B2 – FCE – First for Schools

Teacher: Maria Bernadete Rios Penha de Araújo

Task information for Part 2

01. Each candidate is given a one-minute ‘long turn’.

02. No one will interrupt you.

03. The examiner gives you both two photographs to compare, describe briefly,
give your opinions and answer a question which is typed above the photos.

04. You have to manage your time carefully in part 2. You have only 1 minute to
compare the photos (similarities and differences) and answer the questions
which is above/below the photos.
Make sure you leave enough time to answer the question after comparing
the photos.

05. You have to:

1. Explain the topic linking the two photos.
2. Talk about similarities and differences.
3. Answer the question.
4. Express your opinion.

06. The examiner then asks you a question about your partner’s photographs.
You have 30 seconds to answer.

Tips for Part 2

01. If you can’t find the right word for something paraphrase it.

02. Speak at a natural speed.

03. Try to keep talking for the full minute

04. Listen carefully to the instructions.

05. Look at the pictures.

06. Read the question above/below the photos.

07. Talk about things that are similar and different in the two pictures. Don’t
describe everything, you are just making comparisons with each other.

08. You can describe the photos, but only to help you make comparisons or
answer the question.

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09. Your guesses about the photos don’t have to be right, but it’s important to
speculate about what might be happening.

10. After you mentioned the first photo, you need to direct compare that with
the second photo.

If you are not sure of what to compare, it’s a good idea to look at obvious
similarities between them first. For example: In both pictures we can see
people drinking.

Remember to use comparative adjectives and adverbs. The second photo

shows a busier and livelier environment than the first photo.

11. Some useful phrases and words to compare similarities are:

. In the same way
In the first picture we can see a man relaxing and drinking coffee. In the
same way, the people in the second picture also look very relaxed and
happy.
. Similarly
The first photo shows a man drinking coffee in an informal setting. Similarly,
the second photo was also taken in a casual place.
. Likewise

. Also

12. Some useful phrases and words to contrast are:

. By contrast
In the second picture, I can see a group of friends enjoying the company.
By contrast, the man in the first picture seems happy on his own.
. On the other hand
. However
The man in the first photo is sitting by himself. However, the second photo
shows a group of friends sitting together.
. whereas
. while
The man in the first is drinking coffee while the men in the second picture
are drinking wine.

13. Some steps that could be followed depending on the photos:

a. Say what topic links the photographs
. Both photos show people doing exercise.
. Both photos show some similarities.
. Both photos show people who have achieved something important and
are celebrating. They are similar because both achievements involve a
lot of physical effort.
. In the first picture I can see a man, sitting by himself, in a café.

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 . Looking at the first photo I can see a …

b. Say briefly what the people are doing:

. In the first photo, the people are doing an exercise class, while in the
second photo a group of people are playing basketball together.

c. Suggest who the people might be:

. The people in the gym don’t seem to know each other because they
aren’t talking to each other. On the other hand/whereas, the people
playing basketball are probably friends because it looks like an
informal game.

d. Say what is different about the form of exercise/activity:

. The exercise class looks serious, whereas the basketball game looks
very relaxed.

e. Suggest how the people might be feeling:

. The people in the gym don’t look as happy as the people playing
basketball. They aren’t smiling and the woman on the right looks a bit
bored. I think the people playing basketball are probably enjoying
themselves more because it’s fun to meet your friends and do sport
with them.

f. Say more differences or similarities between the photos:

Another difference is that …

g. Say which activity would you prefer and why:

I’d rather do/go/etc …. because I think …

h. More useful expressions:

. The people in the first photo look….
. I think they probably …
. Maybe they’re going to …
. The man in the second picture looks like…
. He seems …
. I guess he might be …
. I’m sure they …
. He might …

Answering the follow-up questions

01. When your partner is talking about his/her pictures, listen but don’t interrupt
him/her.

02. Listen carefully when your partners compare their photos because you
shouldn’t repeat everything they’ve said and listening can give you some
ideas on how to answer your question.

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03. If you wish, you can refer to some of their ideas when you answer your
question about their photos.

04. You can start answering your question with the expression: Personally I think
… and always give reasons.