This is the first blog post of a series of six focusing on the Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) Speaking Exam. There will be a post and video for each of the four parts with advice and tips on how to pass with flying colours. You can also watch my friend Daphne and I demonstrate and answer questions from each part of the exam. Additional videos will look at the way the speaking exam is assessed and will teach you useful phrases that you can use to give you valuable thinking time during the exam. So let’s start!
In Part 1 you will have to:
- Answer 2-3 general questions about yourself.
- Give some detail and avoid ‘one word answers‘.
- Smile and look at the interlocutor.
See Part 1 as a ‘warm up’ for the rest of the speaking exam. This is your first chance to make a good impression, so use some interesting language.
Watch the video to see some examples.
Remember:
- Smile. This will help you to relax & stay calm.
- Look at the interlocutor when you answer.
- Give some detail when you answer to show off your language skills.
Other typical Part 1 questions include:
- What do you do?
- What do you like about the place you are living?
- Which place in your city would you recommend a tourist to visit? Why?
- How long have you been studying English?
- What do you find most difficlut/ most rewarding about learning English?
Practise answers to these questions so you are prepared for part 1.
Good luck in the exam!