Speaking Cae Part 3

SPEAKING | CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH: ADVANCED | PART 3
Collaborative task – 3 minutes
It's often called the 'collaborative task' because for the first time in the CAE Speaking
test, you have to work with your partner(s). The main focus is on fluency and interaction
in this part of the exam and you want the examiner to think that you are enjoying
exchanging ideas in a natural conversation .
Part 3 is split into two tasks:
a) In the first task, you and your speaking test partner are given a 'mind-map' (or
'spider web') with five keywords linking to a universally interesting theme. You
have 15 seconds to read these prompts and gather your ideas together. Then
have 2 minutes (3 minutes for groups of three) to discuss the question with
your partner using the different cues. It may be about motivation,
environment, communication, etc. Usually, you have to discuss the advantages
and disadvantages of a particular thing. For example, in the transport theme,
you may be asked to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various
measures to help reduce congestion.
b) After this, the examiner will interrupt you and explain the second task. He or
she will ask you to try to reach an agreement on the most/least/best/worst
option, etc. You are given 1 minute to conclude with your partner(s). Listen
carefully to this follow-up question because it’s not written down anywhere.
Top tips
1 Initiate the conversation

Part 3 evaluates how comfortable you are while initiating a talk with someone you
don’t know very well. Begin by inviting your partner to start or offer to start yourself.
‘Would you like to start first, or shall I begin?’

‘Shall I start?
‘Would you mind if I started?’
‘What do you think about …?”
‘Let's start with this one – beginning a new job, shall we?’
3 Link your ideas together
Expand and and build on your partner’s responses. This will show the examiner that
you are really listening to your partner and collaborating effectively to reach a
decision.
‘So, what you’re saying is…’,

‘I see what you mean and related to that same point…’
‘What you said about……is really interesting. I agree with you on that point and
connected to that thought I think…’
4 Keep the conversation moving
Don’t get stuck on a topic. Organise your conversation so that you analyse each point
in a meaningful way. Give equal time to each topic. Jump from one topic to other using
linking words and include your partner in the process to move on move from topic to
topic in an elegant way:
OK, so we’ve established that ______. Next, what about . . .?

Alright, now that we have decided on _______, now should we take a look at . . . .?
Should we move on to the next point _______?
I totally agree with you there and I think that brings us on to this point . . .
5 Holding the floor
If your partner talks too much in part 3 they will penalise him/her, not you. If you have
to talk too much because the other candidate is so nervous, that won't count against
you. Allow your partner to say what he or she thinks – turns should be about 25-30
seconds long. However, if your partner is talking too much, you can interrupt politely.
Can I just add something here?
Is it okay if I jump in for a second?
If I might add something…
Sorry to interrupt, but..”
2 Giving opinions
Develop your argument in a similar way to a writing a paragraph. Extend your

contributions by starting with a topic sentence where you announce your take on the
subject matter, arguments to justify your main ideas and examples like past experiences
to reinforce your opinions. Try to develop ideas across a number of turns
6 Asking for opinions
Ask lots of questions and develop the interaction throughout Part 3. Don’t just give
your opinions and reactions; invite your partner to respond.
What’s your take on . . ?

What do you think about?
How do you see . . . ?
Do you agree?’
7 Agreeing
If you agree quickly you can keep talking by considering why you have rejected the
other ideas or which idea might be second best.
You’re absolutely right there, and also I’d say…

I couldn’t agree more because…
You’ve got a good point there and what’s more…
8 Disagreeing
React appropriately to what the other candidate says, maintaining a polite tone. A key
tip is to purposely disagree with your partner at the beginning of the two minutes and
offer a different perspective. Then try to come an agreement.
While I see your point, I tend to think…

I’m not sure that that’s always the case…
I disagree with you up to a point…
I see your point but I don’t think the same way because…
9 Allow yourself time to think

Try not to be ‘lost for words’. Use expressions to allow yourself time to think.
That's a good question.
Well, let me think ...
I’m still unsure about what to do with _______.
Well that’s something I’ve never really thought about but, on reflection, I’d say that...
10 Reach an agreement
In the last minute, you are asked to reach an agreement. Look for common ground and
work towards an outcome through negotiation During this minute, ask your partner
about his choice, discuss its merits and de-merits and tell him or her about what you
think could be a better choice. Answer the examiner in a proper way while telling him
about your choice. Mention the reasons why you have made this decision.
Do we agree that we can eliminate X and Y because…?
Z is definitely a good idea because…’
So, weighing up the pros and cons, do you think …?
Are we generally in agreement that …?
"So, all in all do we feel …?
"It seems we’ve reached the conclusion that …
I think we have reached a decision. We’ve decided that. . .
OK, we’ve agreed upon . . .
Examples of Advanced (CAE) Speaking Part 3

https://www.slideshare.net/iccic/prac-adv-parts-34-book-1-cengage
Key topic: Decision-making
Task 1 (2 minutes): What people might have to consider when taking decisions about
these things (going to university, starting a family, changing job, moving to another
country, getting married)
Task 2 (1 minute): In which situation is it most important to make the right decision
Key topic: Modern times
Task 1 (2 minutes): What are the advantages and disadvantages of each aspect of
modern life (computers and mobile phones, medicine, fast food, cars, electricity)
Task 2 (1 minute): Decide which two aspects best illustrate the modern life has
advantages and disadvantages
Key topic: Motivation

Task 1 (2 minutes): Discuss why people need motivation in these situations (working in
a factory, studying for an exam, trainig for a marathon, working in an office, climbing a
mountain)
Task 2 (1 minute): Decide which situation needs the most motivation.
Key topic: Motivation
Task 1 (2 minutes): Discuss why people need motivation in these situations (working in
a factory, studying for an exam, trainig for a marathon, working in an office, climbing a
mountain)
Task 2 (1 minute): Decide which situation needs the most motivation.
Key topic: Pride
Task 1 (2 minutes): Discuss why people feel proud of these things (a new car,
supporting a sports team, a new baby, winning a prize, getting a new job)
Task 2 (1 minute): Decide which situation gives the most pride.
Key topic: Transport
Task 1 (2 minutes): Discuss how practical these ideas are to reduce car use in a city (a
congestion charge, banning cars from city centre, cycle paths, park-and-ride scheme,
cheaper public transport)
Task 2 (1 minute): Decide which idea is likely to be the most effective.
Key topic: Time management
Task 1 (2 minutes): Discuss why time management is necessary in each situation

(running a marathon, looking after children, studying for an exam, working in more
than one job, meeting a work deadline)
Task 2 (1 minute): Decide which situation would benefit from better time
management.
Key topic: Creativity
Task 1 (2 minutes): Discuss what rewards people get when they do these things
(designing clothes, gardening, painting, writing poetry, playing an instrument)
Task 2 (1 minute): Decide which activity is the most rewarding

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SPEAKING | CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH: ADVANCED | PART 3

Collaborative task – 3 minutes

Part 3 is split into two tasks:

1 Initiate the conversation

‘Would you like to start first, or shall I begin?’

3 Link your ideas together

‘So, what you’re saying is…’,

OK, so we’ve established that ______. Next, what about . . .?

5 Holding the floor

Develop your argument in a similar way to a writing a paragraph. Extend your

6 Asking for opinions

What’s your take on . . ?

You’re absolutely right there, and also I’d say…

While I see your point, I tend to think…

9 Allow yourself time to think

Examples of Advanced (CAE) Speaking Part 3

Key topic: Decision-making

Key topic: Modern times

Key topic: Motivation

Task 2 (1 minute): Decide which situation needs the most motivation.

Key topic: Motivation

Task 2 (1 minute): Decide which situation needs the most motivation.

Key topic: Pride

Task 2 (1 minute): Decide which situation gives the most pride.

Key topic: Transport

Task 2 (1 minute): Decide which idea is likely to be the most effective.

Key topic: Time management

Task 1 (2 minutes): Discuss why time management is necessary in each situation

Key topic: Creativity

Task 2 (1 minute): Decide which activity is the most rewarding

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