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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 18
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 government funding and 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.
| What should the government invest its limited funding in to prevent environmental problems? |
- public transport
- renewable energy
- education
- zoos and wildlife parks
- recycling plants
Now, talk to each other about what are the best ways the government could help the environment.
……………………………………………………………………………………….
Thank you. Now you have about a minute to decide which is the most effective way for the government to invest its money.
……………………………………………………………………………………….
Thank you.
Discuss these questions
- Why does the government not protect the environment to the best of its ability?
- Do you share the opinion that climate change will cause the extinction of the human race?
- Would you say that we need to make drastic changes to our lifestyles in order to protect earth?
