> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.evalingo.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# What's in a speaking assessment

> Three sections, about 5 to 7 minutes, recorded and scored on five dimensions.

A speaking assessment takes about **5 to 7 minutes** and has three sections. Candidates check their speakers first, since each question is also read aloud, then test their microphone. Each section opens with a short introduction explaining what is coming.

![A speaking question showing the task, a 15-second thinking countdown and a Start Recording Now button](https://mintcdn.com/evalingo/KjMynU0XLS35WWXs/images/speaking-question.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=KjMynU0XLS35WWXs\&q=85\&s=2bd6a2a4f2e5e4909a5d137ff0b30b28)

A conversation starter during thinking time. Recording begins when the countdown reaches zero.

## The three sections

### Section 1: Conversation starters

Two warm-up questions on everyday topics. The candidate gets **15 seconds to think**, then recording starts automatically. The first answer allows 40 seconds, the second 55.

These ease people in and give a baseline before the harder material.

### Section 2: Extended response

One longer question, either a topic to discuss or a realistic situation to respond to. **15 seconds to think, 80 seconds to answer.**

This is where range shows: can they structure an argument, handle an unfamiliar subject, and stay coherent past a few sentences.

### Section 3: Reading fluency

A short passage to read aloud. **10 seconds to prepare, 50 seconds to read.**

Because we know exactly which words they are producing, this isolates pronunciation and rhythm from vocabulary and grammar.

## Things candidates often ask about

> [!NOTE]
>
> Recording **starts on its own** when thinking time ends, and submits on its own when time runs out. A candidate who is ready early can choose **Start Recording Now**. There is no way to re-record or play an answer back.

That surprises some candidates, so it is worth mentioning when you invite them. It is deliberate: retakes would measure preparation rather than ability, and everyone gets the same conditions.

Questions are revealed one at a time, so candidates cannot read ahead or prepare answers in advance.

## What it is scored on

Pronunciation, fluency, grammar, vocabulary and coherence. See [how scoring works](/results/how-scoring-works.md).


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