On this page we take a look at C1 Advanced Part 2 speaking and how to give a better speaking performance in this part of the test.
Examiner:
In this part of the test I’m going to give each of you three photographs. I’d like you to compare two of them on your own for about a minute and also to answer a question briefly about your partner’s pictures.
Candidate A it’s your turn first. Here are your pictures. They show photographers in different situations. I’d like you to compare two of the photographs and say what might be difficult for photographers in each situation and say who might be interested in their photographs.
Sample C1 Advanced Part 2 Speaking Example
Examiner: Thank You.
Candidate B which picture is most difficult to take? Why?
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.
Tip #2 Join your ideas together.
Tip #3 Be accurate in your grammar.
Tip #4 Be natural.
Tip #5 Keep talking.
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.
OK I’m going to choose pictures number one and 3. (Optional)
First Question – Picture 1
The first picture looks like it’s some kind of nature setting and you have a photographer there with some animals. It looks like some kind of desert so there’s a physical challenge for anybody in that kind of environment. I think you also need an awful lot of patience to get very good photos especially when you are waiting for animals to appear.
First Question – Picture 2
In contrast the 3rd picture is an urban setting where there is a very large group of photographers. I suppose they are what we call paparazzi and they are there waiting for somebody important to arrive, maybe a politician or celebrity. In this case what makes it difficult is that there are so many of them so getting a good photograph is not going to be easy and they can end up fighting for the best position.
Second Question
I think they all need a lot of skill and patience but I’d say the photo of the press photographers would be extremely challenging. I mean, it’s hard to get a good shot and they are quite limited in what they can see. It’s also the kind of press event where things move quickly and people only have a short window to react.
NOTE: The idea of indicating which pictures you plan to talk about is optional. Some people prefer to do it that way even though it is unlikely to have any effect on the overall score. It can be a useful way to focus on the pictures and to let the examiner know which ones you are talking about.
To find out more take a look at our review of a complete sample CAE speaking exam.
Questions in this part of the test are very general
In Part 3 discuss each topic together
Give opinions on a similar theme to Part 3
See our guide to the speaking test
Give opinions on a similar theme to Part 3
See our guide to the speaking test
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