FCE SPEAKING EXAM

FCE

SPEAKING EXAM

Speaking Exam Overview

Duration: Approximately 14 minutes. Participants: Candidates interviewed in pairs. (In threes for the final session at a centre with an odd number of candidates). Two examiners are present. One examiner (the interlocutor) carries out the interviewer whilst the second (the assessor) focuses on the candidate’s performance. Format: There are four parts to the test.

FCE

SPEAKING EXAM

Part 1 Practice

Part 1 video

PART 1

Part 2 Practice

Part 2 Video

PART 2

Part 3 Video

PART 3

Part 3 Practice

Part 4 Practice

PART 4

Part 4 Video

PART 1

SPEAKING PART 1

Tests ability to: use language for social purposes, e.g. making introductions, answering questions about yourself. Part 1 of the FCE Speaking test lasts about 3 minutes. The examiner will ask some ‘getting-to-know-you’ questions perhaps to find out where you come from, your interests, your family or your studies etc.

Example Questions Q: Where are you from? Q: Tell me something about your family. Q: What did you enjoy most when you were at primary school? Q: Do you have any plans for a holiday this year? Q: Do you play any musical instruments?

Tip 1! Giving full answers to the examiner’s questions will help get the interview off to a good start. 1) Avoid giving short, uncommunicative replies. Q: Tell me something about your family. A: I live with my mum, dad and sister and brother. (Don’t stop there!) My sister’s younger than me and still goes to school. My brother works as a computer technician.

2) Avoid short, ‘yes’, ‘no’ answers to closed questions. (These are questions beginning ‘Have you …’, ‘Do you …’, ‘Is it …’ etc which can be answered simply with a yes or no answer). Q: Do you have any plans for a holiday this year? A: Yes. (Don’t stop there!) If I get the chance I’d like to visit my friend in Germany. We haven’t seen each other for a while and I’m really looking forward to seeing him and getting to know Germany. Q: Do you play any musical instruments? A: No. (Don’t stop there!) We had music lessons when I was at school but I was never very good.

3) Offer examples to help you explain a statement. Q: Why are you preparing for the FCE exam? A: No reason really. (Don’t stop there!) I enjoy learning English and I think it would be good to have a qualification to show my level.

Speaking part 1

It's your turn now

+ info

PART 2

Speaking Part 2

Part 2 of the FCE Speaking test lasts between 4 minutes (6 minutes for groups of three). The examiner gives you two photographs and your partner a different pair of photographs. You have to speak about your two photos without interruption for about 1 minute and also answer a question about your partner’s photographs when he or she has finished their long turn. Tests ability to: speak at length coherently, use language to describe, compare and contrast and comment upon a topic.

Example Task The interview will begin with the examiner saying something like: Q: In this part of the test I’m going to give each of you two photographs. I’d like you to talk about your photographs on your own for about 1 minute and also to answer a short question about your partner’s photographs. Q: (Candidate A), here are your photographs. They show people participating in sporting activities. Q: I’d like you to compare the two photographs and say why sport is important to people.

Notice there are TWO instructions here: first to ‘compare’ the two photographs and also ‘to say why’ sport is important to people. In Part 2 candidates need to show they can compare but also give an opinion.

The examiner will then ask Candidate B a short question about these photographs. Q: Thank you (Candidate A). (Candidate B) which sport would you most like to try? Candidate B will then do their long turn with a different set of photographs and at the end, Candidate A will be asked a short question.

Tips! 1. Listen to the instructions carefully and make sure you know what you have to talk about. If you don’t understand the instructions you should ask the examiner to repeat them: “Excuse me, could you say that again?” “I’m sorry, but would you mind repeating that?”

Tip 2The question will help you with the structure of your talk. A) Start with a general summary of the topic: ‘These two photographs show people involved in a sport.’ B) Then move on to a comparison of the two pictures, using words to help explain the comparison: Both photographs were taken outside and each of the people are concentrating hard on what they’re doing. ‘The top photo shows a woman rock climbing whilst the bottom photo is of a young skating … It looks like the woman is out in the natural world whereas the boy is in a man-made skating park ….. etc.’ C) Finally give your opinion with examples, again using signposting words and expressions to help the examiner follow your argument. ‘In my opinion, sport is important for people in lots of ways. For example, it’s a way to keep fit of course, but we also meet new people and can get a lot of enjoyment from a sport … etc.’

Tip 3Practise making short one-minute talks as often as possible to get an idea for how long 1 minute feels like. Time yourself and ask a classmate for feedback.

Saying which picture you are talking about The picture at the top shows ….. In the second photo, there are… In the one at the bottom … They both show … In both of them there are… Guessing He seems/ looks … He looks as if …. They look like … They might/may/could be … Perhaps/ Maybe … It´s probably…

Comparing the pictures I think the football players are faster than ….. Going to a live concert is more exciting than … Formula 1 cars move much more quickly than… Contrasting …………… but ….. … …………. While ………. …………… whereas ……. ……… On the other hand ….. In contrast…. Saying which you´d prefer to do I prefer to …. I enjoy ….. more than …. I´d rather …. I find ….. more … than ….

Speaking Part 2

+ info

Now, it's your turn

Card 1

Card 2

Card 3

Card 4

Card 5

Card 6

PART 3

Speaking Part 3

In Speaking Part 3 you discuss a question with your partner for two minutes and then make a decision together in one minute. The one part where you really have to interact with your partner and show that you can work well as a team is Speaking Part 3. If you show that you can use the right language and have a balanced conversation with another person (or two if you are in a group of three) under time pressure, you will score high marks quite easily

You can see a structure that looks a little bit like a spiderweb. There is a question in the centre and five prompts around it. Speaking Part 3 always follows the same idea: Firstly, you discuss the question with your partner talking about the five prompts for about two minutes and secondly, you have to make a decision based on the same five points in one minute.

Speaking Part 3

As mentioned before, Speaking Part 3 has two sections and for each one you should follow a different plan. Luckily, this plan can be used every time you practise as well as in the exam itself.

Section 1 In the discussion part you should mostly focus on well structured answers, good language and interaction with your partner. It follows a cycle that you go through together until the examiner stops you after about two minutes. This cycle looks something like this:

You can see that it is a back and forth between you and your partner and it always follows the same structure. You agree or disagree, you give your opinion (always give reasons and examples to support your argument) and you invite the other candidate back into the conversation. You do this until the two minutes are up and the examiner asks you to stop.

Section 2 The second section of Speaking Part 3 is different from the first one in a couple of ways. Number one, you have only one minute and number two, you have to decide something with your partner instead of discussing the question in the spiderweb. It is very important for you to have the right strategy in order to balance your talking time and to work towards a decision. Just as before, however, there is a model that you can and should use:

It always works the same. Candidate A starts by suggesting one of the five prompts giving reasons for his/her answer. The next step is the most important part. Candidate B has to suggest another option because if you simply agree, there won’t be anything left to talk about. The problem is that you need to speak until the examiner stops you. For this reason, Candidate B always offers another option so that you can choose between two of the points. This way, you can talk to each other for the full minute using some nice language (keep reading below for good examples) and interacting with each other.

In Speaking Part 3, we can put our useful phrases in three different groups: giving your opinion, agreeing/disagreeing and inviting your partner to speak.

Don’t make these mistakes Even though this might sound very straightforward, there are some very typical mistakes that candidates make.Useful language really helps: Teachers like me always try to get their students to use some specific language. It really helps you to stay on task instead of talking about unrelated things and because examiners look for these expressions you can also score good marks if you put some of them in your test.

Giving your opinion I think … I think a large nightclub could definitely bring more tourists to a town, especially people who want to visit just for a day. I believe … More security cameras make people feel safe so I believe it can be a good idea to attract more tourists. I feel … I feel that more shops, and especially designer shops, can attract wealthier tourists who are willing to spend more money. In my opinion, … Providing parks, in my opinion, is a very good way to please people living in a town, but I’m not sure how it can help increase the number of tourists. I would say … I would say that if you build new modern holiday flats, it can definitely attract new tourists to your town.

From my point of view / In my view, … In my view, more shops can attract more tourists. From my perspective, … From my perspective, the added security because of more cameras can bring more tourists to the town. It seems to me that … It seems to me that a large nightclub can improve the offers a town can make to potential tourists. Agreeing A: I think nightclubs are a great way to attract tourists B: So do I. OR Me too. OR Definitely. OR I couldn’t agree more. OR I agree. OR I see your point.

Disagreeing A: In my opinion, modern accommodation is definitely a good reason for tourists to choose one destination over another. B: I disagree. OR I’m not sure if I can agree with you. OR Yeah, but … OR I’m sorry, but I don’t agree. OR I’m afraid I disagree. OR I see what you’re trying to say, but … OR I understand where you’re coming from, but … Be careful because we never say “I am agree/disagree.” In English, agree and disagree are verbs and they don’t need another verb. So, always use “I agree/disagree.”

Inviting your partner to speak Shall we start …? Shall we start talking about nightclubs? What about …? OK, and what about parks? Why do you think they could attract more visitors? Do you agree? … and that’s why I think parks can attract tourists to the town. Do you agree? What do you think? … and because of this, more shops equals more tourists. What do you think? What about you? I think modern holiday apartments can be a deciding factor when you choose where to go. What about you?

2. Always involve your partner In Speaking Part 3 it is really important to show good teamwork. The interaction between you and your partner is one of the main marking criteria in the FCE speaking exam. That’s why you should always make sure to take turns, put in some useful language and balance out your talking time. The interaction in the speaking exam is as a game of badminton or ping pong. Try to keep the ball in the air by involving your partner. Ask them for their opinion, invite them to share their view and respond to what they say. Be a team like the guys below!

3. Don’t go too fast Time limits always put some kind of pressure on people and in Speaking Part 3 this is not different. What nobody tells you, however, is that you don’t need to finish before the time is up. Actually, the opposite is true. Examiners want you to interact well and support your answers with reasons and examples instead of racing through the task like there is no tomorrow. What does that mean for you? It means that you don’t have to talk about all five prompts in the discussion stage of Speaking Part 3. It is completely fine to speak about just three or four of the points, but to do it properly. I’m sure you’ve heard the story of the tortoise and the hare. They challenge each other for a race and the hare thinks that he’s going to win because he is a lot faster, but eventually, the tortoise overtakes him because he is completely exhausted. Treat Speaking Part 3 the same way as the tortoise: Slow and steady wins the race!

4.Discussing…deciding…what’s the difference? The two sections of Speaking Part 3 come with clear differences regarding what you have to do. While in the first section you have to discuss the question in the spider web, you have to make a decision in the second section. Unfortunately, candidates often mix these two up and already compare the different points in the discussion stage. Don’t make the same mistake. Answer the question separately for each of the five prompts and compare them only during the second stage. It takes a little bit of practice to get used to this, but after some time you become accustomed to it.

5. Don’t forget to listen to your partner The way you interact with your partner is one of the most important factors in Speaking Part 3. The problem is that interaction always goes in two directions. One person speaks and the other one listens. For many people, the listening part is more difficult and we often don’t really react to out partner’s opinion or suggestions. However, in the exam this is exactly what you need to do. Listen actively to your partner and refer to what they say in your reply.

Speaking

Victoria and Edward both use a nice range of useful expressions throughout the first section, for example, to involve their partner and invite each other to give their opinion (What do you think? What about …? What’s your opinion?), to introduce their opinion (I think …; I think it’s a good idea, but …) and to agree/disagree with each other (“Sorry, but I cannot agree with you.”) They have a nicely balanced conversation and work together well and they don’t rush but take their time to talk about some but not all of the points given in the task and to support their arguments. However, they also have problems with really answering the question, which is why the different ideas can attract more tourists to the town. Victoria and Edward discuss more whether or not these things attract visitors. Always make sure that you read the question carefully before you start to speak and stay on topic without saying unrelated things. Overall, I think the discussion part wasn’t too bad. There are some smaller language problems too, but in my opinion, they did quite well.

In the second section Victoria and Edward have to decide which idea would be the best one for the town. Victoria takes the initiative and suggests one of the options and Edward suggests another one just as I’ve already shown you in the strategy section of this article. Once again, they balance the talking time well and work together as a team. They also have a little discussion, but Victoria doesn’t really defend her position and agrees with Edward very quickly, which leaves them in an awkward situation and not much more to say at around 45 seconds into the task. They do recover, though, and get to the full minute, but that could definitely have been better. To sum up, both candidates do a good job involving their partner and using some nice expressions. However, there are certain things that could be improved, for example, staying on task and expanding on their ideas. All in all, they can be happy with their Speaking Part 3.

Speaking

Florine and Maria use some nice expressions to involve each other (“What do you think about that? Why do you think that?) and to show agreement (“I agree with you.”) Victoria and Edward from the first example above, however, do a better job in this area and Florine and Maria could have used more of the expressions I showed you earlier in this article. The two candidates also have some problems with answering the task correctly, similar to the other pair. They don’t look at the ideas one by one, but instead compare them at times, which is not what you are supposed to do in the first section of Speaking Part 3.

In the second section Florine immediately takes the initiative and invites Maria to share her opinion. Maria explains why she thinks that holiday apartments are a good idea and Florine offers another option. They discuss their opinions until the examiner stops them. There is a good flow to their conversation and they work together a little bit better than in the first part. So, while Victoria and Edward in Example 1 are better in the first section, Florine and Maria compensate for that with a slightly stronger second part. Both pairs show solid teamwork, but they aren’t careful enough with the questions the examiner asks them.

Card 1

Card 2

Card 3

Card 4

Card 5

Card 6

Card 7

Card 8

PART 4

Speaking Part 4

In this part of the test you have about 4 minutes to talk about the topics from part 3 in more detail. You are tested on your ability to give opinions, give reasons for your opinions, and your ability to politely discuss things with your partner.The examiner asks you a question. You answer it. But it's not the same as part 1. It's more like part 3 - you should respond to your partner's answers, and you should ask for their opinions.

The questions in part 4 are not written down, so you have to listen carefully. If you don't understand the question, ask the examiner to repeat it. Look at the examiner when you give your answer, but then look at your partner when you are talking to each other. Always explain your answers. 'Yes I think having computers in schools is a good idea because the children get used to using technology and it will make it easier for them to get a job in the future.' If you don't explain your answers, the examiner will always ask 'why?' It's much better if you say why on your own. 'I don't know' is a BAD answer. You can say, 'Oh, what a question! I never thought about it before, but maybe...' That gives you a little bit of time to think of something to say.

Be interested in what your partner says. Agree or disagree with them as in part 3. There are no right or wrong answers, only good or bad conversations. You can practice this if you're taking an FCE course - in the class always ask your partner's opinions on topics and always ask 'why?' Use some interesting vocabulary, and try to use a variety of words. e.g. instead of 'good' you might say amazing; interesting; costly; over-rated or another word you have learned. All those words fit in this sentence: 'Giving iPads to schoolchildren is a(n) ______________ idea.' When the exam is over, say goodbye but don't ask how well you did. They aren't allowed to tell you and it just puts them in an embarrassing situation. Also, don't start laughing or speaking your own language until you have left the room - it's not a job interview but there's no reason to make a bad impression.

Speaking Part 4

All these questions will be followed by 'why?' if you dont' give reasons - but you should say why without being asked. Many times, the examiner will ask the same question to the second student by saying 'What do you think?' or 'And you?' But YOU can ask your partner those questions - more talking time for you and more opportunity to show how you manage a conversation.

TRAVEL Do you think you have to spend a lot of money to have a good holiday? No I don't think you have to spend a lot of money, but it helps. Money makes things easier: like you can stay in the city centre instead of the outskirts. But many fun things are free, like walking beside a river, and there are always cheap restaurants if you have time to look. What do you think, Jack?

TRAVEL Some people say we travel too much these days and shouldn't go on so many holidays. What do you think? Why do you think people like to go away on holiday? What do you think is the biggest advantage of living in a place where there are a lot of tourists? WHERE YOU LIVE What can people do to have a good holiday in your country? What's good about living in cities in your country? Which is the best city for people to visit in your country? If you could choose to visit a city you've never been to, which one would you choose?

TRAVEL Would you prefer to live in a modern city or a city with lots of history? Are there advantages to living in a small town rather than in a big city? Do you think it is better for children to grow up in the city or in the countryside? HISTORY What do you think makes a good museum? How do you think the teaching of history in schools could be improved? Do you agree that learning about our past is important for our future? What was the most important moment in the history of the twentieth century?

HISTORY What has been the most important moment in your life so far? What items from our lives today will be in the history museums of the future? LIFE AND LEISURE If you could change one thing about your life, what would you change?} Many people say life's too busy these days. Why do you think they say this? Many people want to become famous nowadays. Why do you think this is? is it important to enjoy a job or do you think it's enough to be paid well? How important is it to go on holiday every year? Some people say we don't spend enough time talking to each other these days. What do you think?

SHOPPING Some people say there will be no need for shops in the future because we'll buy everything online. What do you think? Do you think it's true that we buy a lot of things we don't really need these days? Do you think that out of town shopping centres are a good idea? Is it better to go shopping with friends or alone? Some people say that shopping ins a leisure activity nowadays. What do you think? Do you think that advertising encourages people to spend too much money?

TV AND FILMS Is watching TV the best way for people to spend their free time? What kind of TV programmes do you like best? Some people have more than one television in their home. Do you think this is a good idea? Do you think children generally watch too much television in your country? Is television the best way of following the news in the world? Do you think watching TV is a good way to learn a language? What sort of films do you never watch? Are there any films that you’d like to see again? How important do you think it is to watch films in English? What can you learn about a country’s culture by watching films from that country?

Thanks!