ИСТИНА

Language tests are very common today and used frequently in nearly every part of the world.There are parts which are more objective with the task types and assessing criteria being set. And there are more subjective parts. The one that still arises many questions is speaking: what to test, how to test, and what is more important, how to evaluate the answer given. This presentation is devoted to key issues of testing speaking. It is aimed at analyzing contemporary approaches of testing speaking in the form of a monologue and a dialogue at different levels of language proficiency according to Common European Framework of References. It compares different international and national language examination (on the basis of the English language), providing information about the structure of the exams and formats of assessing speaking used. It also gives a profound analysis of the types of monologues and dialogues and the task types used to assess them. Specific attention is paid to macro and micro skills of speaking which form the basis of scales for grading these skills. The presentation is aimed at both language teachers who prepare students for various ESL or EFL tests and students themselves as it brings to light important macro and micro skills of speaking which should be taught in class prior to any examination.