Choose your photos and quickly read the questions. Although the Part 2 exercise uses pictures, it is not just a description exercise at Cambridge Advanced. If you look at the first question from this exercise it’s asking you for your opinion about what’s happening in the pictures.

How difficult might it be for photographers in these situations?

You do need to describe briefly what you can see in the individual pictures but then you must offer your opinion about this question for each picture you choose.

Tip #1 Use relevant and clear vocabulary.

• For your chosen photographs identify what you think they are and where they are.
• For our examples we have some form of wildlife shoot, possibly a wedding photography session and a group of press photographers covering some type of important event.
• What words and expressions help clearly describe these photographs?

Tip #2 Join your ideas together.

• Linking words are essential here. The usual whereas, however, in contrast, on the one hand are all useful here. Practise using them naturally.
• Consider using discourse expressions here like  I suppose, I mean, actually and  speculate using modal verbs like might could etc.

Tip #3 Be accurate in your grammar.

• While it goes without saying, you should have no serious errors with your grammar.
• Try to vary the type of grammar expressions you use as much as you can.

Tip #4 Be natural.

• As with all the other parts of the C1 speaking exam Part 2 is also about being natural. So any time you want to use an expression think of how well it fits with what you want to say.
• Idiomatic expressions can be great at any time but it doesn’t always improve an exam score to try to simply include them. If the context is right then they can help you make a good impression.

Tip #5 Keep talking.

• While this may also be quite obvious it is important to speak for the specified time. Until the examiner tells you to stop it’s your time.
• Spend time practising before your Cambridge Advanced exam and speaking test. This practice needs to consist of you speaking for a minute or more about a range of pictures and topics. Use stopwatch on a computer or phone. This should help ensure you won’t stop during this CAE picture task. Some candidates occasionally find it difficult to start again once they stop.

Tip #6 Answer the second Candidate B question fully.

What applies to the main picture task also applies when you answer the second question after your partner has finished speaking. Answer it as best you can in as much detail as you can. You should try to speak for about 30 seconds.

Final Note

In comparison with other parts of the test although candidates do talk for longer alone in the Advanced Part 2 speaking there is no reason why it should be more challenging. After all you do have the two photographs to provide you with ideas and they are an opportunity for you to demonstrate your range of language.

Choose your photos and quickly review the questions. Although Part 2 of the Cambridge Advanced speaking test involves pictures, it’s not just about describing them. The first question typically asks for your opinion about what’s happening in the images.

For example: *How difficult might it be for photographers in these situations?*

You should briefly describe what you see in each picture, but the focus is on providing your opinion about the question for each photo you select.

Tip #1: Use Relevant and Clear Vocabulary
Identify what you believe the photos depict and where they were taken if relevant. In the examples given, we might have a wildlife shoot, a wedding photography session, and press photographers at a significant event. Think about the words and phrases that would clearly describe these scenarios.

Tip #2: Connect Your Ideas
Using linking words is crucial. Phrases like “whereas,” “however,” “in contrast,” and “on the one hand” are all useful for connecting ideas. Practice using them naturally. Additionally, consider using discourse markers like “I suppose,” “I mean,” and “actually,” and include speculative language with modal verbs like “might” or “could.”

Tip #3: Maintain Accurate Grammar
It’s important to avoid serious grammatical mistakes. Try to incorporate a variety of grammatical structures throughout your responses.

Tip #4: Be Natural
As with other parts of the C1 speaking test, Part 2 emphasises natural communication. When using expressions, ensure they fit with what you’re trying to convey. While idiomatic expressions can be helpful, they won’t always boost your score if forced into conversation. Use them only when appropriate.

Tip #5: Keep Talking
It’s essential to speak for the full time until the examiner tells you to stop. Practise speaking for one minute or more about different pictures and topics before your exam. Using a stopwatch on your phone or computer can help you focus on using a full minute. Some candidates struggle to start speaking again if they pause, so continuous practice is key.

Tip #6: Fully Answer the Second Candidate B Question
When responding to the follow-up question after your partner finishes speaking, be sure to answer it as fully as possible. Aim to speak for about 30 seconds in detail.

Final Note
Although candidates speak for longer on their own in Part 2, this section doesn’t need to feel more difficult. You have two photographs to guide your ideas, and they provide an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your language range.