Paper 4 of the CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH: FIRST (FCE) exam tests your ability to communicate effectively in face to face situations.
The Speaking test lasts approximately 14 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.)
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PART |
TASK FORMAT |
FUNCTIONS |
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1. INTERVIEW |
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 |
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2. INDIVIDUAL LONG TURN |
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 |
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 -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 |
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: First (FCE)
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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HOME Can you describe the area where you live? What do you like and dislike about this area? Why? How do you think the area could be improved? Where else would you like to live? Why? |
HEALTH AND FITNESS Do you think it is important to keep fit? Why? How much exercise do you do every day? Do you prefer playing or watching sport? Why? Is eating healthy food important to you? Why? |
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ENGLISH STUDIES When did you start learning English? In what ways do you think English is going to be useful for you? Do you have any plans for a future career? Will you be able to use foreign languages in the carer you choose? |
FREE TIME Who do you prefer to spend your free time with? Why? Do you prefer to spend your free time outdoors or indoors? Why? Has your choice of free time activities changed over the year? In what way? What’s your favourite part of the day? |
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LIKES AND DISLIKES How do you like to spend your evenings? What do you do? Why? Do you prefer to spend time on your own or with other people? Why? Tell us about a film you really like. Do you like cooking? What sort of things do you cook? |
SPECIAL OCCASIONS What presents do you like to give and to receive? Tell us about a famous festival or celebration in your country. What did you do on your last birthday? Are you going to do anything special this weekend? What are you going to do? |
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DAILY ROUTINE Tell us about a daily activity that you particularly enjoy. How often do you have meals with all your family? Which room in your house is the best one to study? Why? How often do you go shopping for food? Where do you go? |
HOLIDAYS Do you like travelling to other countries? Which ones have you been to? What country would you like to visit in the future? Why? Do you like camping holidays? Why? What activities do you like to do when you are on holiday? |
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FAMILY Who are the most important people in your life? How many brothers and sisters do you have? Do you have much contact with your aunts and uncles, cousins, etc.? What do you most enjoy doing with your family? |
SPORTS What would you say are the most important sports in your country? Which sports do you enjoy playing? Why? What kind of sports do you like watching? Why? Are there any sports you find boring? Why? |
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WORK What do you enjoy about what you do? Why? What are your plans for the future? What do you think is the ideal job? What new skill would you like to learn? Why? |
ENTERTAINMENT Do you enjoy going to the cinema or the theatre? Why? Do you ever listen to the radio? Why? What’s your favourite TV programme? Why? Do you use the internet much? Why? |
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TRANSPORT How did you travel here today? What sort of public transport is available in this area? What form of transport do you use most often? Why? What do you like and dislike about it? |
EATING AND DRINKING Do you like cooking for your friends? What dishes do you cook? What did you have for breakfast today? What is more important for you, lunch or dinner? Why? Have you been to a restaurant lately? Tell us about it. |
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COMMUNICATION Do you do a lot of social networking online? Why? Are somebody who enjoys talking? Who do you mostly talk to? Do you think you can communicate easily with children? How? How do you keep up with the latest world news? |
FASHION Do you like to wear fashionable clothes? Why? What are the current fashions in clothes in your country? Do you think that young people pay too much attention to fashions in general? Why? Which fashion do you think is particularly bad for young people? Why? |
Part 2.
Part 3.
Part 4.
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