Common Reasons Candidates Lose Marks (With Practical Examples)
If you are preparing for the NAATI CCL exam to gain 5 migration points for Australian PR, understanding how examiners assess your performance is just as important as practising dialogues.
NAATI does not publish a detailed public marking rubric. However, it clearly states that examiners mainly focus on:
-
Language quality (accuracy in English and the LOTE)
-
Appropriate register (correct level of formality and tone)
Based on examiner feedback and real exam outcomes, there are 12 major assessment areas where candidates commonly lose marks.
1. Major Omissions
Omissions occur when important information is left out during interpretation.
Example:
Original:
“I need to book an appointment for my child’s vaccination next Tuesday morning.”
Interpreted as:
“I need to book an appointment for my child.”
Missing details such as vaccination and next Tuesday morning changes the meaning and results in lost marks.
Common causes: unfamiliar vocabulary, weak note-taking, memory overload.
How to avoid: build exam vocabulary, improve note-taking, practise full dialogues.
2. Major Distortions
Distortions occur when information is interpreted incorrectly, changing the original meaning.
Example:
“Temporary visa” interpreted as “permanent visa”.
This completely alters the meaning and leads to significant mark loss.
How to avoid: strengthen terminology accuracy and practise meaning-based interpreting.
3. Unjustified Insertions
Insertions occur when extra information is added that was not spoken.
Example:
Speaker: “You must submit the application online.”
Interpreter adds: “You can also visit the office if you don’t have internet access.”
Although well-intentioned, the extra information was not stated.
How to avoid: interpret only what is said, without explanations.
4. Excessive Requests for Repetition
Repetition is allowed, but asking too often costs marks.
Multiple repetition requests in one dialogue indicate listening or comprehension issues.
How to avoid: use repetition only as a last resort and improve listening skills.
5. Inappropriate Register
Register refers to how formal or informal the language is.
Example:
Original: “Could you please let me know when it might be ready?”
Incorrect interpretation: “Tell me when it is ready.”
The tone becomes abrupt and unnatural.
How to avoid: practise polite, natural Australian English and match tone accurately.
6. Unidiomatic Language
Using expressions incorrectly makes language sound unnatural.
Example:
Incorrect: “Under the weather conditions”
Correct: “Under the weather”
How to avoid: learn idioms as fixed expressions and revise them regularly.
7. Incorrect Sentence Structure
Sentence structure errors often appear under exam pressure.
Incorrect examples:
“I explained already the problem.”
“She is working since five years.”
Correct versions:
“I already explained the problem.”
“She has been working for five years.”
How to avoid: practise sentence structure in realistic exam tasks.
8. Grammatical Errors
Grammar mistakes reduce clarity and accuracy.
Example:
Incorrect: “If you will submit late, there is a penalty.”
Correct: “If you submit late, there is a penalty.”
How to avoid: revise B2–C1 grammar and practise under timed conditions.
9. Unsatisfactory Pronunciation
You are not expected to sound Australian, but pronunciation must be clear.
Example:
Mispronouncing “appointment” so it sounds like “payment” causes confusion.
How to avoid: identify problem sounds and practise speaking aloud with recordings.
10. Excessive Pauses
Frequent long pauses interrupt flow and reduce confidence.
Example:
Breaking sentences with long gaps makes interpretation difficult to follow.
How to avoid: maintain steady pacing and practise under exam pressure.
11. Excessive Hesitations
Hesitation phrases reduce confidence and clarity.
Examples to avoid:
“I’m not sure, but…”
“I think he said…”
How to avoid: deliver confidently and trust your preparation.
12. Excessive Self-Corrections
Constant self-correction disrupts delivery.
Example:
“The appointment is on Thursday—sorry—Wednesday—no, Thursday afternoon.”
How to avoid: aim for accuracy the first time and avoid unnecessary corrections.
The NAATI CCL exam assesses accuracy, clarity, register, and delivery under pressure. Candidates who understand these criteria and practise accordingly significantly improve their chances of passing, even without perfect language skills.