Preparing for an Emmersion Speaking Test
Test-taker tips for achieving your best results
What to expect
The Speaking Assessment has three parts:
The microphone check ensures your audio is being captured correctly.
Part 1 is Listen and Repeat. You will listen to a series of prompts and record yourself repeating each one. Even if you can’t repeat the whole phrase, repeat as much as you can. Recording a more complete response will give you a better score.
Part 2 is Open Response. This is your opportunity to respond to three prompts in your own words. You’ll have 30 seconds to read each prompt and think about what you want to say. Then, you'll have 60 seconds to record your response.
Tips for success
Tip #1: Take your time on the practice questions. The practice questions familiarize you with the test format and ensure you understand how the speaking test works.
During the test, you will hear each prompt only once. To achieve the most accurate results and your highest possible score, you must repeat exactly what you hear, and your recording must be free of background noise.
Carefully record each practice question, then listen to each recording you made. This ensures before you start that your microphone is capturing your voice clearly and that your recording is free of extraneous noise.
Tip #2: Use only the test link provided by the entity requiring the test.
If you are taking the Emmersion language assessment as part of job application or as a requirement of your employer, you want to be sure they will receive your test results. If you go to the Emmersion website and take an assessment without using the correct link, your results will not be provided to the appropriate organization or hiring team.
Tip #3: Check your connection and browser before you start.
Be sure your internet connect will be stable throughout the whole test and use the latest version of your internet browser. We recommend using Chrome, but a list of compatible browsers and devices can be found here.
Tip #4: For the Speaking Test, use a device that will provide a high-quality recording of your responses.
Emmersion’s speech recognition software “grades” everything it hears. If it picks up audio other than your voice, it will count those sounds toward (would against be better here?) your score.
If you are using a computer, use an external microphone or headset whenever possible. Your internal microphone will work, but an external mic provides better quality and is less likely to pick up extraneous sounds.
If you are using a mobile device for the test, be sure take the test in a quiet place. Mobile devices easily pick up background noise.
Tip #5: Take your test in an environment with no interruptions or distractions.
The assessment only takes 15-20 minutes to complete, so give it your full attention for the duration of the test. Use a device you are comfortable with, turn off extra screens, close extra tabs, and mute notifications. If you are in a shared space, let others know beforehand that you are taking an assessment for a certain amount of time.
Troubleshooting
If you lose your internet connection during the test, try reconnecting and signing back into your account.
If your device loses power, restart your device and sign back into the assessment as soon as possible.
If you encounter further issues, contact support at support@emmersion.ai.
Suggested warm-up strategy
Before you start your test, read some material or listen to a podcast in your test language. This will get you thinking in the target language.
Prepare your device and clear your space from distractions.
Take a deep breath and give your entire focus to your test.