1 MIN PREPARATION
3–4 MIN SPEAKING
3 CORE STAGES
NO SCRIPT

Your task: comment analytically on a current socio-political event from the examination ticket. Move beyond retelling: explain what happened, why it matters, and what is likely to follow.

THE ANALYTICAL FRAMEWORK

EVENT → CONTEXT / CAUSE → SIGNIFICANCE → IMPLICATION → EVIDENCE / WHY

01 INTRODUCTION — WHAT HAS HAPPENED? ≈ 30 sec

KEY QUESTION
What happened, and what is the essential background?

FOCUS
Give only the details needed to understand the event. Briefly indicate its cause or context and whether it was surprising, unprecedented, expected, or part of a wider pattern.

POSSIBLE LENSES
What caused the event? Is it surprising? Unprecedented? Was it to be expected? Is it one among other similar events? The result of…?

USEFUL LANGUAGE

  • The event was triggered by / resulted from
  • It came against the backdrop of
  • The development was widely expected / came as a surprise
  • It can be seen as part of a broader trend towards
  • It follows / stems from / is the result of
  • Although the development was widely anticipated,
  • The development is notable because

02 SIGNIFICANCE — WHY DOES IT MATTER? ≈ 1 min

KEY QUESTION
What does the event demonstrate?

FOCUS
Interpret the event. Explain what it reveals about actors, policy, political will, alliances, trends or the international environment.

Use PRESENT tenses.

POSSIBLE LENSES
political will • strategic shift • unity/division • multilateralism/unilateralism • balance of power • diplomatic opportunity • pressure/constraints

USEFUL LANGUAGE

  • The event is of major / symbolic / profound importance because
  • It highlights a trend / pivot towards
  • It signals a commitment / willingness / reluctance to
  • It testifies to the inability / political will to
  • It lays the groundwork for
  • It solidifies
  • It perpetuates

03 IMPLICATIONS — WHAT IS LIKELY TO HAPPEN? ≈ 2 min

KEY QUESTION
What consequences are likely for the country, region, world and Russia?

FOCUS
Make evidence-based predictions. Do not merely list possible outcomes.

Use FUTURE forms and the language of probability; explain WHY each consequence is plausible.

ORDER
COUNTRY → REGION → WORLD → RUSSIA

POSSIBLE LENSES

USEFUL LANGUAGE

  • This is likely / unlikely to … / is bound to
  • Domestically, it may exacerbate tensions / relaunch negotiations
  • Regionally, it could rebalance power / escalate the conflict
  • Globally, it may reconfigure the geopolitical landscape / undermine stability
  • For Russia, this may lead to / make it more likely that

For each level: consequence + probability + reason/evidence.

COUNTRY

domestic stability • governance • unrest • negotiations • regime/policy change

REGION

regional stability • balance of power • escalation • alliances • spillover

GLOBAL

global stability • institutions • arms race • geopolitical landscape • wider tensions

RUSSIA

policy response • sanctions/restrictions • strategic interests • influence • position

SIGNPOST YOUR COMMENTARY

OPEN

The event I would like to comment on concerns …

SIGNIFICANCE

What makes this development particularly significant is …

IMPLICATIONS

Turning to the likely implications, …

LOGIC

This is likely because … / This, in turn, may …

LANGUAGE BANK

SIGNIFICANCE

  • manifest a desire to …
  • underscore willingness / reluctance …
  • mark a step forward in …
  • Its significance lies primarily in …
  • The development highlights / underscores / signals …
  • lays the groundwork for …
  • solidifies unity / resolve / determination to …
  • fosters the development / emergence of …

INTERPRETATION

  • It can be seen as an attempt to …
  • It may be interpreted as evidence of …
  • It may be interpreted as an attempt to weaponize …
  • This suggests a broader shift towards / away from …

PROBABILITY

  • is likely / unlikely to …
  • will probably …
  • may / might / could …
  • is almost certain / bound to …
  • is expected to …
  • remains contingent on …

EVIDENCE & CAUTION

  • as a result / consequently …
  • given that …
  • this may, in turn, …
  • which could ultimately lead to …
  • This is particularly likely because …
  • The immediate impact should not be overstated.
  • Much will depend on …
  • At this stage, it is too early to conclude that …

COUNTRY

  • cause unrest / violence
  • exacerbate / aggravate tensions
  • bring about regime change
  • relaunch negotiations

REGION

  • have an adverse / positive effect
  • rebalance power
  • plunge the region into …
  • escalate into a full-scale conflict

GLOBAL

  • trigger a new arms race
  • subvert international institutions
  • reconfigure the geopolitical landscape
  • spill over into other spheres

RUSSIA

  • is not likely to cave in to/ back down under pressure
  • impose restrictions on/ toughen sanctions
  • expand zone of influence/ defy court’s ruling…

COMMON ASSESSMENT PITFALLS

STRUCTURE −10–20%
Missing section / unclear structure
ANALYSIS −25–35%
Insufficient analysis, evaluation, issue knowledge or convincing argumentation
RELEVANCE −50%
Complete mismatch with the task; no analysis / issue knowledge
LOGIC −5%
Logical error
TIME −5–10%
Failure to meet the time requirement
LANGUAGE & DELIVERY
Inadequate lexico-grammar; weak intonation / unnatural pace
TOO MUCH BACKGROUNDKeep the introduction to essential facts; analysis must dominate.
DESCRIPTION INSTEAD OF ANALYSISAfter every major fact, ask: What does this demonstrate? Why does it matter?
A LIST OF CONSEQUENCESPrioritise likely implications and explain why they may occur.
UNSUPPORTED CERTAINTYUse calibrated probability: likely, may, could, unlikely, contingent on.

1-MINUTE PREPARATION PLAN

0–15 sec
EVENT
What happened?
15–30 sec
WHY?
Cause / background
30–45 sec
SO WHAT?
2–3 significance points
45–60 sec
WHAT NEXT?
4 implications + why

KEY PRINCIPLE: Do not just tell the listener WHAT happened. Explain WHY it matters and WHAT it may lead to.




НЕПОДГОТОВЛЕННОЕ МОНОЛОГИЧЕСКОЕ ВЫСКАЗЫВАНИЕ

Аналитический комментарий текущего общественно-политического  или  социально-культурного события  представляет собой неподготовленное монологическое высказывание, в котором предпринимается краткий анализ новостного события . Студент должен кратко описать суть происходящего, раскрыть возможные причины, приведшие к сложившейся ситуации, и возможные последствия , прокомментировать включенность события в широкий ситуативный контекст, высказать его собственную оценку.

Время на подготовку – 1 мин.

Время выполнения     —  3- 4 мин.

При подготовке вести записи не разрешается

Данное задание проверяет уровень   умений  продуцировать  аргументированное, связное и логичное неподготовленное монологическое высказывание , содержащее элементы анализа и оценки.

оценка

отлично

а) высказывание структурировано, построено логично;
б) интерпретация события оригинальна и самостоятельна, предлагается многоаспектный анализ явления;
в) используются разнообразные грамматические,  лексические, стилистические средства выражения мысли; широко используется общественно-политическая лексика;
г) высказывание построено  с соблюдением грамматических, лексических и стилистических норм, (допускается не более двух ошибок);
д) общая логика высказывания и его смысловая цельность подкрепляются адекватным использованием языковых средств структурно-смысловой организации ( linking words)
е) студент высказывается в нормальном темпе речи,  высказывание имеет адекватное интонационное оформление.

хорошо

а) высказывание имеет нечеткую структуру, логика повествования в целом сохранена;

б) демонстрируется знание проблематики, предлагается многоаспектный анализ явления, тема достаточно раскрыта,

в) высказывание содержит небольшое количество  ошибок ( не более четырех);

г) используется ограниченный арсенал языковых средств выражения мысли; студент демонстрирует знание  общеполитической лексики;

д) общая  логика высказывания и его смысловая цельность подкрепляются адекватным использованием языковых средств структурно-смысловой организации ( linking words )

е) темп речи замедлен.

удовлетворительно

а) высказывание имеет нечеткую структуру, имеются нарушения логики, последовательности изложения;

б) интерпретация события поверхностна, превалируют общие рассуждения, студент демонстрирует незнание политических реалий; приводимые аргументы не всегда убедительны;

в) используется ограниченный арсенал языковых средств  выражения мысли;

г) языковые средства структурно-смысловой организации недостаточны/избыточны/неуместны;

д) темп речи замедлен

е) высказывание содержит не более шести ошибок.

неудовлетворительно

а) в высказывании нарушена логика, раскрытие темы вызывает затруднение; неясен аспект рассмотрения проблемы; превалируют общие рассуждения; отсутствуют элементы анализа и оценки

б) бедный словарный запас;

в) высказывание содержит более шести ошибок.

классификация ошибок

1. нарушение структуры: 10-20 %

( презентация события,  причины и/или краткая предыстория, оценка,  возможные последствия, включенность в широкий ситуативный контекст)

2. отсутствие  элементов анализа , оценки   события , знания проблематики: 25 – 50%     

3. несоответствие теме задания ,  отсутствие знания проблематики: 50%

4.высказываемые идеи не подкреплены в достаточной мере аргументами: 5% (каждый случай)

5. аргументация в целом недостаточная,  нечеткая, неубедительная: 5% (каждый случай)

6.отсутствие логики, противоречивость, неясность изложения и т.д.: 5% (каждый случай)

7. отсутствие связности: не употребляются лингвистические средства, используемые для этой цели: 5% (каждый случай)

8. подача информации: неправильно выбранная интонация , темп речи, несоблюдение временных  требований: 5 -10%

9. примитивная лексика и грамматика, несоответствующая уровню магистра: 10 – 20%    

КРИТЕРИИ НЕПОДГОТОВЛЕННОГО УСТНОГО КОММЕНТАРИЯ

Описание ошибкиВычитаемые баллы в %
1Структура. Отсутствует один из разделов, нечеткая структура10-20%
2Структура. Отсутствие средств текстовой связи (connectives, signposting),  отсутствие логики, противоречивость и неясность изложения. 5%
3Содержание. Частичное отсутствие элементов анализа, оценки события, знания проблематики. Недостаточная, нечеткая, неубедительная аргументация.25 -35%
4Содержание. Полное несоответствие теме задания, отсутствие анализа и знания проблематики      50%
5Логическая ошибка 5%
6Несоблюдение временных требований5-10%
7Лексико-грамматическое оформление: Неадекватность лексико-грамматическое средств (примитивная лексика и грамматика, несоответствие регистра, ошибки)3% каждая ошибка/ (10-20%)
8Неадекватное интонационное оформление; неестественный темп речи5%
Тип ошибкиКоличество штрафных баллов
/ (This word is not necessary)0,1
^ (Add (a) word(s))0,1
Sp (Spelling)0,1
P (Punctuation) 0,1
Art (Article)0,2
Prep (Preposition)0,2
Ww (Wrong word)0,5
Wo (Word order)0,5
Gr (Grammar)0,5
T (Tense)0,5
Str (Structure) 0,5
St (Style)0,3
Log (Logic) 0,5
M (Meaning)/ Sense(любая ошибка, которая делает предложение бессмысленным) 
1
INTRODUCTORY  SENTENCE = PRESENTATION OF THE EVENT  The EVENT
is happening/has happened /due to, as a result… etc

(Reference to causes or/and historical background is acceptable if necessary but should be limited to the absolutely  indispensable details —  mind the task and the number of words)
ASSESSMENT OF THE EVENT  
(the degree of importance,  the nature  of the event etc.)
The EVENT
1. SIGNIFICANT/ OF MINOR IMPORTANCE
2. EXPECTED/ UNEXPECTED = PREDICTABLE/ UNPREDICTABLE
3. REASONABLE/ DUE
4. GEOPOLITICAL CONTEXT/ SOCIO-ECONOMIC-SECURITY-CULTURAL ISSUES
—————————-
is of utmost importance/ of only   marginal importance/ is a result of…/ an achievement of…/  an attempt…/ shocking evidence…/a step…etc
strengthening bilateral relations/ reinforcing ties/ ties have deteriorated/  fighting an escalating conflict

GIVE YOUR ARGUMENTS
(Mind transitional phrases and linking words)
IMPLICATIONS AN INTRODUCTORY SENTENCE
1. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE COUNTRY
2. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE REGION
3. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE WORLD
4. IMPLICATIONS FOR RUSSIA

GIVE YOUR ARGUMENTS
(Mind transitional phrases and linking words)
CLOSING SENTENCEThus, …..
Sample

Hamas ‘ready’ to work with Palestinian authority in Gaza
Sample unprepared analytical commentary of the news
[Introduction]
On Sunday, September 17, 2017 Hamas, a Sunni fundamentalist group in control of Gaza, announced that it was ready to dissolve the administration that governs the Gaza Strip. The announcement came on the day when Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine, left for New York where he was to attend the United Nations General Assembly and later hold a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.
[Thesis]
This event is of the utmost importance and has a number of serious implications.
[Background]
Hamas seized power in Gaza in 2007, ousting Fatah after a brief civil war. Since the elections in 2006 and the establishment of the first Hamas-led government, the West has adopted the “West Bank first” approach aimed at isolating and stifling Hamas, while assisting the Palestinian National Authority. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is a matter of grave concern due to three wars between Hamas and Israel, the blockade by Israel and Egypt, as well as the pressure from Abbas. So far there have been several futile attempts to reconcile secular Fatah and Islamist Hamas. The situation is further complicated by Israel’s opposition to reconciliation, as Netanyahu insisted back in 2011 that there could either be peace with Israel, or with Hamas.
[Assessment]
The announcement is significant and has to be accepted with cautious optimism only, since previous attempts at reconciling Fatah and Hamas have failed. Nevertheless, it highlights Egypt’s role as a regional mediator, as the announcement is the result of Egyptian shuttle diplomacy. The Arab-Israeli conflict has been overshadowed by the events of the Arab Spring, leading to civil wars in Libya, Syria, Yemen and the fight against the Islamic State, so any steps taken by the parties may be considered an attempt to move the issue up the global agenda, especially given Trump’s visit to the Middle East in spring. What is more, according to opinion polls, Abbas is unpopular among Palestinians and has no clear successor, which may further complicate or even stall the reconciliation process. Finally, some may see it as the success of the West determined to force Hamas to relinquish control of Gaza, while there are others who dismiss the move as a political manoeuvre.
[Implications]
The announcement may be considered as an overdue attempt to relaunch the dialogue, which can have several implications. First of all, if there is enough political will on both sides, it may indeed pave the way for the establishment of the national unity government and alleviate the sufferings of Gazans. Secondly, this may strengthen the Palestinian position at the negotiating table with Israel, which continues its illegal settlement activity on the occupied territories. Such consolidation is of utmost importance since the U.S., Israel’s principal ally, insists that Palestinian statehood can only be achieved through bilateral negotiations with Israel, rather than Palestinians acting unilaterally through international fora, such as the UN. On the other hand, domestically, the move to restore unity is likely to result in a parliamentary election, which Hamas may well win in both Gaza and the West Bank. Hamas will aim to benefit politically from reconciliation, bidding for posts in the Palestinian government. This may stymie any attempts at relaunching the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations as neither the West nor Israel are prepared to negotiate with Hamas. Anyway, the military movement is likely to retain its control over the security of Gaza. The announcement also has implications for Russia, a member of the Middle East Quartet, which has an important role to play as a mediator. Russia has not rejected negotiations with Hamas, and it considers the intra-Palestinian reconciliation of utmost importance for resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict. In fact, Moscow welcomed the announcement; a few days later Hamas sent a high-level delegation to the Russian capital. Earlier this year, Russia hosted negotiations among various Palestinian representatives. If the reconciliation process begins, Russia’s role in regional affairs is likely to increase. 
[Conclusion]
To conclude, the announcement may be the first step towards reconciliation and thus lead to some initial measures to revive the Middle East peace process, but the success of the initiative largely depends on the non-violent outcome of the general election and the will of all the parties concerned to reach a compromise. Otherwise, the position of the Palestinians will be further undermined, with the viability of the two-state solution likely to be increasingly questioned in some quarters.Approximate time: 4 min.Sources