CAE SPEAKING TEST PART 4

Part 4 takes the topic from part 3 and extends it. While CAE Speaking test part 3 is quite structured, you have more freedom in part 4. You can answer questions in a more natural way, like you would in everyday conversation. However, there are some strategies to keep in mind, and the questions can be quite challenging.

1. Interaction Diagram

2. Essential CAE Speaking test part 4 tips

• This is a continuation of part 3, with questions on the same theme. There are two kinds of question here - one where YOU should answer and one where you should discuss it with your partner.

• If it’s a question for YOU, the examiner will say your name. If it’s a question to DISCUSS, the examiner will indicate it with a gesture.

• If it’s a ‘solo’ question for your partner, you should still listen and pay attention because there’s a good chance you’ll be asked to follow that up.

• You don't have to reach a decision together or talk about keywords, but you do have to use the same techniques I’ve mentioned - ask your speaking partner questions, organise your responses with linking words etc. Your replies in this section can be longer than in part 3.

3. Which questions should you prepare for?

Questions in part 4 can be extremely varied from one exam to the next. Take a look at these:

- Are we too obsessed with healthy eating and physical fitness nowadays?

- Do you agree that experience is the best teacher?

- What is the best age to retire?

Clearly it would be hard to rehearse an answer for every question they might ask you! So it's more rational to think in terms of what topics frequently appear in the exam, and then sit and work on your vocabulary for those topics.

Common topics are:

-HEALTH-    -THE ENVIRONMENT-  -SOCIAL ISSUES-  -JOBS-

-TECHNOLOGY-   -RELATIONSHIPS-   -MONEY-

4. Simple ways to include your partner in the discussion

Questions. Ask lots of questions. Always start part 3 by saying, 'What do you think?' and in part 4 ask for feedback after you've given your opinion. Say what you think about the topic and finish with

• ... don't you agree?

• ... or do you have a different opinion?

• ... or maybe you know more about it?

• What's your idea?

• What do you think?

• What are your thoughts on all of this?

• Wouldn't you say?

• How do you feel about that?

• How do you see it?

It would be quite impressive to refer to something your partner said earlier in the exam. For example, if she is a dentist and the topic in part 4 is health, you could say, 'You're an expert in this area - what do YOU think?'

5. How to agree or disagree

While candidates tend to agree on most topics, a certain amount of disagreement is good - it makes the discussion more interesting. Disagreement also prolongs a discussion, and can be done in a friendly way. Give reasons why you are agreeing or disagreeing.

• I fully agree because...

• Yes, that's right. And...

• I agree with you 100 percent.

• You're partly right, but...

• I couldn't agree with you more.

• I see exactly what you mean!

• Tell me about it! (informal)

• I'm not so sure about that, because...

• I think we're going to have to agree to disagree.

• I must take issue with you on that.

• It's unjustifiable to say that...

6. Delaying tactics/stalling for time

There will be times in the exam where you don't have anything to say right away. You need a second to think, but you want to avoid dead air. So you need to 'buy time' with phrases such as these:

• Well, now, let me see

• Let me think ...

• Oh, what a great question!

• Well that’s something I’ve never really thought about but, on reflection, I’d say that...

8. Our Speaking Part 4 Video

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

If you have questions about the CAE speaking exam, use the contact form to send it to us. We'll answer them in this section. 

Q - What if I don't understand something the examiner says to me?

A - You can ask them to repeat it. You can even ask them to explain a word if you don't understand it. If you do that 6 or 7 times they might think your English is not so good, but if you do it once that's totally okay.

Q - I love your site! You must be a great teacher. Can we do lessons on Skype? 

A - Maybe. I live in Switzerland so I’m crazy expensive. You should buy my online course here instead. If you have loads of money you can read about my homestay offer.

Q - What is an interlocutor? It says that in my CAE coursebook.

A - That's the examiner.

Q - Do I need to have a British accent? Cambridge is in Britain, right?

A - Cambridge is in Britain but an American accent is just fine. ANY accent is fine as long as you speak clearly and your words are understandable.

That's it for the CAE Speaking test tips. Good luck in your exam!