Paper 4 of the CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH: ADVANCED (CAE) exam tests your ability to communicate effectively in face to face situations.
The Speaking test lasts approximately 15 minutes. It is taken face to face, with two candidates and two examiners. (Please note that you will take the Speaking test with one or two other candidates – never alone.)
The Speaking test is worth 20% of the whole Cambridge Advanced exam.
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PART |
TASK FORMAT |
FUNCTIONS |
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1. INTERVIEW (2 minutes) |
The interlocutor asks each candidate to say a little about themselves (interests, studies, career, etc.). |
You must be able to -give personal information -talk about present circumstances/past experiences -talk about future plans -express opinions |
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2. INDIVIDUAL LONG TURN (4 minutes) |
Each candidate talks about a pair of photographs for 1 minute, followed by a 30-second response from the second candidate. |
You must be able to -speak for 1 minute without interruption -give information -express your opinions -relate photos to yourself and your own experience |
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3. TWO-WAY COLLABORATIVE TASK (5 minutes) |
The interlocutor asks candidates to carry out a task based on written prompts. You have to talk with the other candidate and make a decision. The 2-minute discussion should be followed by a 1-minute decision-making task. |
You must be able to -sustain an interaction -exchange information and opinions -express and justify opinions -agree, disagree or partly agree -suggest and speculate -reach a decision through negotiation |
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4. DISCUSSION (4 minutes) |
The interlocutor asks candidates general opinion questions related to the topic covered in Part 3. |
You must be able to -exchange information and opinions -express and justify opinions -agree, disagree or partly agree |
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)
ESSENTIAL TIPS
Part 1
The interlocutor will ask each of you to speak briefly in turn and to give personal information about yourselves. You can expect a variety of questions, such as:
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HOLIDAYS How would you describe the best holiday you have ever had? What sorts of things can spoil a holiday for you? Do you prefer package tours or tours you organize and book yourself? Why? |
FOREIGN LANGUAGES In what ways is knowing a foreign language useful to you now? How do you expect language skills to be important to you in the future? What’s the best way to learn a foreign language? |
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CLOTHES AND FASHION Do you think it is important to wear fashionable clothes? Why? What are some of the strangest fashions you have seen? What traditional clothes do people from your country wear? |
EDUCATION Who was your favourite teacher? At elementary school, what subjects were you good at? Do you wish you had been home schooled? |
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ENVIRONMENT What do you do to protect the environment? Do you think nuclear is power safe? Why is it important? What would you teach your children about protecting the planet? |
HEALTH Do you go for regular medical check-ups? Why? When was the last time you went to a hospital? How do you deal with stress? |
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HOMETOWN What are the main attractions in your hometown? Where is the best place to get a reasonably priced, but delicious meal in your hometown? Has your hometown changed a lot since you were a kid? If so, how? |
EATING What kind of food do you think is the least healthy? What is a typical meal from your country? When was the last time you ate at a restaurant? |
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FRIENDS Do you make friends easily? Has a friend ever let you down? What qualities do you think are important in a friend? |
HOBBIES Did you have any hobbies when you were a child? Are there any hobbies you would like to try? Why do people need hobbies? |
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INTERNET Who uses the Internet the most in your family? What social networking sites do you use? Why? What kind of information are you comfortable releasing to the public? |
SPORT Have you ever been to watch a professional sporting event? Who is your favourite professional athlete? Why? How do you feel about extreme sports? Would you like to try any? |
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