Speaking triggers the most anxiety in many candidates: you have to respond immediately, without thinking time. If you know what exactly is being asked, you practise more effectively and speak with more confidence.
How is the speaking exam structured?
Speaking I consists of 16 tasks: 8 short tasks of 20 seconds and 8 medium-length tasks of 30 seconds, for a total of 128 points, with a pass mark of 75.
The language functions at a glance
Each task tests a specific language function, such as:
- giving an instruction
- expressing a preference
- persuading someone
- describing something
- giving advice
- asking something
- reporting an event
Example task: short
An example of a short task (language function: giving advice): *"Your colleague asks you for advice on the fastest route to the station. Give advice in 20 seconds."* The key here is to respond clearly and to the point within the time limit.
Example task: medium-length with pictures
In a medium-length "reporting" task you are shown a series of three pictures in chronological order, which you must retell in 30 seconds. For example, three pictures showing how someone orders a package, collects it at a pickup point, and unpacks it at home: your task is to tell that story in the right order.
Common misconceptions about the assessment
In a task where you have to express an opinion or persuade someone, the content of your argument is not assessed. Only how clearly you convey it is looked at. Also pay attention to the precondition: if you don't respond in Dutch, or remain silent, the rest of your answer will not be assessed.
Practice with real speaking tasks
Inburgerify lets you record speaking tasks and gives AI feedback on your answer, in the same format and time pressure as the real exam.
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