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CAMBRIDGE C1 ADVANCED SPEAKING EXAM: introduction to the Speaking Paper

Amalia Amb

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Transcript

ESPOL L1AMALIA AMBARTSUMYAN

CAMBRIDGE C1 ADVANCED SPEAKING EXAM: introduction to the Speaking Paper

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Speaking Paper

The objective of this class is to get familiar with the Speaking paper of the C1 Advanced exam, practice the different parts of the test, and discuss strategies that can help perform well.

The Speaking paper lasts strictly 15 minutes per pair and is almost always done in pairs (sometimes with three candidates). There are four parts, each assessing different skills. LET’S CHECK TOGETHER!

Speaking Structure

Part 1: Interview – General questions about home, studies, work, and interests. o Part 2: Long turn – Compare two pictures, speak for about one minute, then respond briefly to your partner’s picture. o Part 3: Collaborative task – Discuss prompts with your partner and make a decision together. o Part 4: Discussion – General questions linked to the Part 3 topic.

General Tips

o Speak clearly, confidently, and naturally; fluency matters more than perfection. o Listen actively to your partner and respond appropriately. o Keep talking — hesitation is worse than minor mistakes. o Use linking phrases to organise your speech: On the one hand… whereas… In contrast…

1. PART 1( INTEERVIEW)

o Keep answers short but developed (2–3 sentences). o Relax and use it as a warm-up to get comfortable speaking.

Game: “Hot Seat – Speed Interview”

INSTRUCTIONS

2 teams with 5 students need to compete The goal: answer as many questions as possible in 1 minute — but each answer must be at least two sentences long. OTHER teams act as the “timekeepers” and “score counters.” ✅ points = Fluent, natural, and full answer ❌ 1 point = Too short, too much hesitation or off-topic The team with the most votes wins the game! :)

QUESTIONAIRE

What do you like most about where you live? Has your town changed much over the years? Do you prefer living in a big city or a small town? What do you usually do in your free time? Do you enjoy spending time outdoors? What kind of music do you listen to? Have your music tastes changed recently? Do you prefer watching films at home or in the cinema? What kind of books do you enjoy reading? Do you like spending time alone or with other people? How do you usually spend your weekends? Do you play any sports or do any physical activities? How important is exercise in your life? What’s your daily routine like? Do you prefer mornings or evenings? Do you think you have a healthy lifestyle?

Do you enjoy cooking?Who usually cooks in your home? Do you like trying new types of food? How often do you eat out? Do you enjoy studying English? How long have you been learning English? Why are you studying English? What’s the most difficult thing about learning English for you? How do you usually practice your English outside class? What other languages would you like to learn? What kind of work would you like to do in the future? Have you ever had a part-time job? Do you prefer working in a team or independently? What’s the most challenging job you can think of?

What do you like most about where you live? Has your town changed much over the years? Do you prefer living in a big city or a small town? What do you usually do in your free time? Do you enjoy spending time outdoors? What kind of music do you listen to? Have your music tastes changed recently? Do you prefer watching films at home or in the cinema? What kind of books do you enjoy reading? Do you like spending time alone or with other people? How do you usually spend your weekends? Do you play any sports or do any physical activities? How important is exercise in your life? What’s your daily routine like? Do you prefer mornings or evenings? Do you think you have a healthy lifestyle?

Do you enjoy cooking?Who usually cooks in your home? Do you like trying new types of food? How often do you eat out? Do you enjoy studying English? How long have you been learning English? Why are you studying English? What’s the most difficult thing about learning English for you? How do you usually practice your English outside class? What other languages would you like to learn? What kind of work would you like to do in the future? Have you ever had a part-time job? Do you prefer working in a team or independently? What’s the most challenging job you can think of?

What’s the most challenging job you can think of? Would you like to work abroad one day? What kind of company would you like to work for? Do you enjoy meeting new people? Do you find it easy to make friends? Do you prefer talking face to face or online? Do you use social media a lot? Do you think people spend too much time on their phones? How do you usually keep in touch with friends? Do you prefer texting or calling? What’s something you’ve done recently that you’re proud of? What do you usually do when you want to relax? Do you enjoy traveling? Where would you like to travel next? What’s the most interesting place you’ve visited? Do you prefer traveling alone or with others?

Would you like to live in another country?Do you enjoy learning about other cultures? Have you ever experienced culture shock? Do you like spending time with your family? What’s a typical family gathering like in your country? Do you get along well with your family members? Do you think it’s important to live close to your family? What’s your favourite season of the year? Do you prefer warm or cold weather? What kind of clothes do you usually wear? Do you follow fashion trends? Do you enjoy shopping? Do you prefer shopping online or in stores?

QUESTIONAIRE

QUESTIONAIRE

What’s the last thing you bought? What kind of technology do you use every day? Do you think you could live without your phone? How do you usually use the internet? Do you think technology has changed the way we live? Do you like watching the news? How do you stay informed about what’s happening in the world? Do you think young people are interested in current events? What kind of TV programmes do you enjoy watching? Do you like reality shows? What’s a hobby you’ve always wanted to try? Do you like learning new skills? What do you usually do to stay motivated? What are you afraid of? Do you prefer planning ahead or being spontaneous? What do you usually do on holidays?

What’s your dream holiday destination?Would you rather go to the beach or the mountains? What kind of accommodation do you prefer when travelling? Do you like visiting museums or historical sites? What’s a memorable experience you’ve had recently? Do you enjoy spending time with children? Have you ever done any volunteer work? Do you prefer giving or receiving gifts? What kind of gifts do you like to give people? Do you think birthdays are important? What’s your favourite celebration of the year? Do you think you manage your time well? Are you usually on time or late? What do you find most stressful about university life?

TIME FOR YOUR VOTES!

WHO WON THE GAME?

Part 2 (Long turn – pictures):

o Take 30–60 seconds to prepare your ideas. o Compare at least 2–3 features per picture. o Use linking phrases: Both pictures show… In contrast… The main difference is… o Answer the follow-up question briefly. o Ensure your speech is structured: describe, compare, then respond.

Game: “PICTURE RACE"

INSTRUCTIONS

2 teams with 5 students need to compete Each group gets one set of two pictures and one discussion question (just like in the exam). You will have 2 minutes to answer the questions. The opponents listen and will be given one additional question to answer. OTHER teams actas the “timekeepers” and “score counters.” ✅ points = Fluency, vocabulary, intonation, organization, linking words. ❌ 1 point = Too short, too much hesitation or off-topic The team with the most votes wins the game! :)

What activities the people are doing to make themselves happy? Why have they choosen to do these activites with others?

From my point of view In my opinion.... I'd say that... I believe....

Personally I think... They could be doing... They appear to be... It looks like they.......

Why have the friends choosen to do these things to unwind? Which activity would you find the most relaxing?

If I had to choose...While some people... It seems that... Perhaps, they.....

One reason they.... They could be doing.... Doing it together might...

TIME FOR YOUR VOTES!

WHO WON THE GAME?

PART 3 (COLLABORATIVE TASK)

o Involve your partner: What do you think? Shall we consider this one? o Don’t dominate, but don’t stay quiet. o Aim to reach a conclusion together, even if it’s not perfect.

PART 4 (DISCUSSION)

o Express and justify opinions. o Agree and disagree politely: I see your point, but I’d argue… o Develop ideas with reasons, not just yes/no.

Game: “MISSION DECISION"

INSTRUCTIONS

2 teams with 5 students need to compete Each group gets 15 seconds to look at the question and then gets 2 minutes to speak. The opponents get additional question about the situation. (this is to practice part 3 and 4 at the same time) OTHER teams actas the “timekeepers” and “score counters.” ✅ points = Fluency, vocabulary, intonation, organization, linking words. ❌ 1 point = Too short, too much hesitation or off-topic The team with the most votes wins the game! :)

EXTRA QUESTIONS

  • which of the occupations is more attractive to younger people?
  • Which would be the most comfortable for a family with children?
  • which of these ways is the easiest to follow?
  • which thing is most important for health of older people?

PART 4

PART 3

TIME FOR YOUR VOTES!

WHO WON THE GAME?

Exam Strategy:

o Observe the video carefully and note strategies used by candidates. o Practise each part multiple times in pairs. o In Part 2, structure your answer clearly and link ideas. o In collaborative tasks, involve your partner and communicate naturally. o Always be ready to guess or respond if unsure — interaction matters more than perfection.

Thanks

REMINDER: COMPLETE THE VIDEO RECORDING FOR THE SPEAKING EXAM BEFORE 03/11.