GEPT English Speaking Test Guide | Taiwan LTTC Prep & Tips

Try a Picture Description Prompt

In Part 3 of the GEPT Intermediate Speaking test, you must describe a picture in detail. Here is a realistic practice candidate card.

Part 3: Picture Description (Intermediate Level)

Scenario: Visual Interpretation Task
"You are shown a colour picture of a crowded train station platform. Several passengers are looking at the departure board, while a family is sitting on suitcases..."

You have 30 seconds to prepare. In your 1.5-minute recording, you must:

Describe the main subjects and what they are doing in the foreground.
Describe the setting and the background elements (e.g. clocks, signs).
Speculate on where the passengers are planning to travel and how they are feeling.
Answer the follow-up prompt: "Do you prefer travelling by train or by plane? Explain why."

Speaking Test Structure

The computer-delivered speaking component takes approximately 15 minutes. Responses are recorded in a single automated session.

Part 1: Reading Aloud

2 Minutes Prep | 2 Minutes Recording

You read two short, natural passages (about 100-120 words each) displayed on the computer screen. This section tests clear articulation, linking, and rhythm.

Pro Tip: Do not rush! Speak at a steady conversational pace, pausing clearly at full stops and raising your tone slightly at commas to show excellent punctuation control.

Part 2: Spontaneous Q&A

10 Questions | 15s to 30s per answer

You hear 10 short questions read aloud through your headset. You must answer immediately without any preparation time, testing spontaneous interactive ability.

Pro Tip: Start speaking immediately! Even a simple filler phrase like "Well, in my view..." gives you two seconds to formulate a rich compound sentence.

Part 3: Picture Description & Discussion

30s Prep | 90s Speech

You see a picture prompt on the screen. You have 30 seconds to analyse the scenario, and then 90 seconds to describe the details and express your preferences.

Pro Tip: Use present continuous for actions (e.g. "is checking", "are waiting"). Spend the final 30 seconds answering the personal question to secure high content marks.

Watch a GEPT Test Walkthrough

Watch a computerized GEPT intermediate speaking test walkthrough to familiarise yourself with the lab layout and pacing.

What are examiners listening for?

1. Pronunciation & Natural Syllable Stress

Are your vowels clear and consonants distinct? Correct syllable stress and intonation in the reading part are heavily weighted.
2. Grammatical range & Accuracy

Show correct tense agreement, proper subject-verb coordination, and clear conditional clauses in the Q&A section.
3. Vocabulary Richness

Avoid simple descriptors. Use specific action verbs, adjectives, and expressions suitable for academic and social communication.
4. Flow & Response Coherence

Avoid long, silent gaps. Keep your speech flowing at a consistent rate, linking sentences with clear transition markers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GEPT English exam?

GEPT (General English Proficiency Test) is a standardized language exam developed by the LTTC in Taiwan. It is widely taken by high school students and working professionals for graduation and job applications.

How is the GEPT Speaking test conducted?

It is a computer-delivered test. Candidates wear a headset with a microphone in a language laboratory and record their responses to audio and visual prompts.

What are the three parts of the GEPT Spoken test?

The test consists of Part 1 (Reading Aloud), Part 2 (Short Question & Answer), and Part 3 (Picture Description).

GEPT English Speaking

Who is this exam for?