How are responses in the Speaking section generally recorded?

Responses in the Speaking section of the exam are typically recorded using audio technology. This method allows examiners to listen to the responses carefully and provide accurate assessments based on the candidate's oral performance. Audio recordings capture the nuances of speech, including pronunciation, fluency, and intonation, which are crucial for evaluating language proficiency. After the exam, the recordings can be reviewed multiple times, ensuring that examiners can assess candidates' responses without missing important details.

Other options like video recording may not be used for all speaking assessments since video may not always provide a necessary benefit over audio, especially given that the focus is primarily on verbal communication. Written transcripts obviously imply a different mode of assessment that doesn’t capture the dynamics of spoken language. Live assessment is indeed part of the process during the exam, but it's the audio recording that becomes the basis for review and final scoring. Thus, the method of audio recording serves as a reliable tool to ensure evaluation fairness and accuracy.