Introduction to LPAT Speaking

Introduction to LPAT Speaking is a 12 hour training course. It is intensive and focused on the LPAT reading aloud and presentation task and is suitable for any candidate, from a first time candidate who speaks English as a second language to native speakers of English.

What you’ll do

  • ✺

    We introduce the concept of the critical feature. We discuss using recordings.

  • ✺

    Work with Mr May to identify and correct systematic errors in your English pronunciation.

  • ✺

    Learn and apply sense grouping to ensure correct intonation and accurate creation of meaning.

  • ✺

    Use authentic native speaker recordings to learn about stress, intonation and reading aloud with meaning.

  • ✺

    Work with annotated scripts and recordings of your own reading aloud.

  • ✺

    Learn about and practice syllable to syllable linking of sounds (liaison).

  • ✺

    Learn how to decode and pronounce unfamiliar words in a systematic and effective way.

  • ✺

    Practice structuring a presentation in response to a prompt.

  • ✺

    Review and practice using shared experiences and other text types to create grammatical and lexical range.

Prospectus

  • Session 1

    We introduce the notion of pronunciation, stress and intonation, and the idea of the critical feature. We talk about preparing our first reading aloud task based on this knowledge.

  • Session 2

    We discuss the three features of intonation: grouping, tone and linking. We review a reading aloud performance and discuss how to prepare a presentation.

  • Session 3

    We talk about the idea of the syllable and he CVC system. We introduce the notion of syllable stress.

  • Session 4

    We explore the idea of dealing with unfamiliar words using a logical decoding strategy based on knowledge of CVC and stress.

  • Session 5

    We discuss and practice voicing, and consider how it often represents a systematic error.

  • Session 6

    We discuss the “th” sounds, and look at these consonant sounds in both the onset and coda.

  • Session 7

    We look at “s” and “-ed” sounds in the syllable coda.

  • Session 8

    We introduce the notion of vowel length, and incorporate it into our decoding practice.

  • Session 9

    We look at the sibilant sounds and discuss their role in systematic errors.

  • Session 10

    We discuss clusters of consonants in both onset and coda, and incorporate this knowledge into our decoding.

  • Session 11

    We discuss how to handle non-English words in a reading aloud script.

  • Session 12

    We reflect on the work we have done. In light of the knowledge we have gained about pronunciation, stress and intonation, and structuring presentations, we consider our strengths and weaknesses.

✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • This is the sounds of English, including 24 vowels and 20 consonants, consonant clusters, glides and the effects of voicing.

  • Stress is the strengthening or weakening of a syllable sound. This is a critical feature. An associated concept is the idea of strong and weak forms.

  • This is the breaking of an utterance into pieces (“sense groups”), with the use of linking among the syllables of the group, and with one of four tones applied at the end of the group.

  • You are expected to read the text in a way that tells a story. You should convey mood, atmosphere, emotions and relationships with the way you read.

  • This is an error that, in the markers opinion, is characteristic of the way you speak English. For example, many Hong Kongers have trouble with the “th” sound and pronounce it more like a “d” sound.

  • International Phonetic Alphabet is a useful, but not required, skill. Your trainer will use some IPA symbols; however, these will be thoroughly explained to you.

    Prior experience of IPA would definitely be an advantage; however, it is possible to do very well in this exam without knowing any IPA at all.

  • In this case, we will complete the self study tasks together, during the training. This usually means it will take quite a bit longer than 12 one hour sessions to complete the entire programme.

  • Mr May holds an undergraduate degree in linguistics and several post-graduate qualifications in English language teaching and linguistics.

  • Mr May has been helping people prepare for LPAT since 2003. He typically works with about 15 to 20 people each year.

    Incidentally, Mr May himself attended the LPAT exam in 2003 and achieved scores of ‘5’ in all parts of the assessment.

  • Our LPAT trainer, Mr May, is based in New Zealand. Because of this, all LPAT training is conducted online using Zoom.

  • That depends on a number of factors. We recommend that you contact Fiona, our office manager. She will arrange for you to go through our custom assessment process so we can give you an estimate of where you are and where you need to be.

Book an Assessment.

Before beginning training for the LPAT Speaking exam, we strongly recommend, though do not insist, that applicants complete our LPAT Speaking assessment. This provides important benchmark and proficiency information that will allow our LPAT trainer, Mr May, to optimise the 12 week programme so that you make the best possible progress.

This assessment consists of a 30 minute Zoom meeting with Mr May.

There is a charge of HKD100 for this assessment. You can book this assessment online using the booking tool at the right, and paying by credit card, or by calling Ms Li at 5282-0157 to make other arrangements.