FCE PAPER 5 - SPEAKING EXAM GUIDE Speaking Section Format The speaking test consists of four parts: bea es a Lcd Part2 candidate Alone ! ‘¢ 2 conversation between the interlocutor and candidate @ ‘long turn for Candidate | (Candidate | speaks for | minute «© candidates must answer the interlocutor’s questions with about a pair of photographs) basic personal information ‘© short response from Candidate 2 (20 seconds) ‘¢ 3 minutes (about |.5 per candidate) ‘© ‘long turn’ for Candidate 2 (Candidate 2 speaks for | minute about a pair of photographs) ‘© shore response from Candidate | (20 seconds) ‘© candidates must describe and compare their two photographs and give an opinion Part3 candidate and Candidate be ee a Msc oe | ‘© conversation between the two candidates ‘© discussion on topics related to Part 3 ‘© candidates are given a number of options to discuss with @ candidates must express and explain their opinions, ‘written and visual aids and agree or disagree with the opinions expressed by ‘© they must discuss all the options and reach a decision (on the other candidate and/or the interlocutor the best one(s), for example) Be © 3 minutes “The Speaking Test lasts around 14 minutes in total. In the event that there is an uneven number of candidates, the final group will be made up of three candidates and their test will last approximately 20 minutes. ete [There will be two examiners; an interlocutor and an assessor. You will only talk to one of the examiners during the test - the interlocutor. However, both ofthe examiners will grade your performance. ‘= Speak clearly and loud enough for both examiners to ear you. '* You will conduct the speaking test ina pair with one other candidate, unless there is an uneven number of students; then the last group will comprise three candidates. ‘+The interlocutor keeps toa scripted frame (has what to say written down for him). Ifyou do not understand what he says, ‘you may ask him to say it again. Ifyou ask the examiner to repeat what he says, you will not lose any marks. 's Always listen carefully to the interlocutor's spoken instructions and read the questions above the pictures, so that you know ‘exactly what you are being asked. ‘+ When the other candidate is speaking, listen carefully, to0, as you may have to speak in response to something they have sad. '* If you get stuck and can't think of a word, paraphrase - dor't stop and try to find the word you are looking for; say what you want to say using other words. The Interview ‘We call Part 1 the interview because the interlocutor will ask you questions - interview you - about yourself. You will not have to speak to the other candidate, though you may if you wish, ‘The questions will centre around your work/study, leisure time and future plans. You may be asked about the sports you enjoy, for example, or your travel and holiday experiences. It is important that you give adequate answers; that means no ‘yes’ or ‘no’ responses. Use the ‘Who’, ‘What?’ ‘When?’ “Where?’, ‘Why?’, ‘How? method to help you give more complete answers that show off your English. For example, ifthe ex. aminer asks you where you live, rather than simply saying: I live in London, England's capita city’ You could say; "I live in an area of London called Streatham, with my family = my mum, dad and baby sister. We live in a fourth-floor fla. It's nice and ‘cosy, but sometimes I wish it was a litle less noisy outside - there's so much traffic on the road.’ In other words, say as much as you can, Practise talking about yourself as often as possible, but avoid going into the exam with alist of answers that you have memorised. The examiner will spot this and will adjust your score downward. One of the best ways to practise is by brainstorming ~ thinking of as many things as possible to say in response to a question, making some notes if necessary. But after you have thought of the ideas and made some notes, try to speak without the aid of your notes and without having memorised them. With practice, you will find yourself improving your ability to think on your feet and paraphrase, as well as your overall fluency.EXAM GUIDE SPEAKING SECTION CT eC ee Te Good morning / afternoon / evening. My name i... ‘And your names are? Can | have your mark sheets, please? Thank you: First of all,’ like to know something about you. ‘© Where are you from? (Candidate A) ‘© And you? (Candidate B) ‘© What do you lke about living in ‘© And what about you? (Candidate ) .. and this is my colleague (name of candidate's home town)? Select one or more questions fram any of the following categories as appropriate etd ‘© Doyou prefer to spend time with your friends or family? (Why..2) © Do you like making things with your hands? (What... 2) ‘© What's your favourite food? (Why... 2) ‘© Do you like going to parties? (Why... ?) '@ Tell me about a special day in your life that you really enjoyed? ‘Who do you spend your free time with? ‘What sorts of things do you do together? Do you ever read books? (What kind... Why..2) ‘What is your favourite hobby? (Why... How often...) Have you got any plans for the weekend? (What... 2) ‘Where do you hang out with your friends? (Why...? What .. do... 2) Pena) How much T. de you watch each week? Tall me about a TV. programme you've seen recently that you liked. (Why... lke. 2) Do you often read the newspaper? (Why...2) Have you got a computer at home? Do you use computers alot? What do you do when you are surfing the internet? What sorts of websites do you look at? (Why... 2) Do you find it easy to study where you live? (Why...) What do you like and disike about your school/university? (Why... 2) ‘What would you like to do when you finish schooV university? (Why...2 Do you prefer working on your own or with other people? (Wry...) ‘What would your perfect job be? (Why?) ee) ‘Which area of your country would you recommend to a tourist? (Why... 2) ‘What is the most interesting place you've ever visited? (What .. do... 2) Have you ever had to speak English while ‘on holiday? (When... Where...2) Do you prefer beach holidays or holidays in the city? (Why...) Where would you most like to go on hholiday in the future? (Why... 2) ‘What do you usually do in the evenings? Do you get a lot of homework every week? How much time do you spend studying teach night? Describe your daily routine, Do you often eat fast food? ‘Who does the cooking in your home? ‘What time do you normally go to bed at? How do you get to schoo! / university / work every day? How often do you exercise?EXAM GUIDE® SPEAKING SECTION Long Turn This section is called the ‘long turn’ because you will have to speak about two photographs for one minute without interruption. You will hhave to compare the photographs and then make a further comment fon them, The interlocutor will tell you what you need to do, but there will also be a written prompt, in the form of adirect. ‘question, above the photographs. Pay attention to ths; itis very important to remember not just to compare. the photographs, but to also answer the question. ‘Once your turn has finished, you should continue to listen carefully to your partner's turn because the examiner: will ask you to comment briefly on something related to their photographs and what they have discussed, Stic Ps Me eee) How are the animals feeling? Interlocutor: inthis part of the test, 'm going to give each of you two photographs. I'd lke you to tak about your photo- graphs on your own for about a minute, and also to answer a short question about your partner's photographs. (Condidate A). I's your turn first. Here are your photographs. They show animals in different environments Place Part 2 Booklet, open at Task, infront of Candidate A. I'd like you to compare the photographs, and say how you think the animals in each one might be feeling and why. Allright? (Candidate 8). Which of the two places would you prefer to bbe - horse riding in the countryside or at the 200 - and why? Interlocutor: Now, (Candidate B), here are your photo- graphs. They show people celebrating different things. Place Part 2 Booklet, open at Task 2, infront of Candidate B. I'd like you to compare the photographs, and say what you think the people are celebrating. All right? (Condidate 8). What would you do to celebrate graduating from university?