C1 ADVANCED COLLABORATIVE TASKS

The third part of the CAE exam is based on interaction with your partner. You need to focus on developing a simple, yet fluent conversation with your partner, in which, the examiner will assess your ability to “initiate and respond, develop a topic, negotiate an outcome”.

 

There are some simple things that you can do to make this part of the exam a lot easier:

1. Practice question formation and ask all types of questions (short, full, negative, question tags)
2. Context. If you give the situation a context it is much easier to discuss. Make the situation personal and act it out like a role-play.
3. Hypothetical tenses. Use hypothetical grammar forms (2nd and 3rd conditional, wish, if only) to help develop the content.
4. Make your points and give reasons for your answers. It is important to use examples like past experiences to reinforce your opinions.
5. Disagree! At the beginning, it is much easier if you purposely disagree with your partner. See phrases for agreement and disagreement (HERE)

 

This part of the exam is informal. You can interrupt and use colloquial forms to make your points. Try to relax and enjoy this part of the exam. If it seems like a natural conversation with a friend, it will get a much better grade. This part of the exam is not concerned with accuracy, but interaction and fluency. You want the examiner to think that you speak English on a daily basis and that you enjoy using it.

CHECK OUT OUR POST ON THE C1 ADVANCED SPEAKING EXAM (HERE)

 

How it works:

Discuss the situation with your partner for two minutes, then you will have one minute to give a conclusion. You should focus your attention on these grammar points: cleft sentences, conditionals, modal verbs, wish and relative clauses

 

Example questions:

 

Exam 1

Now, I’d like you to talk about something together for about two minutes.

Here are some ideas for you to talk about and a question for you to discuss. First you have some time to look at the task.

Now. I’d like you to talk about what social problems have an impact on young people

 

How difficult can it be to deal with these problematic issues that can affect young people in our society?

• Bullying
• Noise in public places
• Under-age drinking
• Graffiti
• Violence

 

Use the following questions, in order, as appropriate:

• What social issues concern you the most?
• Some people say that society is losing its morality. What do you think?
• What age groups tend to be involved in criminal activity?
• What was your neighbourhood like when you were growing up?
• Have you had a lot of experience with crime and social issues?

 

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Exam 2

Now, I’d like you to talk about something together for about two minutes.

Here are some ideas for you to talk about and a question for you to discuss. First you have some time to look at the task.

Now. I’d like you to talk about why people want to master a foreign language

 

Why would you be motivated to learn a foreign language?

• Employment opportunities
• Travel
• Enjoyment
• Meet new people
• Education (grants and scholarships)

 

Use the following questions, in order, as appropriate:

• What encouraged you to start learning languages?
• Some people call English the international language. Why is that?
• Which is the most important language to learn?
• What will be the most important language in the future?
• What is the easiest way to learn a language?

 

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Exam 3

Now, I’d like you to talk about something together for about two minutes.

Here are some ideas for you to talk about and a question for you to discuss. First you have some time to look at the task.

Now. I’d like you to talk about how people’s tastes change with age

 

As people age their tastes in activities tend to change. If a pensioner were to take up a new activity, what would you suggest?

• Dance
• Crafts
• Interest groups
• Reading/book group
• Sports like yoga

 

Use the following questions, in order, as appropriate:

• How can elderly people stay active?
• Why do many people get depressed when they retire?
• Some people say that people need a purpose to be happy. What do you think?
• What do you want to do when you retire?
• Do you think retirement will become a thing of the past?

 

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Exam 4

Now, I’d like you to talk about something together for about two minutes.

Here are some ideas for you to talk about and a question for you to discuss. First you have some time to look at the task.

Now. I’d like you to talk about what the advantages and disadvantages of communicating in these ways are

 

Technology has revolutionised the way we communicate over the past decade. What are the advantages and disadvantages of people communicating in these different ways?

• Face-to-face meeting
• Giving a lecture
• Writing a letter
• Chatting online
• Using a phone app to send messages

 

Use the following questions, in order, as appropriate:

• How has technology improved our lives?
• Some people are worried about the influence of technology on our lives. What do you think?
• Will there be mass unemployment in the future because of technology?
• Which jobs will be impossible to replace?
• Are you keen on the idea of artificial intelligence?

 

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Exam 5

Now, I’d like you to talk about something together for about two minutes.

Here are some ideas for you to talk about and a question for you to discuss. First you have some time to look at the task.

Now. I’d like you to talk about what the pros and cons of exercise are

 

Physical activity is an essential part of staying both physically and mentally healthy. What are the benefits and drawbacks of exercising as part of a group?

• Motivation
• Level of activity
• Collaboration
• Atmosphere
• friendship

 

Use the following questions, in order, as appropriate:

• Do you prefer working out alone or with others?
• Many people think that the only way to stick to a sport is to compete. What do you think?
• Are you a fan of being involved in team sports?
• Are the spectators an important part of sport?
• Are you used to doing exercise in the morning or the evening?

 

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Exam 6

Now, I’d like you to talk about something together for about two minutes.

Here are some ideas for you to talk about and a question for you to discuss. First you have some time to look at the task.

Now. I’d like you to talk about what young people are usually worried about

 

You have been discussing the issues that most concern young people nowadays. How much would you say that young people care about these different points?

• Fashion and style
• The environment
• Crime
• Friendships
• Education and future careers

 

Use the following questions, in order, as appropriate:

• Is it important to pursue a career related to your interests?
• Would you say that young people have the right priorities these days?
• Some people say that humans are superficial. What do you think?
• Do you value your friendships or relationships with family members most?
• What is the best way to know what really matters to you in life?

 

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Exam 7

Now, I’d like you to talk about something together for about two minutes.

Here are some ideas for you to talk about and a question for you to discuss. First you have some time to look at the task.

Now. I’d like you to talk about what issues are important for tourists to consider

 

When people travel they have various different options on offer. How important is it for tourists to do these things before they set off on a journey?

• Learn a little of the local language
• Arrange transport and accommodation
• Book activities
• Buy a guidebook
• Learn the history of the place

 

Use the following questions, in order, as appropriate:

• What types of tourism are popular in your country?
• Are tourists usually respectful towards locals in your experience?
• Some people are really against mass tourism. Why is that?
• How can tourism be harmful to the environment?
• Would you ever like to work in the tourist industry?

 

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Exam 8

Now, I’d like you to talk about something together for about two minutes.

Here are some ideas for you to talk about and a question for you to discuss. First you have some time to look at the task.

Now. I’d like you to talk about what problems can arise from sport and physical activity

 

Physical activity can be a great thing, both mentally and physically. But can it ever turn into something negative?

• Addiction
• Injury
• Loneliness
• Time consuming
• Costs

 

Use the following questions, in order, as appropriate:

• Is addiction to sport common?
• Some people say that being too competitive is a bad thing, what do you think?
• What can be learned from taking part in team sports?
• Would you rather do sport alone or with others?
• What is the greatest sporting achievement of your life?

 

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Exam 9

Now, I’d like you to talk about something together for about two minutes.

Here are some ideas for you to talk about and a question for you to discuss. First you have some time to look at the task.

Now. I’d like you to talk about what climate issues are most worrying

 

The environmental changes of the past few decades are extremely concerning. How can we as individuals influence others to protect the local area?

• Set up media campaigns
• Lead by example
• Do volunteer work
• Create environmental workshops for youngsters
• Write letters to local politicians

 

Use the following questions, in order, as appropriate:

• Are people aware of the possible impacts of climate change?
• Do normal people do enough to protect the environment?
• How could we learn more about global warming and how to prevent it?
• Some people state that humans are too selfish to look after the environment. What do you think?
• Do you think that our planet is doomed because of humans being unable to think about the long term impacts of their actions?

 

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Exam 10

Now, I’d like you to talk about something together for about two minutes.

Here are some ideas for you to talk about and a question for you to discuss. First you have some time to look at the task.

Now. I’d like you to talk about people and their well-being

 

Health issues like diabetes and obesity are causing havoc in healthcare systems. How useful can these things be in encouraging proplr to lead a healthy lifestyle?

• Cooking classes in schools

 

• Publicity campaigns

• Tax on junk-food

• Sports programs in local communities

• Investment in sports facilities

 

 

Use the following questions, in order, as appropriate:

• The best way to stay healthy is to eat right. What do you think?
• It is said that regular exercise throughout your life keeps you motivated and active. What’s your view?
• Is health advice is more reliable nowadays than in the past?
• What’s the best way to stick to a healthy diet?
• Is it ever ok to binge drink?

 

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