ÖSD B1 Speaking Part 1 “Planning Something Together”: Structure, Assessment and Topics

In brief: In ÖSD B1 Speaking Part 1, you plan something from everyday life with another exam candidate. You receive a situation and four points to discuss. You talk about all the points, make suggestions, respond to your partner’s suggestions and reach a joint decision at the end. This part lasts about three minutes.

“Planning Something Together” is the first part of the oral examination, the Speaking module, of the ÖSD Certificate B1 (ZB1). It tests whether you can hold a real conversation: express your opinion, give reasons for it, listen and find a solution together with your partner. It is not a presentation but a dialogue.

The official ÖSD examination regulations state that in Part 1 candidates plan something together and that both should make suggestions and express their opinions. That is precisely the aim of this part of the exam.

Source: ÖSD, ÖSD Certificate B1 Sample Test – Speaking (PDF) and ZB1 Examination Regulations, version 10/2023 (PDF).

In brief: The Speaking module has three parts and lasts approximately 15 minutes when taken in pairs. Beforehand, you have 15 minutes to prepare on your own. A total of 100 points are available, 28 of which are awarded for Part 1.

The ÖSD Certificate B1 consists of four modules: Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking. You can take the modules separately or together. Each module is assessed individually.

Source: ÖSD, ZB1 Examination Regulations, version 10/2023 (PDF).

In brief: You prepare on your own for 15 minutes and take notes. In the exam room, you greet the examiners, after which the moderator explains the task. You then speak with your partner for about three minutes and make plans together.

The procedure in six steps

1. Preparation (15 minutes): You receive the task sheets for all three parts. You prepare alone, without your partner. Stamped paper is provided for notes.
2. Exam room: Two examiners are present. One leads the conversation (moderator), while the other primarily observes. The conversation is recorded for documentation purposes.
3. Introductory conversation: Greetings, identity check and a short conversation to help you relax. This part is not assessed.
4. Explanation of the task: The moderator briefly explains what you are expected to do in Part 1.
5. Conversation (approx. 2–3 minutes): You discuss all the points with your partner, make suggestions, respond and reach a joint decision.
6. Moving on to Part 2: Each candidate then presents their topic.

What if there is no partner?

In exceptional cases, there is an individual examination. In that case, one of the two examiners takes the role of your conversation partner in Part 1. The individual examination lasts approximately 10 minutes in total, while the preparation time remains 15 minutes.

In brief: The task sheet contains a short situation, instructions, a title and four points. The fifth point consists only of an ellipsis: “– …”. Here you can introduce your own idea.

The four elements of the task sheet

The “– …” point: your own idea

The last point is blank. This is an invitation to introduce a suitable question yourself, such as “Who will pay for it?”, “Who else can help?” or “What shall we do if it rains?”. Using this point shows that you actively contribute to the conversation.

In brief: Part 1 is worth a maximum of 28 out of 100 points in the Speaking module. Two examiners assess you independently and then agree on a joint assessment. You pass the Speaking module with 60 points or more.

How assessment works

• Each candidate individually: You and your partner are assessed separately. You receive your own score.
• Two examiners: Both examiners initially assess Parts 1 to 3 independently on individual assessment sheets. Immediately after the exam, they agree on a joint score.
• Fixed criteria: Assessment follows established criteria. Only specified point values may be awarded; intermediate scores are not permitted.
• Recording for verification: If the two assessments differ significantly, the examiners listen to the recording. In case of doubt, the person responsible for the examination makes the decision.
• Pronunciation: Pronunciation is worth 16 points, assessed across all three parts, including Part 1.

What the task requires of you

The ÖSD only publishes the detailed assessment criteria with all proficiency levels for licensed examiners. However, the task and examination regulations clearly state what matters in Part 1:

The article “Planning Something Together Dialogues: Pitfalls, Common Mistakes and Strategy”explains step by step how to meet these requirements during the conversation and what can cause you to lose points.

Points and grades in the Speaking module

Source: ÖSD, ZB1 Examination Regulations, version 10/2023 (PDF).

In brief: “Planning Something Together” always deals with a situation from adult everyday life: helping someone, organising a party, planning an excursion or a trip, or organising something in your building or course. You will almost always need to discuss time, place, things to bring and tasks to complete.

These questions come up almost every time

• When and where? Day, time, meeting place
• How to get there? Bus, train, car, bicycle
• What to take / bring? Food, drinks, gift, clothes, tools
• What to do? How to help? Programme, activities, tasks
• Who does what? Divide up the tasks
• How much does it cost? Who pays? – a good idea of your own for “– …”

In brief: This is how the beginning of a conversation in the style of ÖSD B1 Speaking Part 1 might sound. Both speakers make suggestions, give reasons, respond to each other and reach a decision. In the exam, you then discuss all the remaining points.

Situation: You have found a new room. A friend is helping you move. Point 1: “When and where?”

Candidate A: Stell dir vor, ich habe endlich ein neues Zimmer gefunden, und ich freue mich riesig! Ich schlage vor, dass wir am nächsten Samstag umziehen, weil ich dann frei habe. Kannst du mir helfen?
Candidate B: Wow, herzlichen Glückwunsch, und natürlich helfe ich dir gern! Das ist eine gute Idee, aber das geht leider nicht, weil ich an diesem Tag arbeiten muss. Ich schlage Freitagnachmittag vor, weil ich an diesem Tag frei habe. Passt dir das?
Candidate A: Kein Problem, das verstehe ich gut. Freitag ab 14 Uhr passt mir auch, dann machen wir das so. Wir treffen uns bei meiner alten Wohnung, weil dort alle Sachen stehen. Wie transportieren wir die Möbel?

In brief: If you know these points, there will be no surprises in ÖSD B1 Speaking Part 1.

• ✅ Part 1 is a dialogue, not a monologue. Both candidates should make suggestions and express their opinions.
• ✅ You have 15 minutes of preparation time for all three parts – allow about 5 minutes for Part 1.
• ✅ Notes: only keywords. During the exam, speak freely.
• ✅ Discuss all four points and the “– …” point with an idea of your own.
• ✅ Finish with a joint decision.
• ✅ Each candidate is assessed individually by two examiners.
• ✅ Part 1 is worth 28 out of 100 points. You pass the module with 60 points or more.