B2 speaking L2

Speaking means good speculation

FCE speaking - lesson 2

TODAY You will :

01

• rehears the useful expressions form the last time
• see how the second part of the exam is structured
• learn the strategies to successfully pass the second part of the FCE speaking exam

Let's get started!

Index

Revision

Part 2 of the exam

Describing picture vocabulary

02

Comparing pictures - strategies

Example of a recorded exam

1: Revision

Revision part 2

What rules should you follow during the exam?

1. The answers should be concise yet complete. 2. Lists - do not just list things. 3. Always justify your answer. 4. Don't use short phrases without a subject. 5. Stick to the topic of the question. 6. Finish your sentence.

03

Fill in te gaps:

"There is ....................... X is an important issue."

“.............................. there is a lot ..."

no doubt that

Where I come from

“The place I like the most is ......................................."

"That's not ..........................to answer."

stand

is without a doubt...

"I guess I have never ............................."

an easy question

What I hate/like

“I ........ I like ... but ..."

"............................. most is ... " - ing

admit

given it a thought.

"I really can't ............" -ing

1: Revision

"There is no doubt that X is an important issue."

"That's because I really like..." - ing

"That's not an easy question to answer."

“I’m a big fan of …” +noun

"oh I like this idea."

"I really can't stand ..." -ing

"What I hate/like most is ... " - ing

"I can't quite remember. Let me think for a moment."

"I guess I have never given it a thought."

"What really annoys me is…"

04

“I come from a little village..."

"No, that's out of question."

“Of course I do/don't"

“Where I come from there is a lot ..."

“I admit I like ... but ..."

“I believe this would be ..."

“I think I would. Especially with/ when ..."

“For sure this pesron is/ would be ..."

“No, I think that sounds horrible."

“The place I like the most is without a doubt..."

2: Part 2 of the exam

The second part of the exam is called a "long turn" because in this part each candidate is given considerably more time for a longer monologue (1 minute) co;pqred with other parts. In this part a candidate will receive a question and will have to compare two photos. Next the candidate will be asked a short answer question (20-30 seconds) regarding the photos of the other candidate. In other words the process will be the following: - Examiner gives the instructions - Candidate A compares the photos (1 minute) - A question to candidate B (20-30 seconds) - Candidate B compares the photos (1 minute) - A question to candidate A (20-30 seconds) To learn better the instructions of the examiner and the structure of the exam clic on the button below:

05

Exam's sample

3: Describing picture: vocabulary

What is in the picture? Say what is happening with the present continuous. Where in the picture? If something isn’t clear

06

exercice with British Council

4: Comparing pictures strategies

Comparing pictures in steps Look at the photos here:

QUESTION: What are people enjoying about spending time together? 1. Tell in one sentence what you can see in the picture. This should be a very general description, but related to the topic of the question. Example: -In the first picture you can see that the family is playing together on the beach. - In the second picutre you can see two people, probably a couple, who are moving in a new house. 2. Now contrast the pictures pointing out differences (5 to 6 sentences approximately) - start with the most important difference - add more using a variety of linking words: On one hand, on the other hand, on the contrary, what's more, moreover, as for what, et. 3.Now speculate, meaning adda hypothesis to your observations. Example: - I guess that both of the families enjoy simply being together, however in the second picture they are also excited about moving into a new house. 4. Finally answer shortly a question related to the photos of another candidate. The same principle as in the first part of the exam apply here. Example: - Do you and your family eat out often? - Since I was small we used to eat out every weekend. However nowadays all of us have different daily routines, and it'is hard to find time for us to gather. We mange it probably once in 2 or 3 month time.

07

5: Example of a recorded exam

Watch the video and tell if the participants have fulfilled the rules.

1. a general description of the pictures (1 sentence)
2. contrasting two pictures
3. giving hypothesis
4. Giving a short answer yet concise to the follow-up question.

08

https://youtu.be/EdeZp0n0JHw?t=156

What was good? What would you improove? Check the examiner's notes here: