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 30
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 Education. 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 problems could students have when studying at university?
- dealing with too many exams
- not having enough money
- feeling lonely
- a lack of motivation
- going out too much
Now, talk to each other about what problems young people might have when they go to university.
……………………………………………………………………………………….
Thank you. Now you have about a minute to decide which two are the most common problems for university students.
……………………………………………………………………………………….
Thank you.
Now, discuss these questions, in order, as appropriate:
- Should all young people study at university?
- Some people believe that university is a waste of time and money. What do you think?
- Where would you study if you could study at any university?
- Is it a good idea to study abroad and do an Erasmus year?
- Many students drop out of university. Would you ever consider it?
- What are the most useful subjects to study at university?
