This document provides an overview of the Speaking exam for Cambridge English exams. It outlines the four parts of the exam and provides advice and sample language for candidates to use. It discusses Part 1 (short introductory interview), Part 2 (longer discussion of two pictures), Part 3 (interaction between candidates on a topic), and Part 4 (general discussion). For each part, it describes what to expect and gives keys to success, including organizing responses, avoiding hesitation, and supporting opinions. It also provides sample language to use for different question types and situations within the exam.
3. Judge a book by its cover C1 - exam practice 3.pdf
1. JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER!
PRACTICE 3 - CULTURE, PASSIONS & AMBITIONS
C1
2. Judge a book by its cover!
Virtual campus:
In-class practice:
Reading & Use of English Part 3
Speaking + All parts & tips
Writing Part 2 - A review
OVERVIEW
3. SPEAKING PART 1 - THE INTERVIEW
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- Personal information
- Several topics Simple introduction questions.
- Present, past or future tenses questions
- 3 minutes Ice-breaker
THE KEY:
- Give a good
fi
rst impression.
- Focus on good pronunciation, and giving a complete
and spontaneous answer.
- No need to give long answers
- AVOID HESITATING & REPEATING YOURSELF
KNOW
HOW
SPEAKING PART 1
2/3 min in total
4. Films or books? What do you prefer?
I prefer ... to ...
My choice will always be ...
I'd opt for ...
... sounds like a better option
That's a no-brainer!
It depends on ...
Expressing preference
SPEAKING PART 1
2/3 min in total
5. What's the most memorable story you've ever read or seen on
I vividly remember ...
I distinctly remember ...
I have fond memories of ...
I will never forget
I can't get off my mind
poignant
thought-provoking
stirring
gripping
stunning
dramatic
gory
unsettling
hysterical
unforgettable
Reminiscing
SPEAKING PART 1
2/3 min in total
6. have a heart of stone
cry like a baby
come apart at the seams
tear up
be in tears
my heart starts pounding
hold back your tears
be unimpressed
I tend to ...
No matter how hard I try ...
I always end up ...
It depends on ...
I'm the type of person who..
I can't say that ...
I wouldn't risk saying ...
Describing
tendencies
Has a book/ lm ever made you cry? SPEAKING PART 1
2/3 min in total
7. Do you enjoy art?
It's not my cup of tea
I'm not a huge fan of ...
I don't mind...
I can do without it
I'm rather indifferent towards..
It leaves me cold
Likes & Dislikes
I'm truly passionate about ...
I can't live without ...
I can't do without ...
I'm a huge fan of ...
I could .. over and over again
SPEAKING PART 1
2/3 min in total
8. SPEAKING PART 2 - LONG TURN
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- 1 minute without interruption
- 2 PICTURES that you have to compare
- ANSWER the given task
- Give your own opinion
- 30 seconds comment after your partner’s long turn
THE KEY:
- Organise your speech
- Speak for as long as possible, the examiner will stop you
- IMPORTANT: Answer the question!
- Listen to your partner but do not interrupt
- AVOID HESITATING AND REPEATING YOURSELF
KNOW
HOW
STRUCTURE
Common theme
Comparison
Speculation
Answer the question
SPEAKING PART 2
1 min long turn
+ 30 sec comment
9. Why might these people have decided perform in these events?
3. Speculation
It seems/appears to me that ...
They might /may / could ...
I might be wrong, but I think ...
I can't be certain, but I guess..
Both pictures present/show …
These two pictures share the fact that...
1. Identify the common theme
In picture A, as well as in B, ….
In contrast to picture A, picture B presents...
In picture A one can spot ..., whereas in picture B ...
Unlike picture A, picture B ...
2. Compare & Contrast: similarities & differences
As for (+ question)
In relation to the question... Regarding the question...
4. Answer the question
STUDENT
A
SPEAKING PART 2
1 min long turn
+ 30 sec comment
1 MIN
10. Which of these events would you rather attend?
STUDENT
B
If It was up to me, I would...
I’d sooner...
Given the choice, I would…
Far better to … than …
This would be by far the best option.
My preference would be to..
Without a shadow of a doubt, I would…
No way would I ...
Hypothetical preference
SPEAKING PART 2
1 min long turn
+ 30 sec comment
30 SEC
11. Why might these people have chosen to read a book in these places?
What might distract them from reading in each of these situations?
3. Speculation
It seems/appears to me that ...
They might /may / could ...
I might be wrong, but I think ...
I can't be certain, but I guess..
Both pictures present/show …
These two pictures share the fact that...
1. Identify the common theme
In picture A, as well as in B, ….
In contrast to picture A, picture B presents...
In picture A one can spot ..., whereas in picture B ...
Unlike picture A, picture B ...
2. Compare & Contrast: similarities & differences
As for (+ question)
In relation to the question... Regarding the question...
4. Answer the question
STUDENT
A
SPEAKING PART 2
1 min long turn
+ 30 sec comment
1 MIN
12. Which of these places might be the worst for reading?
STUDENT
B
SPEAKING PART 2
1 min long turn
+ 30 sec comment
30 SEC
Although I do appreciate ...
I completely understand those who ... , yet...
With all due respect to ... I must say...
A part of me understands why ... , but...
Partial agreement
13. SPEAKING PART 3 - INTERACTION
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- Interaction between candidates
- You will be given a discussion question and 5 written prompts
- 2 - 3 minutes conversation
- Discuss, make and respond to suggestions
- Negotiation between candidates
- The interlocutor will ask you to summarise at some point.
THE KEY:
- Organise your speech
- Focus on giving your opinion
- Support your opinions with reasons
- Respond to your partner's opinions and suggestions
- Easier if you purposely disagree with your partner.
- You don’t need to come to an agreement.
- PREPARE PART 3 & 4 together!
KNOW
HOW
SPEAKING PART 3
2 min conversation
+ 1 min to summarize
14. Future entertainment
How might these forms of
spending free time evolve
in the future?
Reading
Museums and art galleries
Creative activities
(e.g.DIY)
Theatre and cinema Listening to music
Am I right thinking that ... ?
Basically, what you are saying is that ...
Do you mean ... ?
Just to make it clear, have you just said...?
Excuse me, I'm not sure if I got your point.
Ensuring understanding:
SPEAKING PART 3
2 min conversation
+ 1 min to summarize
15. SPEAKING PART 4 - DISCUSSION
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- General conversation based on the topic in part 3
- Both of you will have to give your opinions.
- IT’S THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW THAT YOU ARE
CAPABLE OF DISCUSSING ISSUES IN DEPTH
THE KEY:
- Organise your speech
- Focus on developing the conversation
- Listen to the questions carefully and answer them according to your
opinion BUT ALWAYS: Support your opinions with reasons
KNOW
HOW
SPEAKING PART 4
5 min conversation
16. Do people nowadays have less free time than the previous
generations?
Explaining reasons
It might be due to ...
It could be because ...
Such a situation stems from ...
The main trigger for ... is ...
The reason for ... could be found in...
... is to blame (negative)
SPEAKING PART 4
5 min conversation
17. Why might some people turn away from cultural activities such
Explaining reasons
It might be due to ...
It could be because ...
Such a situation stems from ...
The main trigger for ... is ...
The reason for ... could be found in...
... is to blame (negative)
SPEAKING PART 4
5 min conversation
18. What could be done to encourage children to reading?
Explaining reasons
It might be due to ...
It could be because ...
Such a situation stems from ...
The main trigger for ... is ...
The reason for ... could be found in...
... is to blame (negative)
SPEAKING PART 4
5 min conversation
19. Should art and culture be a compulsory school subject?
Explaining reasons
It might be due to ...
It could be because ...
Such a situation stems from ...
The main trigger for ... is ...
The reason for ... could be found in...
... is to blame (negative)
SPEAKING PART 4
5 min conversation
20. Is art and culture important for the modern
Explaining reasons
It might be due to ...
It could be because ...
Such a situation stems from ...
The main trigger for ... is ...
The reason for ... could be found in...
... is to blame (negative)
SPEAKING PART 4
5 min conversation
21. Reading & Use of English: Part 3 - Word Formation
Vocabulary | Pre
fi
xes | Suf
fi
xes
What to expect:
A text with 8 gaps
Stem word
Form an appropriate word from the word given
KEY:
Skim the text - general meaning
What type of word are you looking for? (Noun, verb
adjective …?)
Plural, singular, negative?
Make sure the spelling is correct
Read the full text again
1p
READING & UOE
1h 30 min / 8 parts
22. According to researchers, not only does singing in a choir make us feel good, it may also be ......... (BENEFIT) to our health.
A recent online survey of people who sang in choirs, played team sports or took up dancing all yielded very high levels
of ......... (PSYCHOLOGY) well-being. However, it was the choristers who stood out as feeling the most ....... (LIFT). Why is
this? Singing in a choir was shown to be ...... (SIGNIFY) more effective at improving the mood of its .... (PARTICIPATE)
because of synchronized moving and breathing with other people. Alternatively, it could simply be the fact that being part of
a .... (MEAN) group is particularly satisfying. Over the years researchers have found that choral singing has a number of
health bene
fi
ts as well, including boosting the immune system and lowering stress levels. One study has even suggested that it
can increase life .... (EXPECT). Although researchers admit that some of their studies are still ..... (SPECULATE), they feel there
does seem to be the .... (IMPLY) that singing in a group is more than just fun.
Reading & Use of English: Part 3 - Word Formation READING & UOE
1h 30 min / 8 parts