FCE Speaking Test: Learn
FCE Speaking Test: Learn
FCE Speaking Test: Learn
If you've signed up for the First Certificate in English exam and need help with the Speaking test, then this page is here to
help. You'll find below an overview of the oral exam plus tips to help you do your best on the day of the FCE test.
A: Yes. (Don't stop there!) If I get the chance I'd like to visit my friend in Germany. We haven't seen each other for a while
and I'm really looking forward to seeing him and getting to know Germany.
Q: Do you play any musical instruments?
A: No. (Don't stop there!) We had music lessons when I was at school but I was never very good.
3) Offer examples to help you explain a statement.
Q: Why are you preparing for the FCE exam?
A: No reason really. (Don't stop there!) I enjoy learning English and I think it would be good to have a qualification to
show my level.
The examiner will then ask Candidate B a short question about these photographs.
Q: Thank you (Candidate A). (Candidate B) which sport would you most like to try?
Candidate B will then do their long turn with a different set of photographs and at the end, Candidate A will be asked a
short question.
Tips!
1. Listen to the instructions carefully and make sure you know what you have to talk about. If you don't understand the
instructions you should ask the examiner to repeat them:
"Excuse me, could you say that again?"
"I'm sorry, but would you mind repeating that?"
2. The question will help you with the structure of your talk.
A) Start with a general summary of the topic:
'These two photographs show people involved in a sport.'
B) Then move on to a comparison of the two pictures, using words to help explain the comparison:
Both photographs were taken outside and each of the people are concentrating hard on what they're doing. 'The top
photo shows a woman rock climbing whilst the bottom photo is of a young skating ... It looks like the woman is out in the
natural world whereas the boy is in a man-made skating park ..... etc.'
C) Finally give your opinion with examples, again using signposting words and expressions to help the examiner follow
your argument.
'In my opinion, sport is important for people in lots of ways. For example, it's a way to keep fit of course, but we also
meet new people and can get a lot of enjoyment from a sport ... etc.'
4. Practise making short one-minute talks as often as possible to get an idea for how long 1 minute feels like. Time
yourself and ask a friend for feedback.
Notice there are TWO instructions here: first to talk about each form of transport then to 'decide' which one is best for
your holiday. This means you have to do more than just describe the different forms of transport. You also have to show
you can work with your partner to try to reach some form of agreement. You don't have to reach agreement but you must
at least work towards this.
Tips!
It will help both yourself and your partner if you work together collaboratively on this task.
1. Be prepared to ask your partner for his or her opinion rather than simply stating your own. For example:
'What do you think?'
'How about you?'
'Do you think ...?'
2. 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?'
3. If you disagree try expressing this politely. For example:
'I see what you mean but ...'
'I can see your point but ...'
'But don't you think ...'
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These guides have been published by the Splendid Speaking team to help students and teachers who would like to know more about the FCE Speaking test. This guide is made available for
information only and should not be seen as official advice. Splendid Learning, a division of Flo-Joe, will not be held liable for any consequences arising from the use of this guide. For more
information about the FCE exam please visit the Cambridge ESOL website at www.cambridgeesol.org