Advanced Speaking Part 4
On this page we take a look at Part 4 of the CAE speaking exam and how to give a better performance. CAE Part 4 topics are based on the topic in the Part 3 task.
How It Works
Some sample questions on the topic of decisions
- Is it best to make decisions alone or to turn to others for advice?
- Why do you think some people find it harder to make decisions than others?
- Can you have too much information when trying to make a decision?
- Which is most important in making personal decisions, facts or instinct?
- Some people think that governments should refer certain decisions to the public to vote on. Is this a good idea?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages to decisions which come from brainstorming?
Examiner instructions
Examiner : Candidate A, Is it best to make decisions alone or to turn to others for advice?
Examiner : What do you think/Do you agree Candidate B?
Examiner : Candidate B, Why do you think some people find it harder to make decisions than others?
Examiner : What do you think/Do you agree Candidate A?
Tips for a better Advanced Part 4 speaking performance
Tip #1 It’s a presentation
- Think of each answer you give as a form of mini-presentation and practise doing 30 sec-1 min presentations.
- Make sure you pay particular attention to the type of language you could use and how you could join your ideas together.
Tip #2 Relax and be natural
- This is a good opportunity to show what language you can use, but try to do so naturally. That also means deciding which language best suits what you are saying.
- In preparation for the exam, look for alternative ways and alternative words you can use to say the same thing. By expanding your vocabulary for specific topics you can also improve your performance.
Tip #3 Link to your partner’s ideas.
- Listen to your partner’s ideas and try to use them to think your own answers.
- Referring back to what was said shows that you are listening and can build on a conversation, a key factor at this level.
Tip #4 Stay on Topic
- Respond to the question asked and keep the conversation focused.
- Even if your partner has misunderstood the question try to bring it back to the topic in question.
Tip #5 Work together
- If the question is addressed to both of you , make sure you allow your partner to give an opinion.
- Be sure to listen closely for signs your partner has finished but avoid interruptions.
Part 4 Answer - example
Why do you think some people find it harder to make decisions than others?
I know there are some people who get very anxious when they have to make decisions, even very simple ones but I actually think it depends what type of decisions you’re talking about . I mean some people are very effective in work and perform extremely well and they have no problems at all making decisions about business or business-related activities.
I think it’s when we come to decisions that affect us personally they become more difficult. For starters, you’re thinking of the direct effect on you or on others. This can produce doubts sometimes, something you find less in a work environment so much because there are generally plenty of people you can share your ideas with. So, in your personal decision-making you can end up unable to make your mind up.
One final thought
At this stage of the speaking test candidates are generally relaxed and there are about four minutes of the 15 minutes remaining . In addition, part 4 is the best opportunity to show your ability. It’s also where you can demonstrate how you can contribute to a discussion. After all it is an interactive examination.
Learn more about other parts of the Advanced Speaking Test
CAE Speaking Part 1
Questions in this part of the test are very general
CAE Speaking Part 2
Compare two out of three pictures in Part 2
CAE Speaking Part 3
In Part 3 discuss each topic together
Advanced Speaking
See our guide to the speaking test
CAE Speaking Part 3
In Part 3 discuss each topic together
Advanced Speaking
See our guide to the speaking test