CAE - Speaking - Part 4

CAE / C1 Advanced - Speaking

Overview

P4

Part 4 takes the topic from part 3 and extends it. While part 3 is quite structured, you have more freedom in part 4. You can answer questions in a more natural way, like you would in everyday conversation. However, there are some strategies to keep in mind, and the questions can be quite challenging.

Speaking

Part 4 - Full Guide for Students

Who Talks? - Interaction Diagram

The examiner asks you a question, which should lead into a conversation with your partner. Essential CAE Speaking test part 4 tips

• Consider this part of the exam as a continuation of part 3. Use the same techniques - ask your partner questions, organise your responses with linking words etc. Your replies here can be longer than in part 3.
• DON’T talk to the examiner. Only when he asks the question, but after you've answered it you should bring your partner into the discussion ("What do you think?"). After that, the examiner will ask a new question (still on the same general theme). Remember, if you take the lead and ask your partner what he thinks, that's more speaking time for YOU.
• When has a discussion run its course? If it’s natural, and you’ve made good eye contact from the start, you’ll have good rapport with your partner so, the discussion will be more relaxed and you'll know when to continue and when to stop.

How can you agree or disagree? How can you say why or why not you do? Is it a good idea to disagree during a speaking test? While candidates tend to agree on most topics, a certain amount of disagreement is good - it makes the discussion more interesting. Disagreement also prolongs a discussion, and can be done in a friendly way. Give reasons why you are agreeing or disagreeing. I fully agree because... Yes, that's right. And... I agree with you 100 percent. You're partly right, but... I couldn't agree with you more. I see exactly what you mean! Tell me about it! (informal) I'm not so sure about that, because... I think we're going to have to agree to disagree. I must take issue with you on that. It's unjustifiable to say that...

EXAMPLE

How can you include your partner in the discussion?

Questions. Ask lots of questions. Always start part 3 by saying, 'What do you think?' and in part 4 ask for feedback after you've given your opinion. Say what you think about the topic and finish with ... don't you agree? ... or do you have a different opinion? ... or maybe you know more about it? What's your idea? What do you think? What are your thoughts on all of this? Wouldn't you say? How do you feel about that? It would be quite impressive to refer to something your partner said earlier in the exam. For example, if she is a dentist and the topic in part 4 is health, you could say, 'You're an expert in this area - what do YOU think?'

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There will be times in the exam where you don't have anything to say right away. You need a second to think, but you want to avoid dead air. So you need to 'buy time' with phrases such as these: Well, now, let me see Let me think ... Oh, what a great question!

Delaying tactics/stalling for time. How can you do it?

Well that’s something I’ve never really thought about but, on reflection, I’d say that...

What if you need to interrupt? If your partner talks a bit too long, it's okay for you to politely stop the flow of words. Can I add something here? Is it okay if I jump in for a second? If I might add something... Can I throw my two cents in? Sorry to interrupt, but...