This post offers English learners 20 examples 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”.
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 Zoos. Here are some of the ideas you might be thinking about and a question for you to discuss. First you have some time to look at the task.
| What are the advantages and disadvantages of keeping animals in zoos? |
- protect endangered species
- help animals to reproduce
- learn about animal behaviour
- entertainment
- take animals out of their natural habitat
Now, talk to each other about how keeping animals in a zoo can be a good or a bad thing.
……………………………………………………………………………………….
Thank you. Now you have about a minute to decide which are the two worst reasons for having zoos.
……………………………………………………………………………………….
Thank you.
Now, discuss these questions, in order, as appropriate:
- Is it a good idea to still have zoos nowadays?
- Some people say you can learn more from books and documentaries than from zoos, do you agree?
- How can zoos teach us about wildlife?
- Why are so many people against visiting the zoo?
- How have zoos changed over the last 100 years?
