FCE SPEAKING

Part 2: Individual long turn

Two candidates
Talk for about 1 minute about two photos.
Divide the time into smaller sections and think about what to say in each
section. DONT try to say everything at once.
Compare and contrast the photos. DONT just describe them.
Give your opinions on and reactions to something connected to the photos.
Once candidate A has finished their turn, candidate B has about 20 seconds to
answer a question about the previous candidates picture, so it is important for
candidate B to look at candidate As photos and what they say about them so
that he can then answer the question.
Make notes under:
similarities

differences

preferences

Part 2: Functions

Similarities

Differences

Speculating

Likes
Dislikes
Preferences

SPEAKING

The most striking / obvious similarity between the pictures is

that
They both show people ing
They both are / seem to be
Both of are / look as if
There are in both photos.
Neither of them
The main / greatest / most important / most significant
difference between the pictures is that
The one on the right shows while / whereas / but in the other
one theres
One thing which is different (in this one) is
The main difference between and is
The main difference is that the top one seems to be while /
whereas the bottom one
This one is whereas is
The in the first photo is / are / look(s) much / a lot er /
more than
Maybe / Perhaps
Im not sure, but they / it, etc. might be
They / it etc. could be
Its not very clear, but probably / I think
It looks as if / as though[+ Present Simple / Perfect = likely; +
Past Simple / Perfect = imaginary or unlikely]
It seems as though
They seem to be ing
I quite like
Im fond of
I really love
Im not really very interested in / keen on / fond of
I cant stand
Id much rather than
I think Id prefer as / because I dont like the idea of
If I had to choose
I prefer
I think I would say
I would like, but
I wouldnt mind but on the other hand
Although, Id like because
I think I would say
This one would be better.
This ones more suitable.
This ones fine.
This ones best.

(Taken from Connect B2)

(Taken from Connect B2)

(Taken from Connect B2)

(Taken from Connect B2)

Part 3 & 4: Functions

Select the first speaker

Do you want to go first, (or shall I)?
Would you like to start?

Ask for opinions

What do you
think (about)?
Dont you think
so?
Do you think
thats right?
Do you agree?
What about
you?

Give opinions
In my opinion /
experience
Im sure /
certain /
convinced that
Personally, I
would(nt)
choose
If I had a
chance, I would
like to
Id prefer (not)
to
I (dont) think /
believe

Yes and as well as that

And another advantage is that
Yes, that would be a good idea,
especially if

Im not sure (I agree).

Sure, but
Ok, but dont you think that?
Well, yes, but
But on the other hand
Prioritise
We need to consider
Lets think about
The important things are
What we need to think about is
Ask for clarification
Im not sure what you mean.
Can you repeat that, please?
Do you mean that?
Make a decision
What are we going to choose?
Ok, so which is the most?
Ok, have we decided which?
So, shall we say?
I think we should go with
I think we can rule out
Weve made up our minds.

Advantages & disadvantages

How to keep talking / adding ideas

Could I just add that?
We havent talked about this one yet,
have we?
Not sure / not know
As far as / From what I know
I might be wrong, but
Im not sure, but Ive read that
I dont know very much about this, but

Introduce a picture
Lets start with
What / How about?
Now, lets move on to the next picture.
What do you think of?
React to opinions
Thats right.
Yes, I agree / thats true.
Right.
Absolutely! / Definitely!
I suppose so.

(Taken from Connect B2)

(Taken from Connect B2)

(Taken from Connect B2)

(Taken from Connect B2)

All parts of the Speaking paper

Justifying choices / giving reasons

1. main clause

linking
words

subordinate clause

Theres no point in taking any CDs

because
as
since

we wont have a CD player there.

2.

linking
words

noun phrase

I dont think he will get the job

because
of
due to
owing to

his lack of experience.

3. Other phrases / constructions

I prefer watching DVDs at home to going to the cinema. The main reason for this
is that I like to be able to stop the film whenever I like. Another reason is that
Most importantly,
Holidays are very important to me. If I have a proper break regularly, then I work
much more efficiently when I get back.

For one thing, For another,

Asking for repetition

Would you mind repeating the question, please?
Could you please repeat that?

Countable and uncountable nouns

Match the sentence halves.

(a) few (a) little
He knew very few people in the room
a) so he felt all right
b) so he felt a bit nervous
He knew a few people in the room
a) so he felt all right
b) so he felt a bit nervous
Weve got very little money left
a) so lets have a meal

b) so we cant afford a meal

Ive got a little money left

a) so lets have a meal

b) so we cant afford a meal

(FCE Expert)
a few, a little
few, little

= some
= not many, not much

(Activate B2)

Starting and finishing a letter / email

(FCE Expert & Activate B2)

FORMAL

INFORMAL

START

Dear [Mick],
Hi [Carla],
Hello [Jim],
Hi,
Hello,
Hi there!

Dear [Mr Smith],

Dear [Mrs Evans],
Dear [Ms Jackson],
Dear [Miss Breed],
Dear Sir,
Dear Madam,
Dear Sir / Madam,

FINISH

Best wishes,
All the best,
Best,
Love,
Lots of love,
Bye,
Take care,
Write soon.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Thanks for everything.
I have to go now.
Yours,
Yours sincerely,
[Your Full Name]

Yours faithfully,
[Your Full Name]

Possible listening test on Lies and Body Language

(Taken from Connect B2 Unit 5)