discourse markers are perfect tools for that. Using words like “first,” “next,” “on the other hand,” “so,” and “to sum up” clearly marks where you’re moving to a new idea or wrapping up what you’ve said. These markers create natural cues that help the other person know when a turn is open, keeping the conversation balanced and preventing someone from talking over the other. In addition, these markers support fluency and cohesion, making your speech feel organized and easy to follow. If you skip these cues, turns can become crowded or abrupt, making it harder for your partner to jump in. Speaking too softly also doesn’t provide clear signals about when you’re finished or ready to continue, which can disrupt the flow of the conversation.

Managing turn-taking in a speaking test relies on signaling when you’ve finished a point and inviting the other person to respond. Discourse markers are perfect tools for that. Using words like “first,” “next,” “on the other hand,” “so,” and “to sum up” clearly marks where you’re moving to a new idea or wrapping up what you’ve said. These markers create natural cues that help the other person know when a turn is open, keeping the conversation balanced and preventing someone from talking over the other.

In addition, these markers support fluency and cohesion, making your speech feel organized and easy to follow. If you skip these cues, turns can become crowded or abrupt, making it harder for your partner to jump in. Speaking too softly also doesn’t provide clear signals about when you’re finished or ready to continue, which can disrupt the flow of the conversation.