By Vahid Alaghehband
A speaking rubric assesses spoken English with clear criteria and performance levels. This one uses 4 criteria (fluency and coherence, grammar and vocabulary, pronunciation and interaction) with 4 levels each, inspired by the CEFR qualitative aspects of spoken language use. Below you'll find 10 role plays by level to use it in class.
Assessing speaking is the hardest part of an English class: many students, little time and grades that depend on a quick impression. A simple rubric and a good role play change that.
What is a speaking rubric?
It's a table with the criteria you assess when a student speaks and a description of each performance level. It makes assessment fair and consistent, shows students what to improve and replaces a single grade with specific feedback. The CEFR describes spoken language with aspects such as range, accuracy, fluency, interaction and coherence; this rubric groups them into four criteria that are easy to use in class.
Speaking rubric (4 criteria)
| Criterion | 4 · Excellent | 3 · Achieved | 2 · Developing | 1 · Beginning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fluency and coherence | Speaks at a natural pace and links ideas (first, then, because, however). | Some pauses, but easy to follow; links ideas with simple connectors. | Frequent pauses; ideas come out as separate pieces. | Isolated words or phrases; needs a lot of help. |
| Grammar and vocabulary | Varied structures and vocabulary for the level, with few errors that don't block meaning. | Uses the level's structures with errors that hardly affect the message. | Basic structures; errors sometimes make it hard to understand. | Constant errors or very limited vocabulary; the message is lost. |
| Pronunciation | Easy to understand; stress and intonation support the message. | Understood almost all the time, though some sounds are hard. | The listener has to make an effort with several words. | Pronunciation blocks the message. |
| Interaction | Starts, answers, asks and keeps the conversation going naturally. | Answers and asks simple questions to keep talking. | Answers with short phrases and relies on the partner. | Finds it hard to answer, even with help. |
Original HelloVozi rubric. Adjust it to the course level: a "4" at A2 is not the same as a "4" at B2. Feel free to copy and adapt it.
How to assess speaking in a class of 30
- Assess two criteria per activity, not all four at once.
- Work in pairs or groups of three and rotate.
- Use peer assessment with the same rubric.
- Record short audios to review later.
- Give each student one thing to improve, with the correct sentence.
10 role plays for the English class, by level
| Level | Role play | Communicative goal |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | At the café | Order a drink and a snack, and ask the price. |
| A1 | New classmate | Introduce yourself and ask three simple personal questions. |
| A2 | At the bus station | Buy a ticket and ask for the departure time. |
| A2 | Lost in the city | Ask for and understand directions. |
| A2–B1 | At the hotel | Check in and ask about the room. |
| B1 | Returning a product | Explain the problem and ask for an exchange or refund. |
| B1 | Weekend plans | Suggest plans, compare options and agree. |
| B1–B2 | Job interview | Present your experience and answer with examples. |
| B2 | Order complaint | Complain politely and negotiate a solution. |
| B2 | Class debate | Defend a position (for example, school uniforms) and respond to another. |
How to write a role play card
A good card has three parts: the scene, each student's role with the information they know, and two or three goals you can check by listening. For example: You arrive at a hotel with a reservation for two nights. Goals: give your booking number, ask for your room number and ask what time breakfast is.
From the classroom to practice at home
In class, each student speaks for only a few minutes. Vozi Missions follows the same logic: a scene, a role and goals; at the end the student sees which goals they met, with their own sentences, and one thing to improve. With HelloVozi for schools, teachers assign missions and other tasks with a due date and see who completed them and their feedback. HelloVozi doesn't turn practice into a grade: the rubric and the grade stay with the teacher.
Bring speaking practice to your whole school
With HelloVozi for schools, each teacher assigns conversation, grammar, mission, spelling or exam tasks with a due date and sees who completed them and their feedback. Coordinators follow every course in one dashboard.
Explore HelloVozi for schools →Read next: AI for English teachers and English conversation topics.
Frequently asked questions
What criteria are used to assess speaking?
Fluency and coherence, grammar and vocabulary, pronunciation and interaction, based on the CEFR's qualitative aspects of spoken language.
How do you assess speaking in a large class?
Assess two criteria per activity, use rotating pairs or groups, add peer assessment and record short audios to review later.
Does HelloVozi grade students?
No. HelloVozi records practice and feedback as evidence for the teacher; the rubric and the grade stay with the teacher.
