In the Cambridge Advanced CAE Speaking test there are 4 separate but equally important and challenging parts. The topics for the C1 Cambridge exam can be quite abstract and tough to discuss at length. It’s not likely to be the same sort of discussion that you would have over coffee and cake with friends. That’s why there’s no substitute for authentic practice with speaking materials as would see them on the day of the exam.
We’ve created a set of 5 Advanced (CAE) Speaking tests in Cambridge style for you to get that authentic practice. Ideal for practice at home or in the classroom.
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Contents
Format of Advanced (CAE) Speaking Test
Part 1 – Interview
Part 1 of the CAE Speaking test is a brief interview between the candidates and the examiner, which lasts for 2 minutes. The examiner asks a few relatively simple questions about everyday topics. There’s nothing too challenging here, but this is the first impression you give to the examiners, so be careful!
For a list of typical CAE Speaking Part 1 topics and some chat cards, check out our Cambridge Speaking Part 1 post.
Part 2 – Long Turn
In part 2 of CAE Speaking, you have to speak for a minute about 2 out of 3 pictures provided while answering 2 questions about the pictures. There is also a follow-up question about your partner’s pictures after they speak. This is your chance to shine individually in the exam, so stay organised, connect your ideas together and try to squeeze in a few impressive bits of vocabulary.
This part of the exam can include a wide variety of topics which may start to get more abstract. Here are a few examples:
- Concentration
- Relaxation
- Relationships
- Work-life balance
- Healthy living
- Decision making
You can find more pictures to describe in our post about CAE Speaking Part 2. For some impressive things to say in Advanced Speaking Part 2 check out our post about fixed expressions.
Part 3 – Collaborative Task
In Part 3 of the CAE Speaking test you finally get a chance to interact and speak with your partner. You are given a diagram with a question and 5 different ideas surrounding it. The first 2 minutes are for you to discuss the question using the ideas provided, then the examiner will stop you and ask a follow-up question about the most/least/best/worst option. Listen carefully to the follow-up question because it’s not written down anywhere.
Ask lots of questions and keep the interaction going in this part of the exam. It’s not just about what you say, but also how you link your ideas to what your partner has said. Agree, disagree or expand upon their comments for higher marks.
Part 4 – Discussion
The final part of CAE speaking keeps the topic from Part 3. The examiner will ask you and your partner questions, expecting you to give long, communicative and complex answers. This is where the abstract topics really start to emerge, and if you are engaged, quite an interesting conversation can arise. The discussion lasts for 5 minutes.
Tips and Tricks for Advanced Speaking
- Make sure all your answers are extended and reasonably well articulated. If you have no idea what you are talking about it can show.
- Remember that your knowledge of abstract topics is not being tested. The abstract topics are a tool to challenge you to use higher level language.
- Don’t get too involved in the topics. It’s best to give good answers, but to keep the conversation moving forward into new areas.
- In Part 3, don’t worry about discussing all of the options. The options are there as a guide, not a requirement.
- Connect your ideas to those of your partner. A broken conversation is not what examiners are looking for at this level.
- Be friendly and engaging. There’s nothing worse than a boring conversation in a 15 minute speaking exam.
- Impress the examiner with complex grammar and vocabulary. It might not be how you naturally speak at home, but it’s the best way to show you have a C1 level.
- Relax and do your best.
Get Advanced Speaking Sample Tests
Breakout English offers 5 complete Advanced (CAE) Speaking tests. The sample tests are designed to be exactly the same style, format and level as the real exam in order to get the best practice possible.
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