Introduction to FCE Speaking

Part 1 INTERVIEW (3 minutes)

The examiner asks questions and you have to give information about yourself, past experiences, present circumstances and future plans.

Home life
Is there anything youd like to change about the area where you grew up? How much time do you spend at home?

Likes and dislikes

Tell us about a day you have enjoyed recently. Do you prefer to spend time alone or with other people?

Education and work

Is there something new youd really like to learn about? Are you happier doing mental or physical work?

Free time
Where do you like listening to music? Is it easy to meet new people where you live?

Holidays and travel

Which area of your country would you like to get to know better? Have you ever used English on holiday?

Now write 3 interesting questions for each topic

Home life Likes and dislikes Education and work Free time Holidays and travel

In pairs, ask and answer your questions

Part 1 video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxCoEdFU cBw&feature=relmfu

Part 2 - THE LONG TURN (1 min. each + 20 seconds = 3 minutes)

Each candidate speaks for 1 minute about 2 photographs. The other candidate should not speak during this time, but will be asked a question at the end, so it is important to listen to your partner. You will need to use language of comparison, description and opinion.

Compare these two photographs and say why the music is important to the different groups of people

Tips for Part 2

Listen carefully to the question and read the prompt You should point out similarities and differences Then answer the question You are NOT expected to give detailed descriptions - focus on comparing and reacting to or giving your opinion on what you see. Use linking language to connect your ideas. If you don't know the word for something, try to paraphrase or describe it.

Part 2 video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOhVY8B Ms5Q

Part 3 COLLABORATIVE TASK (3 minutes)

A 2-way conversation/discussion between the candidates (NOT involving the examiner) the discussion focuses on a set of images and a TWO-part task You are being tested on include your ability to: - keep a conversation/discussion going- exchange ideasexpress and support your opinions- agree/disagreemake suggestions- speculate- reach a decision through negotiation

A local cafe wants to attract more customers. First talk to each other about why these ideas might be attract people. Then decide which two ideas the cafe should use.

Tips for Part 3

Turn-taking is important - do not dominate the conversation Listen and respond to your partner You are NOT in competition with each other - try to keep the discussion going At the start, take the pictures one at a time, so that you don't end up speaking for too long and blocking your partner BUT make sure you address both parts of the task and finish by coming to a decision

Part 3 video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dGdFu23 YUY&feature=relmfu

PART 4 - DISCUSSION (4 minutes) Further discussion about the same topic as the task in Part 3. You have to be able to express and justify opinions, agree and/or disagree.

 Would you like to spend time in a caf like this? ...... (Why? / Why not?) Would you like to work in a caf? ...... (Why? / Why not?) What sort of restaurants are most popular with visitors in your country? ...... (Why?) What sort of things do people complain about in cafs and restaurants? Young people usually go to different places to relax than older people. Why do you think that is? Some people say that going out to relax is a waste of time and money. Do you agree? ...... (Why? / Why not?)

Part 4 video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9l8DV9MHjy 8&feature=relmfu