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”.
Interlocutor
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 learning a language. 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.
| Which is the most effective way to learn a foreign language? |
- one-to-one tuition
- read foreign books
- have conversation exchanges
- move abroad
- watch tv and listen to podcasts
Now, talk to each other about which is the most effective method to learn a language and why.
……………………………………………………………………………………….
Thank you. Now you have about a minute to decide which is the best thing to do to master a language.
……………………………………………………………………………………….
Thank you.
Now, discuss these questions, in order, as appropriate:
- Is it important to speak more than one language these days?
- What types of jobs will you need good communication skills for?
- Why do so many people learn English as a foreign language?
- Have you ever tried to learn a foreign language on your own?
- Do you use technology or applications to learn languages?
