Taking note of your G.B.C. score
The Communication of Information section is one of the easiest sections to score well on in English—if you already have these skills in your first language.
However, test takers often lose points here simply because they do not know what they are being tested on. You are tested on the logical flow and strength of your arguments.
Keep in mind that the G.B.C. scores are phrased in the negative, for example, “Did not produce timely responses.” But you can simply take out the negative language, and just think about the key word. In this case, “Producing timely responses."
Here are some ways to improve each of your communication of information scores.
Various types of logic
- Be mindful of the logic you use.
- Generally be straightforward, give a clear opinion, use strong evidence to back it up, and explain why it's relevant.
- Use some counterarguments.
- Use some evidence-first reasoning: present your evidence first and share the claim last.
Expanding on a point
- Basically, just keep talking.
- Don't jump from point to point too quickly.
- You can talk about the importance of the evidence.
- You can explain how it relates to a wider argument.
- You can use more supporting evidence.
Supporting evidence
- Use facts, examples, anecdotes, and make comparisons.
- Keep saying things that are true and that support your opinion.
- For practice, deep-dive this topic in Speaking Test Strategies lesson 3.
Clarity/ variety of expressions
- Avoid repeating the same phrases.
- Use a varied vocabulary to make ideas stand out.
- Use the business language you already have.
- If you notice that you overuse some phrases, ask your teacher for alternative ones.
Direct logic
- Use direct logic. Clearly lay out all the steps from your premise to your conclusion.
- Don’t assume that the listener will make connections.
- For more guidance, check out this guide to speaking with test assessors.
Defending a position
- Use specific examples to support your claims.
- Avoid broad, sweeping claims.
- Examiners may challenge your ideas. In most cases, it is best to directly counter the examiner’s point.
Transitional phrases
- Use transitional phrases to connect your ideas. For instance rather than just saying, "And", you can say, "On top of that."
- For practice, we have an entire course dedicated to transitional phrases.
Timely responses
- Respond to questions as soon as the question is asked.
- If you need time to think, you can use filler phrases.
- Say filler phrases slowly with strong intonation if you need more time to think.
- For practice, try Speaking Test Strategies lesson 6.
Incohesive discourse
- Each idea you use should come from your overall opinion.
- Each idea should lead logically to the next.
- Avoid rambling and jumping between ideas. Examiners are looking for logical delivery.
How do I improve?
Understand your weak points clearly. If you like, you can pick an aspect of the Communication of Information section that you find difficult and discuss it with your teacher.
If you can improve the logic and strength of your answers, then not only will your G.B.C. score go up, but you will also become a more powerful speaker in general.
Don't just practice for the G.B.C. in general, but focus on a specific point and keep practicing until it's perfect.