It is essential that a full speech sample is elicited in Paper 2 that is demonstrative of the candidate’s oral proficiency. In preparing to take ELPAC, candidates are encouraged to produce as much language as possible and it is made clear that it is the candidate’s responsibility to ′perform′. Candidates are reminded that in Tasks 1b and 2, it’s not the content of language that’s being assessed, but rather the quality of language they use to express themselves.

Candidates will have to demonstrate proficiency in:

• the appropriate use of standard ICAO phraseology
• switching between standard ICAO phraseology and plain English
• making an appropriate response to a pilot message
• resolving misunderstandings
• dealing effectively with the pilot/controller relationship
• negotiating a developing unusual situation
• making a verbal report in plain English 

And, in addition to be able to:

• give opinions*
• put forward arguments*
• evaluate* (advantages & disadvantages)
• speculate*
• hypothesise*
• produce extended speech in an aviation context*. 

*Candidates will not be assessed on what they think but on how well they can express themselves in English. 

It is important that candidates relax and speak as confidently as they can. It is the candidate′s responsibility to participate in the conversation to the best of their ability.


If a candidate does not take the test seriously and does not answer questions as fully as possible he/she may not achieve their potential level, because they did not demonstrate the level of language they are normally capable of producing.

Paper 2 Oral Interaction comprises three tasks or phases:

1.Task 1a is a non-visual interaction between an interlocutor (ATCO) playing the role of a pilot and the controller candidate.  Language proficiency in routine and non-routine communications should be demonstrated.

2.Task 1b, in a face-to-face situation, has the candidate give details of the unexpected event that took place in Task 1a to a "supervisor" played by the ATCO.

3.Task 2, with the aid of a photograph based on an aviation context, allows the candidate to demonstrate the full extent of their language proficiency. The ELE will interlocute this phase.
Duration of Paper 2 is approximately 20 minutes.

For an overview of Paper 2 (PowerPoint presentation) and a sample test (video) please go to www.elpacsample.info
 

There are two examiners - an experienced air traffic controller (ATCO) and an English language expert (ELE). Both will have received appropriate training in interlocuting and the assessment of language proficiency.