Cambridge speaking

Cambridge speaking test B1

The B1 Speaking test, also known as the PET Speaking test, is a crucial component of the Preliminary English Test (PET), designed to assess candidates' English speaking proficiency at the B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This test aims to evaluate candidates' ability to communicate effectively in various situations, both personal and academic.

• Duration: 10-12 minutes
• Format: 4 parts
• Administration: Conducted in pairs
• Evaluation: Assessed by two examiners - an Interlocutor and an Assessor
• Interaction: Candidates interact with both the Interlocutor and a fellow candidate
• Assessor's Role: The Assessor remains silent during the test and solely focuses on evaluating the candidates' performance

eXAMPLE

We'll watch a video of the full test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview (3-4 minutes) Focus: General questions about the candidates' interests, background, and daily life Objective: Assess candidates' ability to communicate basic personal information and engage in simple conversationsIt has 2 phases

The B1 Speaking test begins with the Interlocutor greeting the candidates, requesting their mark sheets, and then introducing themselves and their colleague, the Assessor. The Interlocutor then proceeds to ask questions. Key Points: The Interlocutor initiates the test by greeting the candidates and introducing themselves and the Assessor. The Interlocutor then begins the questioning phase. Candidates should avoid memorizing responses, as this can appear artificial and negatively impact their score. Preparation Tips:

• Practice answering common introduction and interview questions.

• Be prepared to discuss your interests, background, and daily life.

• Demonstrate your ability to communicate basic personal information and engage in simple conversations.

Following the initial introduction and greeting, Phase 2 of Part 1 delves into a more in-depth interview, featuring a series of varied questions about the candidates' hobbies, habits, experiences, preferences, and more. Preparation Tips:

• Anticipate a Range of Topics: Prepare to discuss a wide range of personal topics, such as hobbies, travel experiences, favorite books or movies, and future plans.

• Organize Your Thoughts: Practice structuring your responses in a clear and organized manner, with a beginning, middle, and end.

• Provide Examples: Use specific examples to illustrate your points and make your responses more engaging.

• Demonstrate Enthusiasm: Convey your genuine interest in the topics being discussed, showing your personality and engagement.

Part 2 In the second part, which is also 2-3 minutes, you describe a picture for about a minute. Each candidate gets a different picture. You don’t need to talk to the other candidate here. The goal is to describe the picture without guessing too much. The pictures are of everyday things that B1 students should know.It has 2 phases

How to describe a photoThe first thing to clarify is how to start describing any photo. I recommend always beginning with a single sentence that answers the following questions:

• Who are the people?
• What are they doing?
• Where are they?
• How do they feel? (feelings)
• Why are they doing this?
• What are the people wearing?
• What is their physical appearance?
• What can you see in the background?
• When was the photo taken?
• What is the weather like? (if possible)

How to describe a photoRemember to use the simple present tense, especially "there is" and "there are" to describe the room in general and the things you can see. Example: "The photo shows a bedroom. There are a lot of books on the shelf." Use the present continuous to describe what they are doing and wearing. Example: "The girl is wearing a denim shirt."Verbs and expressions for speculating:

• look/seem + adjective
• look/seem like + noun
• seem to be doing
• maybe/probably
• could/may/might be
• must be
• I think/believe

Always justify your speculations: "She might be doing her homework.

How to describe a photoStarting a description

• In this picture there are some people…
• In this picture I can see a man/woman/group of people…
• This picture shows a couple/woman/man…

Describing people’s postures

• They’re sitting
• They’re standing
• They’re lying down

Describing positions of objects and people

• On the left/right…
• In the middle…
• At the top/bottom…
• In the background/foreground…
• Next to…/Above…/In front of… / Behind…

Speculating

• I believe…
• My guess is…
• Perhaps they are…
• It appears to me that he/she/it is…
• They seem to be…
• He/she seems to be…
• Maybe they are…

In Part 3 of the B1 Speaking test for the Cambridge Preliminary English Test (PET) candidates engage in a conversation with each other to reach a conclusion on a given topic. The conversation is guided by instructions from the examiner and is based on a set of images that provide prompts for discussion.

The procedure for this task is as follows:

• Examiner Instructions: The examiner provides clear instructions and guidelines for the speaking task.

• Candidate Conversation: Candidates engage in a conversation for approximately 2-3 minutes, discussing the given topic and expressing their ideas and opinions.

• Examiner Intervention: The examiner may interrupt the conversation if necessary to guide the discussion, encourage participation from quieter candidates, or ensure the allotted time is not exceeded.

As you've read in the instructions, this part is about having a conversation with your partner. This means that there should be interaction and communication between you and them. Therefore, it is very important that you don't take turns speaking for too long and that the conversation doesn't turn into two independent monologues.

Part 4: Follow-up Questions In Part 4 of the B1 Speaking test for the Cambridge Preliminary English Test (PET), candidates engage in a discussion with the examiner based on the topic and images from Part 3. The examiner asks a series of questions that can be directed to either individual candidate or both, encouraging a natural conversation between them.

How it Works: Examiner Questions: The examiner poses questions related to the topic and images from Part 3. Candidate Responses: Candidates respond to the examiner's questions, expressing their opinions, providing further details, and discussing related aspects. Two-Way Interaction: The examiner engages with the candidates, asking follow-up questions and encouraging elaboration. Natural Discussion Flow: The aim is to maintain a natural flow of conversation, with candidates and the examiner contributing to the exchange.