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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 4
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 environment. 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.
Which of these things might have the greatest impact on the environment?
- building high-rise buildings on coastlines
- the increase of long distance flights
- wasting food
- hunting parties
- using fossil fuels
Now, talk to each other about why these things could have an influence on the environment.
……………………………………………………………………………………….
Thank you. Now you have about a minute to decide which has the worst impact on the environment.
……………………………………………………………………………………….
Thank you.
Now, discuss these questions, in order, as appropriate:
- Is protecting the environment important to you?
- Do young people care about the environment?
- What is the best way about finding out about ways of protecting the environment?
- How is your country trying to deal with climate change?