ADVANCED INSIGHTS: CAE AND CPE SPEAKING

RESPONSES
QUESTIONS WITH CAE (C1) AND CPE (C2) ANSWERS

Question: 'Are you a creative person?'

• CAE Answer (C1): 'Yes, I'd consider myself creative. I'm always looking
for new ways to solve problems at work, especially when coding. It's
about thinking outside the box.'
• CPE Answer (C2): 'Indeed, creativity is second nature to me, not only in
concocting innovative solutions in the labyrinthine realm of software
engineering but also in weaving imaginative narratives in my leisure
writing. It's a balance of art and logic.'

Question: 'Tell me about a book that you have read recently.'

• CAE Answer (C1): 'I recently read "Animal Farm" by George Orwell. It's a
fascinating take on politics, told through a story about animals. It really
made me indulge in topics regarding power and corruption.'
• CPE Answer (C2): 'Not just a book but a mirror to society, Orwell's
"Animal Farm" captivated me lock, stock, and barrel. It's an allegorical
masterpiece, painting a grim picture of societal hierarchies and the
insidious descent into tyranny.'
Question: 'Tell me about someone that you admire.'

• CAE Answer (C1): 'I greatly admire a vet I know who has a deep passion
for turtles. Their dedication to the care and research of these creatures
has inspired me, especially seeing the lengths they go to ensure their
wellbeing.'
• CPE Answer (C2): 'One individual who garners my profound respect is a
veterinarian specializing in the care of turtles. Their undying dedication,
combined with an intricate knowledge of chelonian biology, transforms
the often challenging realm of reptile conservation into a poetic dance
of science and passion.'

Question: 'What is your favourite film? Why?'

• CAE Answer (C1): 'I love "The Matrix". The special effects were way
ahead of its time, and the storyline is a mind-bending mix of action and
philosophy.'
• CPE Answer (C2): '"The Matrix", a trailblazing sci-fi spectacle, ranks high
and dry above the rest. With its cutting-edge visuals and intellectually
charged storyline, it's a cinematic tour de force that turns the
conventional action genre on its head.'

LINGUISTIC TECHNIQUES FOR CPE CANDIDATES

• Binomial Pairs: As seen in the responses, these are fixed pairs of words,
usually joined by 'and', used for emphasis (e.g., 'lock, stock, and barrel').
• Inversions: These involve changing the normal order of words to
enhance emphasis or stylistic effect (e.g., 'Not just a book but a mirror to
society...').
• Compound Adjectives: These are adjectives formed by two or more
words joined by hyphens, often used to create more complex
descriptions (e.g., 'deep-seated commitment').
• Phrasal Verbs: These consist of a verb and a preposition or adverb that
changes the meaning of the verb (e.g., 'ranks high and dry'). They're
common in informal English and essential for CPE-level fluency.

Remember, the key to excelling in your exam is understanding and naturally

incorporating advanced linguistic structures into your responses, while
remaining authentic and true to your personal experiences and interests.