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This post offers English learners an example of collaborative task (Part 3) and the discussion (Part 4) that are in the B2 FIRST. These are the 3rd and 4th tasks in the speaking exam (HERE) that learners must carry out.
In this part of the exam the two candidates are to speak together about a situation for about two minutes. They should discuss the situation and take into account all of the 5 options provided. In the end they have about one minute to come to a conclusion (agree or disagree HERE). The way this exercise is assessed is simple (see the link for more details HERE).
The interlocutor will describe the task and then the candidates have about 15 seconds to look at the information, then the should debate the topic for about 2-3 minutes. The examiners are not involved in the task and the candidates are to interact independently until the examiner says “thank you”.
Example 1
Now, I’d like you to talk about something together for about two minutes.
I’d like you to imagine that you are talking about the family. Here are some of the ideas you could be thinking about and a question for you to discuss. First you have some time to look at the task.
If you have to support a family, how might it be difficult to find time to do these things?
- Learn a foreign language
- Get enough exercise
- Go on a weekly date with your partner
- Travel the world
- Go shopping
Now, talk to each other about how supporting a family might make it difficult to find spare time.
……………………………………………………………………………………….
Thank you. Now you have about a minute to decide which is the most difficult thing to find time for.
……………………………………………………………………………………….
Thank you.
Now, discuss these questions, in order, as appropriate:
- What do you wish you had more time for?
- What did you do more of in the past that you would like to do again?
- What do you spend too much time doing?
- What can’t you stand wasting time doing?
