So, mainly because I`ve just taken the Cambridge Examination in speaking, I decided to show you some important tips necessary for those who are not so sure about themselves and really need a push-up. So these two following posts contain tips, vocabulary, general information, different structures and a lot of advices taken from seven different attested Cambridge books, which will certainly help you to achieve your goal: How to take A on the speaking part of the Cambridge Exam.
Part 1 is a kind of warmer. The questions are extremely easy. They are usually about what you do in your free time or where you live. There is a very strategic reason for this. The examiner would like you to start with easy things in order to relax you a bit and put you at ease and even subconsciously build up your confidence before the more challenging tasks. Questions are often:
'Tell me about your home town.'
'How do you usually spend the weekend?'
If the examiner feels that you are more or less at ease already questions MAY be of a trickier nature such as:
'Describe what you suspect your life may look like in 10 years time.'
This question can be potentially easy but it also allows a student to experiment with more complicated grammatical constructions if he/she feels comfortable. i.e. / Well... Hopefully I will have bought my own house (the future perfect construction)
Tips!
You'll gain extra marks if you're able to give full, relevant answers to these questions.
1) Offer more than the bare minimum in your answers.
Q: Tell me about where you come from. A: I come from Bielefeld. (Don't stop there!) It's in the northern part of Germany. It's a lovely place with a busy town and it's also close to some nice countryside.
2) Avoid short, 'yes', 'no' answers.
Q: Do you enjoy studying English? A: Yes I do! I quite like studying languages and English in particular. I have a lot of English friends and love to be able to communicate with them in their own language. And I love being able to read English novels.
Q: Do you have any hobbies or interests? A: No, not hobbies really. I used to like collecting things as a child but that doesn't interest me now. I suppose you could say music is a big interest, I especially like listening to English bands.
3) Offer examples to help you explain a statement.
Q: Why are you preparing for the CAE exam?
A: Because it's important for my job. As part of my appraisal, my boss advised me to take an English exam to help me develop my professional skills. I passed FCE last year and if I'm successful at CAE I'd like to try CPE.
In Part 2 the candidate is shown a pair of photos. The photos will be quite different but simultaneously linked by a common theme. i.e./ a snowy mountain resort and a villa on the beach. (places where people could spend a holiday) The examiner will then ask you to compare and contrast the photos AND answer a kind of follow up / opinion-oriented question. (Where would YOU prefer to spend a winter holiday?)
The important thing to remember about Part 2 is that it is important to both link the photos by their common theme AND contrast them by talking about what is different.
"In both pictures we can see beautiful holiday resort-type accommodations in exotic locations. That is pretty much where the similarities end because the first picture is set in a beautiful wintery mountain setting and the second photo shows us a resort by the sea in warm and sunny weather. There are also other differences, namely the fact that the first picture ............ As for the second part of the question, I would much prefer to stay in the warmer climate because it would provide a nice break during the winter months and also ..........."
long time and it is the least meaningful part of the speaking test.
Tips!
1. The picture set will have a general theme but try to find two that are either very similar or very different in some way. This will give you a basis on which to compare and/or contrast the two pictures. In the example above, pictures two and three show two contrasting educational settings: the formal lecture theatre in picture two compared to the relaxed outdoor scene in picture three.
2. In terms of hypothesizing, pictures two and three offer a good opportunity to speculate on how students in each contrasting situation might be feeling. Think about opportunities for hypothesizing when choosing your pictures.
3. Signpost the end of your talk by adding a personal reaction to the pictures. For example: 'The two people in picture three look like they're enjoying themselves but personally, I think I'd prefer to spend my study time in a lecture theatre where I'd be more able to concentrate on learning'.
4. Many people preparing for the CAE oral exam worry about not having enough to say in the time available or not having enough time to express their ideas. The best way to get the timing right is to practise making short talks on various topics on your own. (Or in front of a friend if you're feeling brave!)
Part 3 of the speaking test requires you and your partner to discuss a series of pictures or diagrams together and choose certain ones for a defined purpose.
"Here are 5 photos of famous places in Britain. Choose 2 that will be used in a brochure encouraging tourism in the UK and justify your choices."
The important thing to remember about this part of the exam is to try and share the speaking time as equally as possible with your partner. It is not good to be overly dominant nor is it a good idea to be quiet and passive during this part. As well as the quality of your English the examiner wants to check your ability to manage the discourse. This means: how well do you interact with other speakers? Do you let other people have their turn? Are you aware of techniques used in conversation to encourage turn-taking and checking for mutual understanding etc?
It is a little known fact that Part 4 of the speaking test is present mostly for logistic and 'timing' purposes. I informally call it the "Time-kill Part". The examiner looks at his watch and sees that the tasks have been completed and there is still 2 minutes left so he can go back to any one of the previous parts (most often the 3rd) and ask you a completely random follow-up question to encourage a few more seconds of speaking from you.
"Ok so ............ (looks at watch) oh ............ so uh Maciek you chose the picture of Big Ben ............ Have you ever been to London? What were your impressions of Big Ben?"
It also very often happens that there is simply no time for the Part 4 when Part 3 takes a
Tips!
It will help both yourself and your partner if you work together collaboratively on this task.
1. Be prepared to ask your partner for his or her opinion rather than simply stating your own.
2. Listen 'actively' to what your partner says, responding to comments he or she makes. Use expressions such as the following to comment on something:
"That's an interesting point."
"I was interested in what you said about ..."
"So, when you say ........, do you mean ........?"
"Could you explain what you mean by .......?"
3. Use expressions to allow yourself time to think. For example: 'That's a good question.', 'Well, let me think ...'
4. In order to bring the discussion to a constructive conclusion try using expressions such as the following:
"So, weighing up the pros and cons, do you think …?"
"Are we generally in agreement that …?" "So, all in all do we feel …?"
"Essentially, do we all agree that …?"
"So, to sum up …"
"So, in general …"
"It seems we’ve reached the conclusion that …"
Part 4: (Three-Way Discussion)
Tests ability to:use language to summarise, report and explain decisions; develop a topic further.
Tips!
1. Again, avoid short, 'yes', 'no' answers to the examiner's questions.
2. Use techniques to make your contributions powerful, for example by using short, personal anecdotes to help make a point.
3. Continue to work with your partner. Respond constructively and show interest in things he or she says.
The main connection/similarity between these pictures is that...
Both/Neither...
As in the previous picture...
Contrasting
The opposing view/viewpoint...
The conflicting view/In contrast...
On the other hand/however/still/but/nonetheless/nevertheless/the first...
Like/Unlike in the first picture...
X is a bit/considerably more...
X isn` t quite as... as...
While/Whereas X is..., Y is...
The first picture shows..., whereas the second one...
In the picture on the left..., whereas in the other one...
The main/most(striking..., significant..., obvious) difference between the two pictures is...
There are several differences between the pictures: firstly/to begin with/in the first place/secondly/then/furthermore/finally/last/last but not least...
Comparing and assessing
X has a greater effect/impact on... than...
X has been more far-reaching (in its effects)... than...
They are all useful, but to my mind picture X...
The second picture is a better illustration of... than...
As far as usefulness is concerned X...
Picture Y illustrates best what...
There` s not much to choose between X and Y as far as... is concerned...
Describing similarities
Is rather like...
Appears similar to...
Seems like/resembles...
Shares characteristics with...
Reminds me of...
Has a lot in common with...
Is pretty much the same as...
Is comparable to...
Describing differences
Is nothing like...
Is totally different from...
Varies greatly from...
Has very little in common with...
Is quite unlike...
Bears little resemblance to...
Differs dramatically from...
Evaluating
They all have a useful contribution to make, but perhaps X and Y are particularly important because...
I think that X plays a vital role because...
If there weren` t any Xs, then...
In my opinion/to my mind/to me, X is of lesser importance to their community because...
Speculating
I might be wrong/am not sure but I think it has to do with...
Despite the fact that...
I can` t see exactly what they are doing, but...
The clothes he/she` s wearing give the impression that...
He/she is probably feeling... because he/she finally managed to/achieved...
I can imagine how he/she feels...
My impression/guess is that...
To judge from the clothes/posture/mimic/facial expression/gestures...
Apparently...
I can` t tell who/where/what...
I` m fairly sure...
They could/might/may be...
They seem/appear to be...
I suppose/assume/imagine/guess/feel/believe/am confident that...
I can` t be certain, but perhaps...
Although I can` t be sure, perhaps...
It looks to me as if...
On second thoughts...
My guess is that...
I wouldn` t be surprised if...
I suppose it` s just possible that...
Judging by the fact that..., she/he must be...
You can tell from... that...
He/She looks quit/very rather...
There is a distinct possibility...
He could (well) be a...
I` d say he/she` s probably a/quite a... person...
I` d guess...
I should think he` s either a..., or a ..., because...
He looks (rather)... to me...
He looks (a bit) like a...
Making suggestions
Let` s..., shall we...?
Why don` t we..., otherwise we could... instead...
I (would) (strongly) suggest/recommend...
One solution/suggestion would be to...
It would be a good idea to...
You should/ought to/might want to think about...
I think we should...
Would you be interested in...?
I thought you might like...
I was thinking it would be nice/a nice change...
So, what do you think...?
What/How about...?
Maybe we could...
Have you thought about...?
One way forward would be to...
I feel there` s something to be said for...
A lot can be achieved by...
... would (greatly) alleviate the situation...
Why not..., that way...
Asking for opinion
How do you like...?
How do you feel about...?
What` s your opinion...?
Don` t you agree...?
- interrupting
I` m sorry to interrupt, but...
Could I just say something...
If I could just add something to that...
- encouraging
Why do you think about/of that...?
What makes you say that...?
Can you give me an example of what you mean...?
Could you be more specific...?
I don` t quite understand what you mean by...
Agreeing and giving reasons
I couldn` t agree more...
I quite agree with you
That` s very true because...
Right, especially if...
Positively, because...
You` re absolutely right. For example, when...
I completely agree with you about that...
I think so, too...
That `s exactly what I think...
Partially agreeing
That` s not entirely true...
I` m inclined to agree with you... but...
I` m not sure I totally agree, because...
I see what you mean/perhaps you are right, but on the other hand...
There` s a lot in what you` re saying. However...
I see what you` re getting at, but...
I see what you mean, but I still think that...
In a way you` re right, but I think it all depends on...
I take your point, but...
I agree with you up to a point, but I think there are other factors to be taken in consideration...
Asking someone to justify their opinion (+disagreeing)
Can you tell/explain me why...?
Why is that...?
That` s not quite the way I see it...
I don` t think so/agree...
Why do you think that...?
What makes you say that...?
Do you really think so...?
Are you certain about that...?
I hardly feel...
I` m afraid I disagree/ have to differ/ don` t go along with that...
Expressing disbelief
You can` t be serious...!
No way...!
You must be joking..., is this a joke...?
That` s incredible/amazing/unbelievable...
I don` t believe it...
You are not serious, are you...?
Responding positively
That` s fine by me...
Sure, why not...?
You might be right actually/have a point...
That` s certainly a possibility...
You are probably right...
Sounds perfect...
That` s a great idea...
That would be lovely...
Ok, why not...?
I never thought of that...
Good point...!
Responding negatively
I don` t think I could cope...
I couldn` t possibly think ok...
It` s no good...
I` m not really into...
I don` t think that...
Well, I don` t know...
I` m not sure that` s such a good choice...
Perhaps it would be better if...
No, I` m afraid that wouldn` t be appropriate...
Avoiding a direct answer
I` ll have to get back to you on/about that...
I can` t give you an answer right now...
I` d rather not say...
I` m not in a position to answer that...
I` ll have to think about it...
It` s out of my hands...
I can` t say for certain...
Selecting
I much prefer...
I` d rather... than...
If I have to choose one...
I think we should go for picture X...
We could narrow it down to a choice between X and Y...
It` s hard to choose but picture X...
Making a choice is not that easy because...
If we assume that... then the obvious choice would be X...
Not much to choose between X and Y, is there...?
To tell you the truth I think I prefer... to...
Personally, I like... better than...
On balance, I` d prefer... rather than...
Given the choice, I` d sooner... than...
Hypothesizing
... for this reason/as a result...
For example/instance, if you... such as..., then you would need to...
Should you find yourself in a situation where... then you would have to...
Supposing you... then you must...
Without... you wouldn` t be able to cope in a situation where...
Imagine if you had to..., then you would almost certainly need to...
What if...? The only way to deal with that would be...
It would be especially useful in situations where you are called upon to...
Concluding
All things considered...
This would mean that...
As a result...
Over the top/overall...
All in all...
Quite simply...
So, as you can see...
In a word...
To sum up/summarize...
In short/conclusion...
In the light of the arguments (advantages and drawbacks)...
In my view...
I personally believe/think that...
Discussing the cause of a problem
It` s clearly/mostly down to...
It` s not so much a result of..., but rather...
It` s partly/largely/entirely due to...
I believe... plays a great/small part as well...
I think... has a lot to do with it...
In my view..., is/are responsible for...
The main reason/A key factor is...
I feel that... is/are to blame...
The obvious culprit in this case is...
Discussing the result of a problem
This (often/invariably/directly) leads to/causes/brings about...
As a result/consequence...,
Inevitably...,
An example of structure for Part 2
1. (Well... ) All pictures emphasize on... in particular situations.
2. I choose to speak about the picture showing... and the one depicting...
3. Both picture describe/emphasize on (the main idea from the first question)... in particular situations.
Or: In both situations the advantage might be...
4. However, the former illustrates..., perhaps because..., whereas the latter presents..., fact highlighted by mimic/facial expression/clothes/gestures.
Or:could be better, due to..., whereas the latter...
Or:has the disadvantage..., whereas the latter has the drawback...
5. As far as... (the main idea from the second question) is/are concerned, I personally believe/assume/imagine/suppose that X has a greater impact... /
plays a vital role effect on the viewers... /
might have more profound feelings... /
... basically/mainly because...
Or: All in all, I would say that, in balance, X has more advantage than drawbacks.../
Pe drumul sumbru si rece, martor mut si constant al experientelor timpului ce a trecut ireversibil si iremediabil, lasand in urma amintiri si sentimente, un batran isi purta povara anilor prea multi pasind treptat spre orizont. Spun orizont pentru ca drumul lui de-acum nu mai avea tinta, scop sau termen de expirare, mergea incet cu vantul uscat arzandu-i fata supta si batatorita de cele prea multe ierni aspre, pe pamantul fierbine ce emana energia si caldura intregii omeniri. Fiecare pas il facea cu greutate, ridica cate un picior, se odihnea pentru o clipa, se uita in jur curios, trsarea, isi tragea sufletul, zambea amar, asteptand parca sa se prabuseasca din moment in moment in tarana care ii striga numele, chemandu-l acasa pentru intaia si ultima oara.
Trecusera 14 ani de la ultima data la care se considerase om, de la inmormantarea celei care ii fusese o viata aproape, care il crease, transormase si iubise si care se sacrificase in toate modurile in care un om este capabil sa se sacrifice pentru un altul. Acum nu mai era om, era o creatura secata de viata, sentimente, lacrimi si putere si care continua sa se tarasca pe drumul vietii doar pentru ca nimeni nu se indura intr-atat de ea incat sa o ucida. Da, isi dorea sa moara si nu o data isi blestemase zilele si ceasul nasterii pentru neputinta si lasitatea de-a-si sfasia ceea ce pretuia si proteja in trecut. Nu-si putea lua viata, i se parea prea josnic, mediocru si lipsit de dramatism, isi dorea sentinta, dar nu vroia sa fie propriu-si calau, ceva il oprea, fie mandria, fie poate speranta infima a unei noi sanse, a unui nou inceput.
To be continued...
Vine o vreme cand nu te mai lasi amagit de tinerete si pricepi ca nimic nu e vesnic... si cum ar putea fi ?! Si ca a trai inseamna in primul rand "a intelege".
