Paper FormatThe Speaking test contains four parts.

Timing 14 minutes

Task Types

Short exchanges with the interlocutor and with the other candidate; a 1-minute ‘long turn’; a collaborative task involving the two candidates; a discussion.

MarksCandidates are awarded a mark for each of five criteria: 4 analytical and 1 global.

Cambridge English: First Speaking Description

Cambridge English: First Speaking - How it's markedSpeaking tests are conducted by trained examiners

Although candidates take the test in pairs orgroups of three, throughout the test they areassessed on their individual performance andnot in relation to each other.

The assessor awards marks for five individual criteria:

Grammatical ResourceLexical Resource

Discourse ManagementPronunciation

Interactive Communication.

Assessing Speaking Performance

Does the speaker use simple grammatical forms with control?

Does the speaker use complex grammatical forms?

Does the speaker use a range of appropriate vocabulary?

Are the answers of an appropriate length for the task?

Is there much hesitation?

Are the contributions relevant? Is there much repetition? Is it well organized?

Are the answers clear? Can the speaker be generally understood?

One examiner (the assessor) focuses on the

candidate's performance.

FCE Speaking Test: Part 1 (Interview)

Tests ability to: Use language for social purposes

‘Getting-to-know-you' questions perhaps to find outin 3 minutes where you come from, your interests,your family or your studies etc.

Q: Where are you from? Q: Tell me something about your family.Q: What did you enjoy most when you were at primary school?

Q: Do you have any plans for a holiday this year?Q: Do you play any musical instruments?

Avoid short, 'yes', 'no' answers to closed questions.

Offer examples to help you explain a statement.

FCE Speaking Test: Part 2Tests ability to:

Speak at length coherently, use language to describe, compare and contrast and

comment upon a topic.

The examiner gives you two photographs.You have to speak about your two photos without interruption

“I'd like you to compare the two photographs and say why…”

Notice there are TWO instructions here: First to 'compare' the two photographs and also 'to say why' something is important to people.

Candidates need to show they can compare but also give an opinion.

Which sport would you most like to try?

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:

FCE Speaking Test: Part 3: (Collaborative Task) Tests ability to:

Use language to discuss, express an opinion, to agree and disagree, speculate

and evaluate etc.

First talk to each other about how useful each of these forms of

transport might be for your holiday. Then decide which one would be best.

FCE Speaking Test Part 4: (Discussion)

Tests ability to: use language to express and justify an opinion, to agree and disagree etc.

Q: Which sports are popular with young people in your country?

Q: Do you think team sports are more fun than individual sports

Date to be administeredCambridge English: First (FCE)

October 12th, 2014