What does the speaking test involve?

The speaking part of the C1 Advanced from Cambridge Exam English consists of 4 parts and lasts for about 15 minutes. There are 2 (or sometimes 3) candidates in the exam, in which the candidates must speak individually and also interact to complete the tasks. For more information, click HERE

 

Speaking: part 2 practice questions

 

In this part of the test, I’m going to give each of you three pictures. I’d like you to talk about two of them on your own for about one minute, and also answer a brief question about your partner’s photographs. 

 

Here are your photographs. They show people spending time near water.

 

I’d like you to compare two of the photographs and say why these people are close to water and how they might be feeling. 

 

How come these people are using water?

How might they be feeling?

In this part of the test, I’m going to give each of you three pictures. I’d like you to talk about two of them on your own for about one minute, and also answer a brief question about your partner’s photographs. 

 

Here are your photographs. They show people looking concerned.

 

I’d like you to compare two of the photographs and say why these people could be stressed and what types of emotions they might be feeling.

 

Why might these people be feeling stressed?

What might be going through their minds?

In this part of the test, I’m going to give each of you three pictures. I’d like you to talk about two of them on your own for about one minute, and also answer a brief question about your partner’s photographs. 

 

Here are your photographs. They show people using technology in different ways.

 

I’d like you to compare two of the photographs and say what might they be using tecnology for and what possible advantages might the use of technology have in these situations.

 

Why might these people be making use of technology?

How could technology be useful in these situations?

In this part of the test, I’m going to give each of you three pictures. 

 

I’d like you to talk about two of them on your own for about one minute, and also answer a brief question about your partner’s photographs. 

 

Here are your photographs. They show people communicating in different ways.

 

I’d like you to compare two of the photographs and say what they might be trying to get across and how they might be feeling.

 

What message might they be trying to get across?

How might they be feeling?

DOWNLOAD THES QUESTION IS PDF HERE

 

Evaluation scale:

As in all of the Cambridge speaking exams there are two examiners present during the exam. The interlocutor is the person who asks the questions and interacts with the candidates to carry out the exam. The interlocutor assigns 25% of the candidates’ grade with the GLOBAL MARK. The second examiner is the assessor, this person does not interact with the candidates, they just listen and assess. The assign 75% of the grade with 5 different marks (GRAMMAR RESOURCE, LEXICAL RESOURCE, DISCOURSE MANAGEMENT, INTERACTIVE COMMUNICATION AND PRONUNCIATION)

 

Grammar resource

Maintains control of a wide range of grammatical forms. This means that the candidates can use a variety of grammar forms in a controlled way that best suits the situation. Candidates must be daring with grammar forms to make sure they demonstrate the advanced level.

 

Lexical resource

Uses a wide range of appropriate vocabulary to give and exchange views on familiar and unfamiliar topics. This refers to the flexibility of vocabulary use, again candidates must be adventurous with vocabulary use to make sure they use attention grabbing words and phrases. Idioms are a great way of doing so.

 

Discourse management

Produces extended stretches of language with ease and with very little hesitation. Contributions are relevant, coherent and varied. Uses a wide range of cohesive devices and discourse markers. Candidates must use language in an extended, controlled and organized way. The organization of speech is key, as is the use of connectives and conjunctions.

 

Pronunciation

Is intelligible. Phonological features are used effectively to convey and enhance meaning. Pronunciation is not the most demanding part of the Cambridge exams and by no means do you need to sound native, but you must focus on intonation and individual sounds to make sure you reach the appropriate level.

 

Interactive communication

Interacts with ease, linking contributions to those of other speakers. Widens the scope of the interaction and negotiates towards an outcome. This means that the candidate can both interact with their partner and the interlocutor with ease. All factors contribute to this part of the evaluation, including body language, eagerness to speak and attitude. You must make sure that you have practiced the exam format and that you complete each task to the required level.

 

Global mark

Handles communication on a wide range of topics, including unfamiliar and abstract ones, with very little hesitation. Uses accurate and appropriate linguistic resources to express complex ideas and concepts and produce extended discourse that is coherent and easy to follow. Basically you jst want to complete the exam with ease, without being prompted too often and to demonstrate that you have prepared for the exam.

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