A: The third part of the speaking test

In this group of exercises you will review the format of Part 3 of the speaking test, the two-way discussion.

TIP:

In Part 3 of the speaking test you will be expected to respond and interact. You will need to express opinions, describe change, speculate, and discuss problems and solutions.

It’s a good idea to take risks when you speak. If you only use simple sentences your score will be lower. If you try to use more complex sentences, your score will be higher, even if your sentences are not always correct. It is important to use a variety of language.

Try to avoid using very common words like nice, good, or pretty. Use synonyms to show that you have a broad vocabulary.
nice = friendly, approachable, helpful, polite, …
good = interesting, fascinating, enjoyable, …
pretty = spectacular, striking, picturesque, …

 

1. Part 3 of the speaking test.

Read the following statements about Part 3 of the speaking test: are they true or false?

2. The two-way discussion.

Watch an extract from Part 3 of the speaking test. The examiner is introducing the two-way discussion and asking the first discussion question. Watch the video and complete the information.


3. The two-way discussion.

Now watch a different extract and complete the information.

 

4. What the examiner says.

Use the phrases to complete what the examiner said in the previous exercise. Then, watch the video to check your answers.

5. What the examiner says.

Now watch more of the discussion. Put what the examiner says in the correct order.

 

6. What the candidate says.

Now watch the video again and choose the correct options.

 

7. What the candidate says.

Now choose the best options to complete the transcript. Then, listen to check your answers.

B: Language of opinions

In this group of exercises you will review language of opinions.

TIP:

There are many different introductory phrases that can be used to give opinions. It is important that you develop fluency in the use of two or three of these to help your speech sound natural and to demonstrate to the examiner that you can use them.

 

1. Neutral, stronger and weaker opinions.

The candidate in the previous exercises used different ways to express her opinion.

Maybe if you could live forever ...
I think the most important thing is health.


Put the phrases below into the correct column. Do they express neutral, stronger or weaker opinions?

Now, choose one or two more phrases from the table that you find easy to say, or that you simply like.

Practise using them now, along with your "personal favourite" to turn the following statements into opinions:

  1. Sydney's an exciting city.
  2. Berlin is an amazing place.
  3. He's an exceptionally good swimmer.
  4. There's too much money involved in sports today.
  5. The world's population is growing too fast.
  6. Pollution is the biggest problem that we face today.
  7. There's too much traffic in big cities.
  8. Smoking is a personal choice.

2. Expressing opinions.

Put the words in order to complete each sentence.

C: Describing change

In this group of exercises you will practise describing change.

TIP:

It is possible that in Part 3 of the speaking test you will be asked to discuss changes that you have observed – these could be changes to a particular place, or they could relate to something more abstract, such as changes in attitude.

 

1. Describing changes with the present perfect.

A common verb form used to discuss change is the present perfect. Look at the examples.

This city has grown a lot in the last five years.
I've become more relaxed about work lately.
The old opera house has been demolished.

Use the words in the order given to write complete sentences about changes.

2. Think about changes.

Think about the following topics and make some notes about the changes you could discuss.

  • A capital city you know well
  • Ways of spending leisure time
  • Forms of entertainment
  • The working world
  • Eating habits
  • Families now

You will need your notes for the second tutorial with your tutor. Before the tutorial, work out what you think of these developments – in the exam, you may be expected to describe changes and also to express an opinion about them.

After making your notes, work out what you think of these developments - in the exam, you may be expected to describe changes, and also to express an opinion about them.