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Hello! ABC English Levels and Valentine are again with you to provide some tips and examples on the final, FCE Speaking Part 4. This is our last audio lesson on the oral part of the FCE. You’ll learn what Part 4 is like and how to perform in a better way.
Please remember about our eLive and general English courses if you want to soup up your speaking, listening and writing skills. Soup up means to make sth more powerful and efficient by applying changes to it.
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What to expect in FCE Speaking Part 4
You will continue working with your partner. The examiner will ask both of you about your attitudes to the topic of Part 3. You may be asked the same questions as the other candidate, if you agree with him/her, or some distinct questions. The whole conversation usually takes 4 minutes.
TIPS. How to succeed in FCE Speaking Part 4
The last part of the speaking test takes the longest and might even be more stressful than the previous part as you have to communicate both with your partner and the examiner. Please, mind the following advice which, I’m sure, will help you to feel more confident.
General tips
- Listen attentively to what your partner is saying because you might be asked to agree or disagree with his/her opinion.
- Giving general answers is the best way to avoid in-depth explanations which are inappropriate because of the lack of the time given.
- Always give explanations, reasons or just examples from your own experience. If nothing of this is at hand (happening or present at this time), just make up tales or tell fibs (small lies that don’t cause any harm)!
- Sometimes it’s fine to try to mention 2 or 3 points of view when answering a question and then say which one you support. Like this, for instance. Well, some people suggest that … while the others have an opinion that … As for me, I’d agree with the first point of view because …
Tips when you don’t understand
- If you don’t understand a question, don’t be afraid to ask the examiner to repeat. You won’t lose any marks! Use phrases like Sorry, could you say that again, please? I’m afraid I didn’t get/catch the question. Could you repeat, please? I’m not sure about the word «…». What do you mean? The following point can help as well.
- Try to pay special attention to the keywords, which are often stressed by the voice. It will help you to guess the meaning of the whole sentence. Surely, you will understand something. If you are still not confident that you get it right, use this safe phrase: If I understand correctly, and express your opinion.
- If you don’t know the answer to a question, don’t just say I don’t know. Say I can’t say/don’t know a lot about this subject, but I think/believe/can suppose that … and give some ideas.
- Don’t forget about such phrases as Well, Let me think, It’s an interesting/a difficult question, It’s quite difficult to answer on the spur of the moment (suddenly and without planning). They always give an instant to think and find some words to answer.
- Don’t feel afraid in any situation! Remember this is a speaking test, and they evaluate your ability to communicate your ideas, listen to other people and express yourself whether you know the answer to a question or not.
Useful language
To introduce your opinion
- Well, in my opinion, … because …
- To my mind, …
- I feel that …
- I’m not so sure, … I think
- No, I don’t think so … because …
To introduce explanation
- I mean …
- You see …
To give examples
- For example, …
- For instance …
- … like …
- … such as …
To speak in general
- By and large, …
- In the main, …
- Generally speaking, …
- As a rule, …
Practice
Now let’s imagine what the examiner could possibly ask you in terms of the Leisure time that we discussed in the last audio lesson.
Sample questions in FCE Speaking Part 4
- Sometimes people work really hard and can’t find enough time to relax. What could you advise to organise their rest?
- Do you think it’s better for people to spend their free time in the country or in a city? Why?
- Nowadays, many people spend their spare time on the Internet. Do you think it’s an advantageous pastime?
Your answer
Let’s say you’re asked the last question. Your answer could be something like this:
I think so. Surfing the Internet can be really advantageous and effective if you have, of course, certain targets to meet. The online world suggests a wide variety of activities for self-development and acquiring new skills and knowledge. The question is just to know what you exactly want and what you look for.
You can try to answer the other 2 questions and write about your results in your comments below.
Well, we’ve finished practising the Speaking Part of the FCE exams. You’ve learnt many practical tips on what to do and to say, a lot of active vocabulary and, probably, picked up some spirit of confidence too. Many thanks for those who followed and inspired me. I do hope it was really helpful and you’ll remember what you’ve learned with me at the very moment of the exam.
This was ABC English Levels and your Valentine. Break a leg!