Hi, I'm Grant from Kōjō Communication Academy.
Over the years, I've helped hundreds of learners prepare for the Versant English Test, and I've seen the same mistakes pop up again and again — even among strong English speakers.
The good news? Most of these mistakes are completely avoidable once you understand how the test really works.
Versant isn't about being perfect. It's about being clear, natural, and confident — just like when you're speaking to someone in real life.
So let's look at the ten most common mistakes test-takers make — and what you can do instead to boost your score and sound your best.
⚡ 1. Speaking too slowly or carefully
Many learners think "slow and careful" equals good English — but in Versant, it can actually lower your fluency score.
The AI values smooth, natural rhythm.
✅ Try this: Focus on steady pacing and natural flow. A few small grammar slips won't hurt your score nearly as much as broken rhythm.
⏸️ 2. Pausing too long or staying silent
Silence is your biggest enemy. If you stop for too long, the system assumes you've finished speaking — even if you just needed more time to think.
✅ Try this: If you miss a word or get stuck, keep talking. A confident, partial answer is always better than silence.
📚 3. Over-focusing on grammar
Of course, grammar matters — but not at the cost of sounding stiff or robotic.
✅ Try this: Think "communication first." Focus on expressing your ideas clearly rather than forming a textbook-perfect sentence.
🔁 4. Repeating or restarting sentences
Many learners restart as soon as they make a mistake, which completely breaks fluency.
✅ Try this: Keep going. Correct yourself naturally within the flow, like you would in a real conversation.
🎵 5. Speaking in a flat or monotone voice
Versant listens for rhythm and intonation — not just words. A flat voice sounds unnatural and can reduce your pronunciation score.
✅ Try this: Listen to native speakers and mimic their melody. You don't need to sound like an actor — just add natural tone and energy.
👂 6. Not listening carefully before answering
It's easy to panic and start guessing too soon. But in parts like C and D, missing one key detail (a name, place, or reason) can change your whole answer.
✅ Try this: Listen fully before speaking. Focus on who, what, where, and why — those clues are always in the recording.
🗣️ 7. Giving incomplete answers in Part C & D
This one's common: learners give short answers such as "At the park."
✅ Try this: Always respond in one full, clear sentence — e.g.,
❌ "At the park."
✅ "The celebration took place at the park."
That one small change can boost both your grammar and fluency scores instantly.
⏰ 8. Speaking too briefly in Part E and F
These are your chance to show full communication ability — not just short replies.
✅ Try this:
- Part E (Story Retelling): Speak for 25–30 seconds, covering the main characters, setting, actions, and ending.
- Part F (Open Response): Aim for around 35-40 seconds, giving reasons, examples, and clear opinions.
If you only speak for 10-15 seconds, you're not giving the AI enough data to judge your fluency or structure.
🗣️ 9. Ignoring pronunciation and rhythm
Even if your grammar is perfect, unclear pronunciation or unnatural rhythm can lower your score.
✅ Try this: Record yourself speaking and listen back. Are your key sounds clear? Are your words evenly paced? Practise daily using Versant Pro Trainer and listen to your recordings on the review page.
💻 10. Not practising under real test conditions
This one's big — and it's why so many people underperform. They've studied English, sure… but they've never trained for the test itself.
✅ Try this:
Use Versant Pro Trainer's Mock Test Mode. It matches the same format, number of questions, and one-play audio rule as the real test.
This helps you get used to the flow and pressure of the real test, so when exam day comes, you'll feel calm and in control.
💬 Bonus: The "Perfection Trap"
One of the biggest issues I've seen (especially with Japanese learners) is believing that only a perfect answer scores points.
In reality, Versant rewards natural communication, not perfection.
✅ Try this: Say something confidently — even if it's not 100% right. A confident 90% answer will always score better than silence.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Remember — Versant isn't judging you like an old-fashioned grammar teacher.
It's measuring how naturally and effectively you can communicate in real time.
Every time you practise, you're not just "preparing for a test" — you're training your ear, your fluency, and your confidence to use English more naturally.
So speak up, stay consistent, and don't chase perfection.
Progress, not perfection, is what gets you that higher score.
You've got this. 💪
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Start Free TrialGrant Prentice
Founder, Kōjō Communication Academy
Grant is a native English speaker from the UK with over 20 years of experience in business English training and Versant test preparation. He's helped thousands of professionals improve their communication skills and achieve their career goals.