CCL repeats, clarification and self-correction: how to use them without losing marks

You can ask for one segment in each dialogue to be repeated without penalty. If you ask for more than one repeat in the same dialogue, the extra repeats attract a deduction. Unused repeats don't carry over to the second dialogue.

Because the dialogues are pre-recorded, a 'repeat' means the segment is played again exactly as before. It isn't a chance to ask what a word means — so don't plan to use it as a dictionary.

• Use it when you genuinely missed part of a segment — a burst of noise, a lapse of concentration, a long list you couldn't hold. A repeat is cheaper than an omission.
• Use it when a key number or name was unclear and getting it wrong would change the meaning.
• Don't use it for a single unfamiliar word you could paraphrase accurately.
• Don't spend it in the first segment out of nerves, unless you really missed something. Later segments are often longer and denser.

If you realise you've made a mistake, you can correct it. NAATI accepts this, and an accurate correction is far better than leaving an error in place. But correcting yourself often counts against delivery, and a messy correction can introduce new confusion.

A short, consistent correction phrase in each language helps. Decide on yours now and use it every time you practise so it comes out automatically under pressure.

NAATI asks candidates to start interpreting within about five seconds of the chime. That isn't long, but it's enough to glance at your notes and take a breath. What costs marks is a long silence followed by a rushed rendition, or stopping mid-sentence to think.

• Start with the part you're sure of — often the subject and main verb — and let the details follow.
• Avoid filler sounds while you think. A short silent pause sounds more professional than a long 'ummm'.
• If you need to restructure a sentence for your other language, plan the structure while the segment is still playing.

In real interpreting, you'd ask a speaker to clarify an ambiguous term. In the CCL, the speakers are recordings, so you can't have a conversation with them. Your options are the repeat (if you haven't used it) or your best accurate rendition. Paraphrasing an unknown term in plain language usually loses fewer marks than skipping it.

• Did I use my repeat? If so, was it for something I'd otherwise have lost?
• How many times did I correct myself, and were the corrections clean?
• Were there any segments where I waited much longer than five seconds to start?
• Did any correction or hesitation happen on a number, date or name — and do I need more drills there?

Write the answers down. Over a couple of weeks you'll see patterns that tell you exactly what to practise next.

1. Run each practice dialogue with the same rules as the test: one repeat, no pausing, start within five seconds.
2. Record yourself and count corrections. Aim to reduce them week by week.
3. Practise your correction phrase in both languages until it's automatic.
4. When you miss something, note why — length, numbers, a term — and target that in your next session.

XINGO's CCL practice lets you interpret CCL-style dialogues with two AI speakers who respond only to what you actually say — closer to test pressure than reading a script on your own. After an assessed attempt you'll see feedback on accuracy, fluency and delivery, including where hesitation or corrections pulled your score down.