Speaking test prep

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 3

Speaking tests

Preparation

Practical information

It will be in pairs and both people will have to speak for about a minute. 

It's a 2 test.

The first pairs will have the exam on the 8th of April.

The rest will go on the 15th of April.

You will get individual marks. 

What will the exam be like?

During the exam, you will each get 2 photographs. You will not be allowed to see the photos in advance.

I will ask you a question about the photographs that you will have to answer. You also have to compare the photographs. You will have to speak for two minutes.

After a minute, your partner will be asked a question about your photographs as well. Then the roles will be reversed.

For example

Example

In the first photograph you see people walking on a snowy mountain. They have a rope between them. I think this is to make sure they don't get lost. They are wearing warm clothing. In the second picture...

What can be difficult about doing these things?

Assignment

You have two minutes two write down what you describe about the second picture. Keep in mind that in the real exam, you have to fill about a minute. 

What can be difficult about doing these things?

Assignment part 2

Now that you've described the photos, you should answer the question. 

What would your answer to the question be? 

Take 2 minutes to write it out. 

What can be difficult about doing these things?

Follow up question

When you're done with the pictures, your partner will answer a question about the theme of the photographs. 

A question that goes with these photograps would be: 

Would you like to try a risky hobby?

What can be difficult about doing these things?

Useful words and phrases

The top picture shows...

The bottom picture shows...

In one photo there are...

In the other photo there are...

In the picture above it looks as if...

In the one below it looks like...

Both pictures show...

In both pictures there are...

They're both quite similar because they both show...

There are... in both photographs.c

This picture shows... but that one...

One difference between the pictures is that...

The biggest difference between them is that this one... but the other one..

This one looks more ... than that. 

In my opinion...

I'd say that...

I think...

It seems to me...

My view is that...

Another thing that's different is...

Something else that's different is...

They're alike in another way, too.

This picture shows... but that one...

One difference between the pictures is that...

The biggest difference between them is that this one... but the other one..

This one looks more ... than that. 

Practicing pronounciation

The top picture shows a man riding a bicycle, while the bottom picture shows a man riding a motorbike

In one photo there are some wonderful, snow-covered trees while in the other photo there are cars in the background

In the picture above it looks as if a bear is chasing the man while in the one below it looks like the man is chasing somebody else. Both pictures show men traveling on their own. There are men riding alone in both photographs.

This one shows a cold country but that one looks quite hot.

One difference between the pictures is that we can see other cars and people in this picture.

The biggest difference between them is that this one has a bear in it but the other one doesn't have any bears. Riding a motorbike in a busy city isn't so healthy as riding a bike in the fresh air.

In my opinion...

I'd say that...

I think...

It seems to me...

My view is that...

[My view is that this bear has been photoshopped into that picture. There's no way that's a real picture. It seems to me that the maker of FCE Exam Tips tried to make this more interesting by putting a bear in the photo.]

Another thing that's different is...

Something else that's different is...

[This is a cold place, whereas this place looks hot. Another thing that's different is that this motorbike looks quite old and cheap, while the bike seems quite expensive.]

They're alike in another way, too.

[Both men look strong and healthy. They're alike in another way, too - they are both adventurous and don't mind traveling alone.]

Go for a practice round with your partner. Hold yourself to the following order:

1. Talk about the left photo.

2. Talk about the right photo.

3. Compare the two.

4. Use that information to answer the question.

While you listen: 

Listen to your partner and see if you can identify what they might need to work on:

Can't find the words? Lots of uuuhm and eehm? Then they need to work on vocab. 

Doesn't sound so good? Then they need to work on pronounciation. 

Incorrect grammar: might be a good idea to look at the tenses. 

Think about possible questions that you could get about these pictures.

Practice round 2: Make sure the other person now starts.

Come up with a question to ask each other as well!

While you listen: 

Listen to your partner and see if you can identify what they might need to work on:

Can't find the words? Lots of uuuhm and eehm? Then they need to work on vocab. 

Doesn't sound so good? Then they need to work on pronounciation. 

Incorrect grammar: might be a good idea to look at the tenses. 

Who is your partner and what do they, according to you, still need to work on?

Possibly helpful tips and tricks

1. If you forget a word or make a mistake, don't worry. Just keep talking. You have to talk for one minute. Mistakes are normal. Keep going!

2. Don't forget to compare the pictures to each other. If there's anything that stands out, mention it. 

3. Don't be afraid to use more difficult words, even if you're not sure you're using them right. Showing that you have a big range of vocabulary is good!

What can you do to prepare?

Using some examples (will be on the classroom), practice at home. It might be a really good idea to record yourself so you can listen to what you're saying. If you're unsure on how to pronounce certain words you can always look it up online. 

Now what?

P. 48 +49 TB