FCE SPEAKING PART 2.

FCE

speaking

comparing photos https://engexam.info/fce-speaking-part-2-examples/

LIVING IN DIFFRENT PLACES

Here are the photographs. They show various places where people live. I’d like you to compare the photographs, and say why people might choose to live there, okay? (1 minute)

The left picture shows some big city with a line of apartment blocks built right next to the sea, while in the picture on the right we can see a peaceful village next to a train station and a train passing by. While both photos have various residences in them, The right one looks much more quiet than the other. I believe that people who choose to live in a flat of a busy city do so because they have a more active lifestyle – they commute to work, go to parties, restaurant, exhibitions and other activities a city has to offer. In contrast, those who reside in a remote place like in picture two prefer the more relaxed and slow pace of life.

which place would you prefer to live in, and why? (~20 seconds).

Personally, I’d go with the quiet place next to the train station. I could commute to the city centre by train, take morning strolls in the woods and enjoy everything nature has to offer. I don’t party that much and I’m not into eating out, so I won’t miss out on most things a busy city has to offer.

Exercising

These pictures show people exercising. Compare the photographs and say how the exercising might make people feel. (1 minute)

The right photo shows a girl on a river bank doing what looks like gymnastics, while in the left picture a lady is in the middle of a tennis match. Both do some kind of sports activity, However one is performed outside, while the other is done indoors. Moreover, tennis requires special equipment such as a racket, while the other exercise doesn’t need anything at all. I believe that both people feel content with what they’re doing as exercising energises you and if you spend enough time doing it you might feel pleasantly exhausted. It is also beneficial for your brain, allowing your mind to wander.

which type of exercising would you prefer and why? 20 seconds

Even though I’m not very good at tennis, I would have to choose it over the activity in the other picture – I’m hopeless when it comes to body balance! Tennis is a nice combination of physical exercising and thinking – you don’t simply run after the ball – you have to calculate your hits and plan ahead. I like this aspect of tennis very much.

Different types of work

Here are the two pictures. They show people performing different jobs. I’d like you to compare the two pictures and say what difficulties the people might have when doing their jobs. (1 minute)

Both pictures here show people at work, but the nature of their activity is very different. The lady in the picture on the left is facing a difficult creative task, judging by her body language and the images on her laptop screen. In contrast, the man in the second photo does a very physically-demanding job at something that looks like a construction site. While the man’s job is fairly straightforward, it can be very dangerous to his health and well-being. The woman’s task here seems to be rather tricky as she seems to be stuck with the task. Undeniably, both jobs can be very stressful.

Which job do you think is more difficult? (~20 seconds).

I think the duties shown in picture two are much more challenging. Sure, creative thinking is not easy, but physical and manual labour is always a struggle. No matter how good you are at it, you have to perform very tiring, repetitive actions which is demanding both mentally and physically."

Places for holiday

The pictures show different holiday location. Compare them and say why people might choose to spend their holiday in each place. (1 minute)

Both pictures one and two show various types of resorts. While the left picture looks warm and peaceful, the other one looks rather cold and even a bit dangerous. However, somehow both of them look equally cozy, though for different reasons. People looking for a place to spend their holiday at may prefer huts by the seaside if they come from a colder country and want to experience warmer, more pleasant climate. They are also likely to appreciate the local food, rich with fruits and vegetables. As for the second photo, it might be favoured by more active, young people, who are really keen on sports and exercising.

Which of the two places is better to spend a family holiday at? (~20 seconds)

The location shown in the first photo is definitely much better for a family with kids. Every member of the household can enjoy sunbathing and swimming, while some kids can be too young to try skiing. Also, low temperatures of a ski resort may not be to some people’s liking.

Eating

Here are your pictures. They show people eating. I’d like you to compare these pictures and say who you think enjoys their meal most. (1 minute)

Picture one and picture two both show people having a meal. One of the places seems to be an expensive restaurant or a café, the other looks like a regular apartment. In the left picture the people are dressed up for the occasion, while the right photo shows us a person dressed very casually. I believe that the girl in the right picture is enjoying her food more – she didn’t even put it on plate, she is eating it right out of the frying pan. I guess she must be really hungry! The women in the photo on the left seem to be more preoccupied with the conversation rather than the food itself. They probably came to the restaurant to meet each other, not to eat."

How often do you eat out? (~20 seconds)."

Author's name

Almost never, I’m afraid. Eating out is rather expensive in my city. You also need to put on some fancy clothes – you know, because everybody else does, and you don’t really want to stand out. When I do go out, it is usually a very special occasion that needs to be celebrated – like somebody’s wedding or a graduation ceremony. It makes it even better – each time is really memorable! "

Business meetings

These two pictures show people in business meetings. Compare them and say how people in these environments might feel. (1 minute)

In both of these photos we can see people discussing things connected with business. The picture on the right shows a traditional, face-to-face way of communication, where everybody is in the same room. However, the left photo presents a different way to communicate – that is, using modern technology such as video conferencing. I believe that the person in the left photo feels a bit detached from the meeting as the people she’s communicating with are not physically present. However, she probably appreciates the flexibility that online communication offers. As for the situation in picture two, the office workers there are probably much more comfortable, engaged in the old-fashioned business conversation in a meeting room."

Which type of business meeting is more which type of business meeting is more efficient? (~20 seconds)

Well, I’d say that both ought to be pretty effective as businesses across the globe use them. I believe that having a meeting using video calls might be a better choice – you don’t have to spend time to go to the meeting and it’s much easier to arrange, you know, to make sure everybody has free time. When every participant has to come to some place, it gets more complicated.

Shopping

Here are the two photos. They show people making purchases. I’d like you to compare the photos and say which person is facing a more difficult choice? (1 minute)

In the left picture a lady is in what looks like a very expensive shop. She is deciding on the particular style and colour of shoes to buy. The right photo shows us a teenage girl is going through rack of clothes in what seems to be a thrift shop. The main difference between the two situations is the amount of money the person is willing to spend – one is ready to pay extra for the brand and prestige while the other probably wants to save money on the purchase. I believe that the girl from the right picture is having more difficult time as she has to find something that suits her taste and won’t break the bank. The person in the right picture seems to find shopping as another fun activity, a way to spend her time.

how often do you shop for clothes? (~20 seconds).

Author's name

To tell the truth, I don’t do much shopping for things to wear. Our family is rather big with lots of brothers and cousins, so I usually get a lot of hand-me-downs, you know, things they no longer wear so I get them instead. I actually like this arrangement – I get free stuff and it makes them feel better, it’s a win-win situation for everybody!"