The speaking test can be one of the most nerve-wracking parts of the exam. But, with the right preparation, you can go in feeling calm and confident. If you want to get your top score in Cambridge B2 First (FCE) or C1 Advanced (CAE) exam, read on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are five tips and what you need to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. <\/strong> Get to know each part of the exam<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cambridge speaking tests are short but very structured so you need to know what to do in each of the four parts of the test. It\u2019s important that you use the right kinds of language and give answers which are not too long and not too short. Remember the examiner isn\u2019t just listening to your grammar and vocabulary: how you interact with your partner and the examiner will help you get those top marks too. So, knowing when and how to respond is key. Plus, if you know what to do you will be less nervous and more confident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Watching real videos of students doing speaking tests on the Cambridge YouTube channel is really helpful here. But a real-life teacher and Cambridge expert who can help you and answer all your questions is the best! I spend a lot of time practising and reviewing with my students as just knowing what to do is so important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Take time to prepare<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There is a lot to learn and a lot to remember so it does take time! Give yourself enough time before the exam (most preparation courses are between three and nine months) so you can practise everything lots of times. This way, you are more likely to be confident in the exam and remember what you learn after it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you spend the three weekends before your exam practising intensively, you might pass, but you\u2019ll forget everything you\u2019ve learned afterwards. An easier and more effective plan is to spend 20 minutes practising every day for three months. It will make you a much better English speaker in the exam and forever!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Practising and getting feedback from a teacher is the most effective way but practising with your friends and on your own (recording yourself) are also fantastic. The more prepared you are, the more confident you will feel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. <\/strong> Listen<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Listening is as important as speaking! Listen to your partner as the examiner might ask you to respond to or comment on something they have said, particularly in C1 Advanced. If you don\u2019t understand something, ask your partner to clarify (this is very important in Part 3 of both exams). Don\u2019t be afraid to ask the examiner or your partner to repeat something. I often see candidates try to guess a question because they haven\u2019t heard. It\u2019s okay to ask them to repeat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Practise the different parts of the exam but also learn some key phrases for repetition (Can you repeat that, please?<\/em>) or clarification (So, I think what you mean is\u2026<\/em>). Learn these phrases and practise them in conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. <\/strong> Improving the other three skills helps your speaking<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, of course, to get better at speaking, you need to speak, so you probably want to focus on speaking practice. However, reading, writing and listening ALSO help you to improve your speaking skills. Reading and listening help you to see and hear complex language and how it is used. Writing gives you the opportunity to produce complex language but with more thinking time than speaking. So, if you practise more complicated grammar and vocabulary in your writing, you are more likely to use it in your speaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Spend time on all the skills. And remember, I mean short amounts (20 minutes) of regular focused practice. This \u00a0will really help you see results. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. <\/strong> Use language at the level of the exam<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is probably the most important tip. It might sound obvious but when I\u2019m examining I see a lot of candidates who don\u2019t. If you\u2019re nervous, you might want to \u2018play it safe\u2019 and just use grammar and vocabulary that you are confident about. Many candidates do the exam tasks and answer all the questions but use simple language. However, to get higher marks you must use more complex language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Memorising key phrases and expressions which you can use in each of the tasks is an easy way to do this. For example, in B2 First Part 2 you should learn some key phrases for making comparisons like, \u2018\u2026whereas in the second picture\u2026\u2019<\/em>. For C1 Advanced Part 2, learn some phrases for speculating such as, \u2018They might have chosen\/decided\/opted to do this because\u2026\u2019<\/em> Remember, you can get marks for trying to use more complex language, even if it isn\u2019t perfect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Good luck with your exam!<\/p>\n\n\n\n *I\u2019ve written these with Cambridge B2 First and C1 Advanced in mind but they are also good advice for other levels and even other exams such as IELTS, Linguaskill and APTIS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Find 5 minutes to practise every day watching these 1 minute videos with script done by native speakers on Elllo<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cambridge Information for Candidates<\/a> booklet<\/p>\n\n\n\nUseful links<\/h3>\n\n\n\n