I’d like you to compare the photographs, and say 

how important it is to help people in these situations.

Candidate A’s response
(introduction) Both of these pictures show people getting some help; the first one shows a football player who seems to be
injured and the second one is an Asian tourist getting help from a policeman.
(similarities + differences) Although both situations involve someone helping a person, they are very different. In the first
one, the football player needs help because he’s had an injury and, probably, he can’t walk properly. On the other hand, in
the second picture, the tourist is probably asking for directions because he might be lost. Also, the footballer is likely to be in
pain, while the tourist may only be a little nervous.
(question) As for how important it is to help these people, I’d say it’s important in both situations. However, I strongly believe
that the footballer needs more help than the tourist, as his situation is obviously more serious.
Examiner’s follow-up question for Candidate B
(Candidate B), do you find it easy to ask for help when you have a problem?

Candidate B’s response

Well, it depends on the problem, but normally I do. Whenever I have a serious problem I ask my mum or my dad for advice.
It’s not easy, but I do it. With other problems, I always ask my friends first, because they normally know what to do.
Basic Observations for B2 Speaking Part 2
If you read the task above carefully, you will notice the following features:

 Candidate A is asked to compare two pictures and to answer a question about them.

 The question the examiner includes in his explanation is also written above the pictures, so don’t worry about
having to memorise it.
 Candidate A will have to speak longer than Candidate B, that is, the person comparing speaks longer than the
person answering the follow-up question.
 Candidate A has clearly compared both pictures and answered the question.
 The expressions in bold are useful words or phrases to use in any comparison.
 Candidate A’s comparison follows a clear order: introduction + similarities, differences, question. Although
this particular order is not compulsory, it is recommendable.
In this section, we’ll see useful expressions that you can use in any comparison. However, as a basic tip, I’ll tell you that in
order to compare, most of the connectors you’ll have to use are contrasting connectors. Let’s see.

 Starting your comparison

 Both of these pictures show…
 These two pictures show…
 The two situations in these pictures are…
 Talking about similarities
 These two pictures/situations are similar because/in that…
 In both pictures we can see…
 One similarity between these two pictures/situations is that…
 Another similarity might be that…
 One thing that these two pictures/situations have in common is that…
 One thing that these two pictures share is that…
 The most obvious similarity is that…
 These two pictures share the fact that…
 Both pictures (…) in the same way. 
 Talking about differences
 One of the most obvious differences (between these two pictures) is that…
 Another difference is that…
 Something that makes these two pictures different is…
 What makes these two situations (so/completely) different is…
 While the first picture …, the second one…
 The first picture…. However, the second one…
 The first picture… whereas the second one…
 Although the first picture…., the second one…
 On the one hand, the first picture shows… . On the other hand, the second one…
 Introducing the answer to the question
 As for + paraphrased question
 As to + paraphrased question
 In relation to the question,…
 In response to the question, I’d say that…
 As regards the question,… 
 Regarding the question of the task, 
 With regard to + paraphrased question

 As far as I’m concerned,…

 The way I see it,…
  If I had to choose one of these two (…), I would (definitely) go for…
 In my experience,…
 In my case,…
 Well, it’s not an easy choice, but I think I’d prefer to…
 I would (…) no doubt. 
 I would definitely prefer/choose…
 I believe that it’s more important to…

Top 10 Tips for FCE Speaking Part 2

1. Compare, don’t describe: it is common for candidates to spend the whole minute describing both pictures
separately instead of comparing them. Remember, the examiner explicitly asks you to «compare these two
pictures», so don’t forget to do it!
2. Don’t overuse «and»: I have noticed that my students tend to use the word «and» all the time in order to switch
from picture 1 to picture 2. «And» is a connector to add ideas, not to express contrast. And, since you’re comparing,
you should use other types of connectors. See both of the tasks in this article and notice the connecting phrases  in
bold.
3. Don’t focus too much on one picture: one minute is not a long time, so you should make sure you fit into your
speech the most important ideas about both pictures.
4. Allow enough time to answer the question: some people spend so much time talking about the pictures that they
forget to answer the question, and they get cut off by the interlocutor. While getting cut off is neither bad nor good,
not answering the question will have a negative impact on your score.
5. Address the interlocutor: in this task, you shouldn’t address your partner. This is an individual task, so simply
concentrate on what you’re saying and address your comments to the interlocutor.
6. Finish your sentences: it is common for candidates to start a sentence and then regret and stop in midstream. Do
not let your speech fade out in the middle of a sentence; finish expressing your ideas!
7. Focus the pictures and the question: while comparing both pictures, you should not talk about related things that
happened to you. In this part, you are supposed to focus on the situations of the pictures, not on your own
experiences.
8. Stick to the topic: when answering the follow-up question, make sure that you stick to the topic and answer exactly
what the examiner asked.
9. Ask for repetition: it’s perfectly alright to ask the interlocutor to repeat the instructions or the follow-up question if
you didn’t get it the first time.
10. Use related vocabulary: while this article has focused mainly on expressions to compare and give your opinion, you
obviously need to prove that your vocabulary is at a B2 level. So make sure you draw on what you have studied
and drop some advanced terms that might impress the examiners.
11. Smile: you’d be surprised by what human beings can achieve with a smile. A positive, cheerful attitude will make
you cause a better impression on the examiners, plus it makes you, to some extent, a better communicator.

Description of FCE Speaking Part 3

This part of the test comprises 1 discussion divided into 2 parts. First, the examiner will describe a situation to you and your
partner, and he/she will offer you different options to discuss. Second, after the brief discussion, you and your partner will
have to decide on the best option for the situation proposed in the first part of the discussion.

Timing of the B2 First Speaking Part 3

This part of the test is supposed to last 4 minutes, or 5 minutes if the speaking task is carried out by 3 candidates. The main
elements of the task are the following:

1. Examiner’s instructions (total): 1 minute

 2. Pair discussion of the options: 2 minutes (3 minutes for groups of 3 candidates)
3. Reaching a conclusion: 1 minute
Instructions and Possible Candidate’s Response
When sitting any speaking exam, it is important to know what to expect in terms of timing, tasks, instructions, content and
so on. For this reason, it is absolutely essential to know the instructions you will receive during the B2 FCE’s speaking test.
So let’s see what they are for FCE Speaking part 3 with an example:
Examiner’s initial instructions
Now, I’d like you to talk about something together for about two minutes.

I’d like you to imagine that a town wants more tourists to visit. Here are some ideas they’re thinking about and a question for
you to discuss. First you have some time to look at the task.
(The examiner places the following picture in front of you and allows you 15 seconds to read the question and study the
options.)

Candidates’ discussion (2 minutes)

– Candidate A: Shall I go first? 
– Candidate B: Sure, go ahead.
– Candidate A: I believe that this option (pointing), «building a large nightclub», will attract tourists, especially young ones
who enjoy partying and going out with friends, don’t you think?
– Candidate B: Yes, I think so, too. However, it might not be the best type of tourism, because it can disturb neighbours and
residents. How abouthaving more shops?
– Candidate A: Oh, that’s a great idea. If the city offers a good shopping experience, many people will be attracted to it,
which I guess is quite positive for everyone. Wouldn’t you agree?
– Candidate B: Yes, of course. Maybe that option could go hand in hand with building holiday flats because. The way I see
it, you want tourists to spend more time in your city. So if you have plenty of shops and accommodation, it’s the perfect
combination, right?
– Candidate A: Yeah, you’re absolutely right. But what do you think about the other two options? (pointing)? Do you
think they’re a good idea?
– Candidate B: Well, if you ask me, putting up security cameras isn’t very appealing to anyone. But I suppose parks can be
attractive, but I’m not sure how much exactly. What’s your take on those two options?
– Candidate A: As you said, security cameras are not appealing at all. As for parks, maybe they are a good thing for
residents, but not for tourists, particularly. 
Examiner’s second set of instructions
The examiner will interrupt the conversation above and say:
Thank you. Now you have about a minute to decide which idea would be best for the town.
Candidate’s making a decision
– Candidate B: Well, given our previous comments, I would say that the two best options would probably be the shops and
the holiday flats, don’t you think?
– Candidate A: Yeah, well, I do agree with you on having more shops, but I think that building a nightclub is more important
than holiday flats.
– Candidate B: Okay, I see what you mean, but I don’t think the same way. Shall we stick to having more shops then?
– Candidate A: Yes, sure, I also think it’s the best one. So do we have an agreement?
– Candidate B: Yes, we do.
Examiner’s final instructions
Thank you. Can I have the booklet, please?

Basic observations for B2 First (FCE) Speaking Part 3

If you read the task above carefully, you will notice the following features in FCE Speaking part 3:

 The candidates are asked to interact with each other rather than speak by themselves.
 It is essential to express and ask for opinions, agree and disagree with the other candidate, and change the subject.
 The examiner’s question is written in the middle of the booklet he/she places in front of the candidates.
 Candidates are encouraged to discuss the different options.
 Candidates are expected to have a conversation, sharing opinions and asking questions.
 The expressions in bold are useful words or phrases to use in any discussion.
 It is advisable to reach an agreement with your partner, but it is not absolutely necessary.
 The most important thing is to show the examiner that you are discussing and working towards a final decision.
FCE Speaking Part 3: Useful Phrases to Engage in a Discussion
In this section, we’ll go over some useful phrases that you can use in any discussion like the one in this part of the B2
Speaking. Let’s see:
 Starting your discussion
 Shall I start? / Yeah, go on. 
 Shall I go first? / Of course, go ahead. 
 Is it okay if I start? / Sure, no problem.
 Would you like to go first?  / Yes, why not?
 Expressing your opinion
 I believe/think that…
 In my opinion,…
 The way I see it,…
 If you ask me,…
 I would say that…
 It seems to me that…
 In my view…
 As far as I’m concerned,…
 Asking for your partner’s opinion
 statement, don’t you think/agree? 
 statement, wouldn’t you say so?
 statement , wouldn’t you agree?
 statement, right?
 Do you think…?
 Do you believe that…?
 What do you think about…?
 How about…?
 What about…?
 What’s your take on…?
 Agreeing with your partner
 I (totally) agree with you. 
 You’re dead right.
 That’s (absolutely) true.
 You’re (absolutely) right. 
 That’s a great idea. 
 I couldn’t agree more. 
 Yes, I see what you mean. 
 I see it that way, too. 
 Yes, of course. 
 I think so, too.
 Disagreeing with your partner
 I’m afraid I don’t see it the same way.
  I’m sorry but I have to disagree.
 You may be right, but I have a different view. 
 That might be true, but I’m not sure I agree with you. 
 I’m sorry, but I don’t agree. 
 Changing the subject
 As for + one of the options
 As to + one of the options
 In relation to + one of the options
 As regards + one of the options
 Regarding the question of the task, 
 With regard to + paraphrased question
 Concluding the discussion
 I believe we have an agreement, don’t we?
 So, do we have an agreement? 
 Shall we stick to…?
 Shall we agree on..?
Top 10 Tips for FCE Speaking Part 3
1. Have a clear discussion, not 2 monologues: it is common for candidates to think that the more they speak, the
better. That’s not correct. It’s what you say that matters, and in this part you’re expected to discuss, not to speak by
yourself.
2. Justify your opinions: expressing your opinions is not the only thing that matters; justifying them is just as important.
For one thing, you are showing the examiner that you can justify your opinions in English, and for another, you are
giving your partner material to work with throughout the conversation. Let’s say that your justifications feed the
conversation on hand.
3. Try to speak about all the options: while this is not compulsory, if you focus on only one option, you will have less of
a chance to show how well you can interact in a conversation. That’s why I always recommend jumping from one
option to another, so that you get more opportunities to agree, disagree and express your opinions.
4. Work with your partner: your partner is not your enemy. You will be assessed separately, so you must see him/her
as your ally.
5. Help your partner: if your partner is struggling to find the appropriate words or some ideas to express, you can give
him/her a hand by stepping with some ideas or the words you think he/she is looking for. Not only will this help the
conversation itself, it will also show the examiner that you have good communication skills.
6. Step up your interaction skills: most of the score in this part of the speaking is based on your ability to interact,
which means that you have to ask for opinions and be able to agree or disagree with your partner. For this reason,
you should know a set of expressions to do so that will impress the examiner. So try to avoid the typical «What do
you think about…?» or «I agree/disagree», and go for something a little more advanced, such as «wouldn’t you
agree?», or «I’m afraid I don’t hold the same opinion.»
7. Keep your turn short: remember, we are discussing different options with the other candidate, not reciting a
monologue. If you spend 1 minute speaking non-stop, you are not interacting, which shows poor communication
skills on your part.
8. Stick to the topic: make sure that you stick to the topic and answer exactly what the examiner asked.
9. Finish your statements with a question or a question tag: finishing your statements with a questions is a very natural
way of keeping the conversation flowing, which is the whole point in this part.
10. Address your partner: remember that you are having a conversation with someone. That someone is your partner,
not the examiner, so be sure to look at the other candidate when you speak.
Bonus Tip
 Be polite & smile: you’d be surprised by what human beings can achieve with politeness and a smile. A positive,
cheerful attitude will make you cause a better impression on the examiners and your partner, plus it makes you, to
some extent, a better communicator.