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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 26
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 opinions and freedom of speech. 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.
| On what occasions is it a good idea to speak your mind? |
- at work
- in a restaurant
- with your family
- at school
- with your friends
Now, talk to each other about in which situations it is ok to speak your mind.
……………………………………………………………………………………….
Thank you. Now you have about a minute to decide which is the worst situation to speak your mind.
……………………………………………………………………………………….
Thank you.
Now, discuss these questions, in order, as appropriate:
- Do you generally speak your mind?
- Some people say that you can sometimes be too truthful. What do you think?
- What problems can come from speaking your mind too often?
- Have you ever got into trouble for speaking your mind?
- When was the last time you had to speak your mind to someone your cared about?
