Hi, welcome back to our site. Here we have the most useful Cambridge Exam materials available online.
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 28
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 vacations. 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 might it be a good idea to plan a trip in advance?
- cheap flights
- accommodation
- trips and excursions
- avoiding problems
- eating arrangements
Now, talk to each other about the advantages and disadvantages of planning a trip in advance.
……………………………………………………………………………………….
Thank you. Now you have about a minute to decide which is the best reason to plan a trip in advance.
……………………………………………………………………………………….
Thank you.
Now, discuss these questions, in order, as appropriate:
- Do you normally plan a trip before you go or just improvise when you are there?
- Some people always go to the same places because they feel more comfortable, what do you think about that?
- Is it a good idea to book a hotel a long time before you go on vacation?
- It is said that you can only enjoy a trip in a country where you can speak the language. Do you agree?
- Which is more enjoyable, going abroad or staying in (your country)?
