Speaking Part 3 - COLLABORATIVE TASK (3 min)

Conversation with the other candidate. The examiner provides students with a
question and some written guidelines. Students discuss this for two minutes. The
examiner then asks them to come to a decision together on the topic they have been
discussing.

To move the conversation forward and start, use expressions such as: Shall we start with
this one? Shall I go first? Yeah, go on. Of course, go ahead. Is it okay if I start? Sure, no
problem. Would you like to go first? Yes, why not? Shall we move on to…

Start speaking straight away so you use the time allowed. Cooperate with your partner and
ask him/her to respond. Say: What do you think? Do you agree? And you? How about you?
Do you think ...?

Listen carefully to what your partner says and respond to comments he or she makes to help
the discussion flow. For example: Do/Have/Are you? Don't/Haven't/Aren't you? Do you think
so? Really?

It’s OK to disagree with each other. The discussion is more important than whether you
agree.

Asking your partner’s opinion Reacting to your partner

What do you think? Do you think so?

How about you? Really?
What would you choose? It’s not the same for me because…
Do you think it’s best to…? I feel the same because…

More useful expressions:

To agree To disagree To comment To suggest

Absolutely That’s not what I We all know we … We could …

think, I’m afraid
I’m with you on that I don’t think … What about +
I’m afraid I don’t see v-ing…?
I (totally) agree with it the same way. The way I see it,…
you.
That might be true, It seems to me
I couldn’t agree but I’m not sure I that…
more. agree with you.
As far as I’m
Yes, I see what you I see what you concerned,…
mean. mean but …

I can see your point

but ...

But don't you think ..

Don’t spend too long discussing one item. You only have three minutes for the whole
conversation.

Use expressions to allow yourself time to think. For example: 'That's a good question.' 'Well,
let me think ...' 'It's difficult to say ...'

You'll possibly find you don't understand something your partner has said. If this happens,
take control with simple questions like those below to help you deal positively with the
situation. This will also give you the chance to impress the examiner with your
communication skills.

● If you didn't quite understand a word or phrase just say something like: "Sorry but
could you explain what you mean by ........" or "I haven't come across that
word/expression before. Could you explain what you mean?"
● If you didn't hear or didn't understand something your partner has said, ask them to
repeat it: "Sorry, I didn't catch that. Could you say that again?" "Excuse me. Could
you repeat that?"
● Alternatively, you might want to confirm what you think your partner said so you could
say something like: "Do you mean ........" "When you say ........, are you asking/do you
mean ........?"

Speaking Part 4 - Discussion (4 min)

Further discussion with the other candidate, guided by questions from the examiner,
on the same topic as the Part 3 task. You will be giving your opinion and commenting
on your partner’s opinion.

The examiner will ask you several questions so the discussion lasts for four minutes. Don’t
worry if you can’t think of more to say as there will be another question. Try to extend your
answers by answering why, when or how.

Useful language:

To talk about personal likes/dislikes:

I love/quite like/ really like, don’t like/ hate camping because…
I find (don’t fin) visiting museums quite boring/exciting/expensive, relaxing because…
I’m (I’m not) very interested in/quite keen on sport…

To ask for opinions:

What do you think of Latin TV?
What’s your opinion on ice skating?
How do you feel about going on a cruise?

To express preferences:
I’d (I wouldn’t) like to…
I’d rather/prefer to live

Remember: Would like + to + infinitive OR like + gerund