Whats in the Speaking paper?

The Cambridge English: First Speaking test has four parts and you take it together with another candidate. There are
two examiners. One of the examiners conducts the test (asks you questions, gives you paper with things to talk about
on it, and so on). The other examiner listens to what you say and takes notes.
Summary
14 minutes per pair of
Time allowed:
candidates
Number of
parts:

Marks:

20% total

You have to
talk:

with the examiner

with the other candidate
on your own

Parts 14
Part 1 (Interview)
What's in Part
1?

Conversation with the examiner. The examiner asks questions and you may have to
give information about yourself and talk about past experiences, present
circumstances and future plans.

What do I have
Giving information about yourself and expressing your opinion about various topics.
to practise?
How long do I
3 minutes
have to speak?
Practise Part 1
Now try Part 1 from the sample Cambridge English: First Speaking paper.
Part 2 (Long turn)
The examiner gives you a pair of photographs to talk about and you have to speak for 1
What's in
minute without interruption. As a reminder, the questions you have to answer about your
Part 2?
photographs are written at the top of the page. When you have finished speaking, your
partner has to answer a short question from the examiner about your photographs.
What do I
have to
practise?

Talking on your own about something: comparing, describing, expressing opinions.

How long
do I have
to speak?

1 minute per candidate

Practise Part 2
Now try Part 2 from the sample Cambridge English: First Speaking paper.
Part 3 (Collaborative task)
Conversation with the other candidate. The examiner gives you some pictures and a
What's in Part 3? decision-making task to do. You have to talk with the other candidate and make a
decision.
What do I have
to practise?

Exchanging ideas, expressing and justifying opinions, agreeing and/or disagreeing,

suggesting, speculating, evaluating, reaching a decision through negotiation, etc.

How long do we
have to speak?

3 minutes

Practise Part 3
Now try Part 3 from the sample Cambridge English: First Speaking paper.
Part 4 (Discussion)
Further discussion with the other candidate about the same general topic area
What's in Part 4?
as the task in Part 3.
What do I have to
practise?

Expressing and justifying opinions, agreeing and/or disagreeing.

How long do I have to

4 minutes

speak?