VSTEP English Speaking Test Guide | Vietnam National Prep

Try a VSTEP Topic Mind-Map

In Part 3 of the VSTEP Speaking test, you must develop a topic based on a provided mind-map outline. Here is a realistic practice candidate card.

Part 3: Topic Development (Mind-Map)

Theme: Benefits of Studying Online
"You are given a mind-map topic card with three pre-defined sub-points and a blank node for your own ideas..."

You have 3 minutes to prepare. In your 3-minute speech, you must:

Explain the central concept: "Online learning has several major advantages."
Discuss the first sub-point: **Flexibility & Schedule convenience**.
Discuss the second sub-point: **Cost-efficiency (traveling and materials)**.
Develop your own sub-point: **Personalised learning pace**.
Answer the follow-up prompt: "Do you think virtual universities will replace traditional classrooms in Vietnam? Why?"

Speaking Test Structure

The computer-delivered speaking component takes exactly 12 minutes. Candidates must record their responses to three distinct tasks.

Part 1: Social Interaction

3 Minutes Speak | No Prep

You answer six spontaneous questions on two simple everyday topics (three questions each), such as your family, sports, hobbies, or holidays.

Pro Tip: Answer immediately! Since there is no preparation time, deliver a complete 2-3 sentence answer for each question without hesitating.

Part 2: Solution Discussion

3 Minutes Prep | 2 Minutes Speak

You are given a scenario and three options. You must select the best solution, explain your reasons, and justify why you rejected the other two options.

Pro Tip: Use comparative vocabulary! Structure your response by stating your choice immediately, then explain the clear disadvantages of the options you rejected.

Part 3: Topic Development

3 Minutes Prep | 3 Minutes Speak

You develop an academic topic using a structured mind-map prompt. You must explain each point and answer follow-up questions from the computer.

Pro Tip: Signpost your presentation! Connect your ideas smoothly using transitions like "firstly", "in addition", and "as a result" to secure high coherence scores.

Watch a VSTEP Test Example

Watch an example of a VSTEP speaking test tutorial to observe the structural requirements and test format.

What are examiners listening for?

1. Pronunciation & Fluency

Speak clearly with a natural conversational flow. Avoid long, silent pauses and pay close attention to correct sentence stress.
2. Grammatical Accuracy & Complexity

Show comfortable use of compound sentences, appropriate tenses, and correct prepositional structures across all three tasks.
3. Lexical Diversity

Use a diverse range of vocabulary, descriptive adjectives, and relevant academic collocations to explain your viewpoints.
4. Cohesion & Task Achievement

Did you justify your solution choice in Part 2 and develop all points on the mind-map card in Part 3? Task completeness is crucial.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the VSTEP English exam?

VSTEP (Vietnamese Standardized Test of English Proficiency) is the official national English exam in Vietnam, widely used for university graduation and civil servant qualifications.

How is the VSTEP Speaking test conducted?

It is a computer-delivered exam. Candidates wear a headset with a microphone and record their responses to audio and visual prompts displayed on a screen.

What are the three parts of VSTEP Speaking?

The test consists of Part 1 (Social Interaction), Part 2 (Solution Discussion), and Part 3 (Topic Development).

VSTEP English Speaking

Who is this exam for?