Examiners look at several aspects of vocabulary:
· the range and variety of vocabulary, (i.e., how well the candidate can use words from the simple, everyday level up to the 'expert' level when talking about different topics; how much the candidate can display an accurate and appropriate usage of idiomatic expressions; and how much the candidate speaks a variety of words which express the same idea, rather than repeating the same word several times.)
· the suitability, or appropriacy of the words that are used, and the accuracy of meaning that is expressed by the words used. Some candidates try to impress the examiner by using so-called 'big' or 'impressive' words but they use these words inappropriately or incorrectly. You will lose points for this - you would do better if you only spoke simpler words but ones that you know are suitable and correct. The reason is that communication is the number one goal – if you use words inappropriately or incorrectly then the examiner might have no real idea of your meaning. On the other hand, you will get points if you use 'impressive' vocabulary appropriately and show that you know the exact meaning of these words.
· the candidate’s ability to talk about unfamiliar topics;
· the candidate’s ability to use idiomatic expressions;
· and the candidate’s ability to explain a meaning when he or she doesn’t know (or forgets) the exact word to use. This is called 'paraphrasing'.
