SPEAKING PAPER

B2 - Cambridge
First Certificate in
English
 Welcome,
my awesome students!
THE AIM BEHIND THIS PRESENTATION IS TO
GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE SPEAKING PAPER
HIGHLIGHTING A FEW ESSENTIAL TIPS.
LET'S DO THIS!
 Part I
In this part of the test, you will answer a few questions
on personal topics such as your home, your daily
routine, your work, likes and dislikes, etc.

COMMUNICATIVE STRATEGIES
Sorry, can you say that again?
Sorry, I didn't quite catch that.
Would you mind repeating that,
please?
Could you repeat that, please?
Could you say that again, please?
Do you mean ….?
Well, that's an interesting
question.
Now, how can I put this?
Useful language
RESPONDING TO QUESTIONS
GIVING PERSONAL INFO ABOUT EVERYDAY LIFE AND
INTERESTS
I have two siblings and we all get
I'm studying… now, but/however
on very well. That's why…
I'd really like to… in the future.
My house is rather small, just…,
I used to be very keen on… but
but I love it because…
now…
Although I have lots of
I don't like…, really, though I do
friends/family, I don't see them
enjoy…
very often because…
My favourite time to… is…
To be honest, I'm not very good
because…
at…
I'm not very sure what I'll do,
but I may decide to…

YOU KNOW THE ANSWER
TO THESE QUESTIONS
so reply confidently and add
interesting information. If you
want to extend you answers you
can give examples and give
reasons.
Exam Help
AVOID MAKING BASIC
GRAMMAR MISTAKES
Think about the verb tense you
are going to use: is the question
about the past, the present or
the future?
ACTIVATE THE
VOCABULARY AREA OF
THE QUESTION
For example, if the question is
about your favourite type of TV
programme, think of comedies,
dramas, news shows, reality
shows, etc.

SPEAK CLEARLY SO THAT

YOUR PARTNER AND THE
TWO EXAMINERS CAN
UNDERSTAND
EVERYTHING YOU SAY.
 Part II
In this past of the exam, you will speak on your own for one
minute. You will compare two photographs and say something else
about them. A good way to go about them would be the following:
a. describe and compare shortly (10/15 seconds);
b. answer the question: speculate about the situations;
c. personalise: give an opinion, share an experience
(if you have extra time).
 Useful language
COMPARING
The people in the photos are in very different places.
In the first photo they are…, whereas in the second photo…
These are very different activities…
The type of food these children are preparing is very different…
I can see some similarities in these photos, they have the same…
This first photo is more/less attractive than the second one
because…
These girls seem to be having a better time than the girls in…
The situations are very different, here people are enjoying…
whilst here they are…
SPECULATING
Perhaps they have decided to do this because…
The people seem to be enjoying…
I get the impression that the woman…
It seems to me that …
He may have chosen to stay at home because…
I think this man looks very tired; he may have been working all
day.
The family in the first photo are probably at home. They could be
…
I think these people may be feeling rather nervous because…

DON'T JUST COMPARE
THE PHOTOS.
Remember that you have not
been asked to describe the photos
but to compare them. There is no
time to comment in detail on one
photo at a time. Start off by
comparing the people, the places
and the situations and give a
personal reaction to the pictures.
Exam Help
USE THE QUESTION
ABOVE
Use the question above the photo
to remind yourself that after you
have compared the photos, you
have to do the second task: you
are asked to speculate, to give
your opinion, to say what you
think.
PAY ATTENTION AT ALL
TIMES
Bear in mind you’ll have to
answer a question about your
partner's photos so pay attention
and be ready to answer the
question when asked to

BE SPECIFIC
Use varied vocabulary and try to
use comparative forms correctly.
HERE ARE TWO POSSIBLE APPROACHES
ON HOW TO DEAL WITH PART II
APPROACH I: "FROM GENERAL TO SPECIFIC"
COMPARE THESE PHOTOGRAPHS AND SAY
WHAT THE PEOPLE ARE ENJOYING ABOUT
DOING THESE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES.
BOTH PICTURES SHOW PEOPLE DOING OUTDOOR
ACTIVITIES IN THE FOREST. WHEREAS IN PICTURE A
THERE ARE TWO PEOPLE, IN PICTURE B THERE IS A
GROUP OF PEOPLE, MAYBE FRIENDS. I IMAGINE THE
COUPLE IN PICTURE A ARE ENJOYING SPENDING
SOME TIME TOGETHER AWAY FROM THEIR STRESSFUL
CITY LIFE, WHILST IT SEEMS THE GROUP OF
FRIENDS ARE ENJOYING CELEBRATING A SPECIAL
OCCASION TOGETHER OUTDOORS.
APPROACH II: "WHO? WHERE? WHY?"
WHAT ARE THE PEOPLE ENJOYING ABOUT
SPENDING TIME IN THESE GARDENS?
I. COMPARE WHO:
WHO CAN YOU SEE IN PICTURE I?
WHO CAN YOU SEE IN PICTURE II?
THE PICTURES DIFFER BECAUSE IN THE FIRST PICTURE THERE'S A MAN
ON HIS OWN BUT IN THE SECOND PICTURE THERE ARE GROUPS OF
PEOPLE.

II. COMPARE WHERE:

WHERE IS THE MAN IN PICTURE I?
WHERE ARE THE PEOPLE IN PICTURE II?
THE MAN IN PICTURE I IS WORKING IN A GARDEN, WHEREAS THE
PEOPLE IN PICTURE II ARE RELAXING IN THE GARDENS OF A BIG HOUSE.
APPROACH II: "WHO? WHERE? WHY?"
WHAT ARE THE PEOPLE ENJOYING ABOUT SPENDING
TIME IN THESE GARDENS?
III. COMPARE WHY:
WHY IS THE MAN IN PICTURE I WORKING IN A GARDEN?
WHY ARE THE PEOPLE RELAXING IN THE GARDENS OF A BIG HOUSE?
THE MAN IN PICTURE I MIGHT BE WORKING IN THE GARDEN FOR HIS PERSONAL
SATISFACTION, BECAUSE HE ENJOYS THE PHYSICAL WORK OF GARDENING AND ALSO FOR
THE RESULT, WHICH ONLY COME SEVERAL MONTHS LATER, WHEN HIS GARDEN MIGHT BE
A BEAUTIFUL DISPLAY OF COLOUR AND SMELL. IT LOOK AS IF HE MIGHT BE GROWING
VEGETABLES, IN ORDER TO BE SELF-SUFFICIENT OR EVEN TO SELL, SO THERE COULD
ALSO BE A FINANCIAL REASON FOR DOING THIS. HOWEVER, THE PEOPLE IN PICTURE II
MIGHT JUST BE RELAXING AND ENJOYING THE WEATHER AND THE SCENERY. IT COULD BE
A FAMILY DAY OUT, WHERE THEY ARE ENJOYING SPENDINF TIME TOGETHER AND
VISITING A HISTORIC HOUSE, AS WELL AS THE BEAUTIFUL GARDENS SURROUNDING IT.
WHILE THE PEOPLE IN THIS PICTURE (2) ARE IN A PERFECT GARDEN, THE MAN HERE
(PICTURE 1) HAS A LOT OF WORK TO DO TO MAKE HIS GARDEN LOOK GOOD.
THE MAN MIGHT ENJOY BEING ON HIS OWN, IN CONTRAST TO THE PEOPLE IN PICTURE
2, WHO LIKE VISITING PLACES WITH THEIR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS.
 Part III
In this part of the test, you will discuss a task with your
partner. You will both initiate a discussion about the written
prompts in turn, and respond to each other's comments.
Remember to:
a. share your thoughts and reasons;
b. find out whether your partner agrees or not;
c. keep moving on to different ideas.

INVITING YOUR PARTNER'S
OPINION AND TAKING TURNS
Some of these situations could be
avoided, don't you think?
I don't know about you, but in my
opinion, this is very good.
These places are very crowded.
Would you agree with that?
What do you think? Is this a better
option?
Do you agree? What about you?
How about you?
Useful language
FOLLOWING UP ON YOUR
PARTNER'S OPINION
I'm sure that's what it is, I
agree.
As I see it, … / In my opinion, …
That's an interesting point, but I
think…
As you said, this job must be
really challenging. However, …
I take your point, but … / I'm
afraid I don't agree; I think …
Well, I would say that …
MOVING TO ANOTHER
WRITTEN PROMPT
Right, why don't we talk about
…?
How about this idea? Do you want
to say something about it?
Now, moving on, … What are
your thoughts on …?
Shall we discuss this idea next?
I'm not sure what this means.
What do you think?

FOCUS ON THE FIRST
TASK YOU ARE GIVEN
It requires for you to discuss
your opinions for about two
minutes. To remind yourself of
the task, look back at the
question printed in the central
box.
Exam Help
BEAR IN MIND YOUR WHEN YOUR PARTNER
SECOND TASK GIVES AN OPINION ON
Remember that after the two- A WRITTEN PROMPT,
minute discussion, you will be RESPOND FULLY BEFORE
given a one-minute decision- MOVING TO SOMETHING
making task. Don't come to a ELSE.
decision too soon because you
It does no matter if you don't
may then struggle to find other
discuss all the prompts, what is
things to say.
important is that you produce
sufficient language at the right
INVOLVE YOUR PARTNER level.
If your partner seems happy to
let you do the talking, do involve
him/her by asking him/her
opinions. You will be given
credits for doing that.
 Part IV
In this part of the test, you will take part in a discussion by
answering questions which broaden the topic of Part 3.
You can also respond to what your partner says.
 Useful language
GIVING OPINIONS GIVING EXAMPLES AND/OR REASONS

Well, personally, I feel …

People often say that …, but I …
People often complain about the fact that …, and I agree/ but I
don't agree.
I don't think that is the answer to …
I'd do something different …
I think it is unlikely that anybody would …
Yes, I think young people have much more freedom than …
I'm not sure, to be honest.
My family/friends think I'm wrong, but I believe ...
I can think of a few examples of this, …
For example, when you …
I once had an experience which …
To clarify what I meant, I can give you an example …
There are many reasons for this …
People dislike … I think this is because …
People often don't tell the truth. That's why I …
Just think of all the problems that causes; to begin with …
 Exam Help
DON'T BE AFRAID TO BE OPEN ABOUT YOUR JUMP IN IF YOU FEEL
TALK ABOUT YOUR IDEAS. LIKE IT.
OPINIONS AND There is no "correct" answer to You are encouraged to contribute
FEELINGS. these questions and you will not ideas to what your partner says,
be assessed on what you think even if the question was not
These questions require more
but you should always give addressed to you.
extended responses than the one
in Part 1. The examiner only reasons and back up your
wants you to produce some opinions.
complex language to show off
your level.
YOU HAVE NOW WARMED UP AND
THIS IS THE LAST PART OF YOUR
TEST. ENJOY THE INTERACTION AND
THE FEELING THAT YOU CAN
EXPRESS YOUR IDEAS WITH
CONFIDENCE. YOU'VE GOT THIS!
 PART I
TOPICS AND POSSIBLE QUESTIONS
EDUCATION AND WORK:
DO YOU PREFER TO STUDY ALONE OR WITH FRIENDS?
HOW OFTEN DO YOU USE THE INTERNET TO STUDY?
WHAT TYPE OF WORK WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO IN THE FUTURE?
WHAT NEW SKILL WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN? WHY?
HAVE YOU GOT ANY PLANS FOR WHEN YOU FINISH SCHOOL?
IN YOUR OPINION, WHICH SUBJECT IS THE EASIEST TO LEARN? WHY?
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE YOU TO GET READY FOR SCHOOL EVERY DAY?
WHAT WOULD BE YOUR IDEAL JOB?
FAMILY AND FRIENDS:
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING WITH YOUR FRIENDS?
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY HOME.
HOBBIES AND PASTIMES:
DO YOU ENJOY PLAYING COMPUTER GAMES IN YOUR FREE TIME?
IS THERE A SPORT OR HOBBY YOU ENJOY DOING?
DO YOU PREFER TO SPEND TIME ON YOUR OWN OR WITH OTHER PEOPLE? WHY?
HAS YOUR CHOICE OF FREE TIME ACTIVITIES CHANGED OVER THE YEARS? IN WHAT WAY?
WHAT KIND OF MUSIC DO YOU LIKE? WHY DO YOU ENJOY IT?
DO YOU LIKE GOING TO PARTIES? TELL US ABOUT A PARTY YOU REMEMBER WELL.
WHAT DO YOU USUALLY DO WHEN YOU COME BACK FROM SCHOOL?
ENTERTAINMENT, FILMS, BOOKS AND MUSIC:
WHAT KIND OF MUSIC DO YOU ENJOY?
DO YOU ENJOY GOING TO THE THEATRE?
DO YOU LIKE PLAYING COMPUTER GAMES? TELL US ABOUT THE ONE YOU LIKE THE MOST.
CAN YOU SING OR PLAY AN INSTRUMENT? WHO TAUGHT YOU HOW TO DO IT?
DO YOU EVER GO TO CONCERTS? TELL US ABOUT THE LAST ONE YOU WENT TO.
HAVE YOU GOT A HOBBY? WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT IT?
CAN YOU PLAY ANY CARD GAMES? WHO DO YOU USUALLY PLAY WITH?
DO YOU ENJOY GOING TO THE CINEMA?
DO YOU PREFER PAPER BOOKS OR DIGITAL BOOKS?
HOME, DAILY ROUTINES AND HABITS:
WHICH PART OF THE DAY DO YOU ENJOY MOST?
WHAT DO YOU USUALLY DO AT WEEKENDS?
HOW OFTEN DO YOU USE THE INTERNET?
HOW DO YOU GET TO SCHOOL EVERY DAY? HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE YOU?
DO YOU USUALLY HAVE A LARGE OR A SMALL BREAKFAST? WHY?
WHO DO YOU LIVE WITH? TELL US ABOUT THEM.
DO YOU HELP WITH THE HOUSEWORK AT HOME? WHAT DO YOU DO?
DO YOU HAVE TO GET UP EARLY EVERY DAY? WHY?
HOW OFTEN DO YOU HAVE MEALS WITH ALL YOUR FAMILY?
WHICH ROOM IN YOUR HOUSE IS THE BEST TO STUDY?
HOW OFTEN DO YOU GO SHOPPING FOR FOOD? WHERE DO YOU GO?
ARE YOU A VERY BUSY PERSON? WHAT KEEPS YOU BUSY?
DO YOU TAKE REGULAR BREAKS WHEN YOU ARE STUDYING? WHAT DO YOU DO?
TELL US ABOUT A DAILY ACTIVITY YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOY.
HOW OLD IS YOUR HOUSE/BUILDING? TELL US ABOUT IT.
DO YOU LIKE STAYING AT HOME AT WEEKENDS?
HAVE YOU GOT ANY BROTHERS OR SISTERS? TELL US HOW YOU GET ON WITH THEM.
DOES YOUR FAMILY LIKE SPENDING TIME TOGETHER? WHEN?
THINGS YOU'VE DONE OR PLAN TO DO:
DID YOU GO ANYWHERE INTERESTING LAST WEEKEND?
DO HAVE ANY PLANS FOR THE SUMMER?
IF YOU COULD LEARN A NEW SKILL, WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE TO DO?
DO YOU THINK YOU WILL USE ENGLISH IN THE FUTURE? HOW?
HAVE YOU GOT ANY PLANS FOR THE WEEKEND?
WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’LL BE DOING THIS TIME NEXT YEAR?
WHAT PRACTICAL SKILL WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO LEARN? WHY?
WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME WORK IN THE FUTURE?
WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY AN INSTRUMENT? WHICH ONE?
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR WHEN YOU FINISH YOUR STUDIES?
WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU WILL BE AT THIS TIME NEXT YEAR?
 HOLIDAYS AND TRAVEL:
ARE YOU GOING TO GO ON HOLIDAY THIS YEAR?
DO YOU ENJOY LONG JOURNEYS?
WHAT COUNTRY WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO VISIT IN THE FUTURE?
DO YOU LIKE TRAVELLING TO OTHER COUNTRIES? WHICH ONES HAVE YOU BEEN TO?
WHAT COUNTRY WOULD YOU LIKE TO VISIT IN THE FUTURE?
DO YOU LIKE CAMPING HOLIDAYS? WHY/ WHY NOT?
WHAT ACTIVITIES DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU’RE ON HOLIDAY?
CELEBRATIONS AND SPECIAL OCCASIONS:
ARE YOU GOING TO GO ON HOLIDAY THIS YEAR?
DO YOU ENJOY LONG JOURNEYS?
WHAT COUNTRY WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO VISIT IN THE FUTURE?
WHAT DO YOU USUALLY DO ON YOUR BIRTHDAY? WHO DO YOU SPEND IT WITH?
WHAT SPECIAL OCCASION HAVE YOU CELEBRATED RECENTLY?
WHICH DO YOU PREFER, CELEBRATIONS WITH FAMILY OR WITH FRIENDS? WHY?
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO A FANCY-DRESS PARTY?
DO YOU LIKE BIG PARTIES? WHY/ WHY NOT?
DO YOU LIKE ORGANISING PARTIES?
HOW DO YOU CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR?
WHAT PRESENTS DO YOU LIKE TO GIVE AND RECEIVE?
 MEDIA:
WHAT KIND OF TELEVISION PROGRAMMES DO YOU LIKE BEST?
DO YOU LIKE READING NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES? WHERE DO YOU READ THEM?
DO YOU EVER LISTEN TO THE RADIO? WHEN?
DO YOU LIKE GOING TO THE CINEMA? TELL US ABOUT A FILM YOU'VE SEEN RECENTLY.
HEALTH, FITNESS AND SPORT:
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 FOR YOU? WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD?
DID YOU PLAY ANY SPORT WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER? HOW GOOD WERE YOU?
IS THERE A SPORT YOU WOULD LIKE TO LEARN? HOW DIFFICULT WOULD IT BE?
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO A GYM? DID YOU LIKE IT?
WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE SPORTS PERSONALITY? WHY?
DO YOU LIKE SPORTS? WHICH ONES?
HAVE YOU EVER TAKEN PART IN A SPORTS COMPETITION? TELL US ABOUT IT.
ARE YOU A MEMBER OF A SPORTS CLUB? HOW OFTEN DO YOU GO THERE?
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF THE DAY TO DO SOME EXERCISE?
EATING AND DRINKING:
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD AND FAVOURITE DRINK?
WHAT DO YOU HAVE FOR BREAKFAST?
WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT TO YOU, LUNCH OR DINNER?
HAVE YOU BEEN TO A RESTAURANT LATELY? TELL US ABOUT IT.
DO YOU LIKE COOKING FOR YOUR FRIENDS? WHAT DISHES DO YOU COOK?
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE DESSERT? HOW OFTEN DO YOU HAVE IT?
DO YOU PREFER EATING VEGETABLES OR MEAT? WHY?
DO YOU EVER BUY TAKE-AWAY FOOD? HOW GOOD IS IT?
HAVE YOU EVER TRIED TYPICAL FOOD FROM ANOTHER COUNTRY? HOW DID YOU LIKE IT?
DO YOU LIKE EATING FAST FOOD? WHY/ WHY NOT?
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO EAT AND DRINK WHEN YOU GO TO A PARTY?
DO YOU USUALLY HAVE LUNCH AT HOME OR AT SCHOOL?
COMMUNICATION:
HOW OFTEN DO YOU MEET YOUR FRIENDS FOR A CHAT?
HOW DO YOU KEEP IN TOUCH WITH FRIENDS WHO DON’T LIVE NEAR YOU?
HOW DO YOU KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST WORLD NEWS?
DO YOU WATCH THE NEWS ON TV OR READ IT ONLINE?
DO YOU LIKE TO READ ABOUT THE LIVES OF FAMOUS PEOPLE?
DO YOU PREFER TO TEXT PEOPLE OR TO PHONE THEM?
ARE YOU SOMEBODY WHO ENJOYS TALKING? WHO DO YOU MOST TALK TO?
DO YOU LIKE SHARING PHOTOS WITH PEOPLE YOU KNOW?
DO YOU THINK YOU CAN COMMUNICATE EASILY WITH CHILDREN?
 Tell me and I forget, teach
me and I may remember,
involve me and I learn.
- Benjamin Franklin

MAY WE CONTINUE TO ENJOY THE PROCESS OF EXAM

PREPARATION, BUT MOSTLY, MAY WE ALL KEEP
LEARNING FROM EACH OTHER.