In the Cambridge First Certificate Speaking test, there are 4 parts. Each part offers its own set of difficulties and challenges. The best way to prepare for the First (FCE) Speaking is to practise as much as possible. There are phrases you can learn, vocabulary you can memorise and expressions you can use, but in the end, there’s no substitute for authentic practice.
That’s why we’ve created a set of 5 First (FCE) Speaking tests in a Cambridge style booklet. Perfect for practice at home or in the classroom.
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Contents
Format of First (FCE) Speaking
Part 1 – Interview
Part 1 of the First Certificate is a short interview between the candidates and the examiner. It lasts for 2 minutes. The examiner asks questions about your day-to-day life, hobbies and other common topics.
For a list of typical FCE Speaking Part 1 topics and some chat cards, check out our Cambridge Speaking Part 1 post.
Part 2 – Long Turn
In part 2 of FCE Speaking, you are asked to speak alone about a pair of pictures for about 1 minute each. You are also asked a brief question about your partner’s pictures. The challenge for this part of the exam is to stay organised, use the best language possible and keep on speaking for the full minute.
There are many possible topic areas for this part of the exam. Here are a few popular ones:
- Family life
- Work
- Education / School life
- Leisure (e.g. sports, free-time activities)
- City life (e.g. transport, culture)
- Technology
For some tips and tricks for First (FCE) Speaking Part 2, check out our How to do First (FCE) Speaking Part 2 post.
Part 3 – Collaborative Task
Part 3 of FCE Speaking is the first time that you interact with your partner. You are given a diagram, which includes a question with 5 different ideas to discuss. First, you speak about the question for 2 minutes together, then the examiner will give you 1 minute to make a decision about the best/worst/most interesting option.
This part of the test is your opportunity to collaborate with your partner and show your ability to interact in English. You should ask and answer questions to your partner while connecting your ideas together. Topics in Part 3 start to get a bit more complex and more abstract.
Part 4 – Discussion
FCE Speaking Part 4 continues the discussion that you started in Part 3. The examiner will ask you and your partner questions on the same topic. Each question normally gets slightly more abstract and more difficult to answer. The discussion lasts for 4 minutes.
In this part, you may be asked to answer a question individually, but you may also be encouraged to continue speaking together with your partner. In general, it’s always better to keep up the interaction and connect your ideas with your partner’s ideas throughout this part of the test.
Tips and Tricks for First (FCE) Speaking
- Always give complete extended answers to all the questions. You don’t need to have a speech prepared, but you shouldn’t answer with 2 or 3 words either.
- Don’t give a long pre-prepared speech about where you are from. You’re not going to get any bonus points for memorisation.
- In Part 2, expect to get pictures that are a little bit strange.
- Don’t describe your pictures too much. It’s more important to answer the questions than describe the pictures.
- Connect your ideas together with linking words (whereas, meanwhile, on the other hand, also, on top of that etc). These go a long way to keep your long turn clear and organised.
- In Part 3, don’t worry about discussing all of the options. The options are there as a guide, not a requirement.
- Always communicate with your partner. Ask them questions and tell them if you agree or disagree with them.
- Comment on what your partner says and connect your ideas to your partner’s ideas. It’s not enough to say “I agree” and then speak about something completely different.
- Don’t make your decisions too quickly. Speak until the examiner interrupts you.
- In Part 4, follow the examiner’s lead. You may need to answer a question individually or you may need to talk with your partner.
- Maintaining the interaction between you and your partner is key. A casual, interesting conversation is always better than a forced, awkward one.
- Relax and do your best.
Get First (FCE) Speaking Sample Tests
Breakout English offers 5 complete First (FCE) 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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