LanguageCert Academic Speaking Part 4: Presentation | Complete Guide

What is LanguageCert Academic Speaking Part 4: Presentation?

Part 4 is the final and most challenging part of the LanguageCert Academic Speaking section. You are given a stimulus (topic/question) and must prepare and deliver a 2-minute presentation on an academic subject. Afterward, you’ll answer follow-up questions from the examiner.

This task assesses your ability to:

• Organise and present ideas coherently
• Speak at length on an academic topic
• Use appropriate vocabulary and grammar
• Respond to questions about your presentation

Task Format

Presentation Structure

Use a clear three-part structure:

1. Introduction (15-20 seconds)

• State the topic
• Give your position or preview your main points
• Engage the examiner

2. Body (80-100 seconds)

• Present 2-3 main points
• Support each point with explanation or example
• Use transitions between points

3. Conclusion (15-20 seconds)

• Summarise your main points
• State your final position
• End clearly

Sample Structure Template

Introduction:

“The topic I’d like to discuss today is [topic]. This is particularly relevant because [reason]. In my presentation, I’ll cover [point 1], [point 2], and [point 3].”

Body Point 1:

“Firstly, [main point]. This is important because [explanation]. For example, [specific example].”

Body Point 2:

“Moving on to my second point, [main point]. [Explanation]. We can see this in [example].”

Body Point 3:

“Finally, I’d like to address [main point]. [Explanation]. This demonstrates that [conclusion of point].”

Conclusion:

“To summarise, I’ve discussed [brief recap]. In conclusion, I believe that [final statement]. Thank you for listening.”

Key Strategies

1. Use Your 1-Minute Preparation Effectively

Quick planning system:

1. 10 seconds: Read and understand the topic
2. 30 seconds: Brainstorm 3 main points + 1 example each
3. 20 seconds: Note your introduction and conclusion

Note format:

Topic: [key word]
Intro: [hook]
1. [Point] - [Example]
2. [Point] - [Example]
3. [Point] - [Example]
Conc: [Final thought]

2. Generate Ideas Quickly

If you’re stuck, think about the topic from different angles:

• Personal experience: “In my own experience…”
• General observation: “It’s commonly observed that…”
• Cause and effect: “This leads to…”
• Comparison: “Compared to…”
• Statistics (general): “Studies suggest that…”
• Future implications: “This could result in…”

3. Use Signposting Language

For structure:

• “I’d like to begin by…”
• “Let me start with…”
• “Moving on to my next point…”
• “This brings me to…”
• “Finally, I want to mention…”
• “To conclude…”

For adding ideas:

• “Furthermore…”
• “In addition…”
• “Another important aspect is…”
• “It’s also worth noting that…”

For examples:

• “For instance…”
• “A good example of this is…”
• “This can be seen in…”
• “To illustrate…”

4. Speak for the Full 2 Minutes

Running out of things to say? Try:

• Adding another example
• Discussing the opposite view
• Talking about future implications
• Relating it to your personal experience
• Expanding on a previous point

5. Handle Follow-up Questions Confidently

After your presentation:

• Listen carefully to the question
• Take a brief moment to think
• Connect your answer to your presentation
• Give developed responses, not one-word answers

Common follow-up question types:

• “Can you expand on [point you made]?”
• “What do you think about [opposing view]?”
• “Do you have any personal experience with this?”
• “How might this change in the future?”

Sample Topic and Response

Stimulus:

“Technology has made communication easier but relationships weaker. Discuss this statement.”

Sample Presentation:

Introduction:

“The relationship between technology and human connection is a fascinating topic that I’d like to explore today. While some argue that digital communication has weakened our relationships, I believe the situation is more complex. I’ll discuss three aspects: the accessibility technology provides, the quality of digital interactions, and how we can use technology mindfully.”

Body:

“Firstly, technology has made communication remarkably accessible. We can now maintain relationships across continents instantly, whether through video calls with family abroad or messaging friends in different time zones. This was simply impossible a few decades ago.

However, my second point acknowledges the concerns. The quality of digital interactions can sometimes be shallow. Endless scrolling through social media updates doesn’t equal genuine conversation. Face-to-face communication offers non-verbal cues and depth that texting cannot replicate.

This leads to my final point: mindful technology use. The key isn’t abandoning technology but using it intentionally. Video calls are better than texts for important conversations. Setting phone-free times with family creates space for deeper connection. Technology is a tool, and like any tool, its impact depends on how we use it.”

Conclusion:

“To summarise, while technology has changed how we communicate, it hasn’t necessarily weakened relationships—it has transformed them. By using digital tools thoughtfully and prioritising meaningful interactions, we can enjoy the benefits of connectivity while maintaining strong personal relationships. The responsibility lies with us as users.”

Scoring Criteria

Examiners assess:

1. Content & Organisation - Clear structure with developed ideas
2. Fluency - Smooth delivery with minimal hesitation
3. Vocabulary - Range and accuracy of word choice
4. Grammar - Variety and correctness of structures
5. Pronunciation - Clear speech with appropriate stress and intonation

Practice Tips

1. Practice with a timer - Get comfortable with 1-minute prep + 2-minute speaking
2. Record yourself and evaluate your structure and timing
3. Build topic vocabulary for common academic themes
4. Read opinion articles to see how arguments are structured
5. Practise brainstorming - give yourself random topics and generate ideas quickly
6. Do mock presentations with friends or family

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Speaking for less than 2 minutes
❌ Having no clear structure
❌ Reading directly from notes
❌ Giving a list without explanation or examples
❌ Speaking too fast due to nervousness
❌ Not concluding properly (just stopping)
❌ Giving short answers to follow-up questions

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