What’s 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, and so on). The other examiner listens to what you say and takes notes.

Summary
Time allowed: 14 minutes per pair of candidates

Number of parts: 4

Marks: 20% of total

You have to talk: with the examiner & with the other candidate on your own

Parts 1-4

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, talk about past experiences, present circumstances and future plans.

What do I have to practise?

Giving information about yourself and expressing your opinion about various topics.

How long do I have to speak?

3 minutes

Part 2 (Long turn)

What’s in Part 2?
The examiner gives you a pair of photographs to talk about and you have to speak for 1 minute without interruption. The questions you have to answer about your photographs are written at the top of the page to remind you what you should talk about. When you have finished speaking, your partner then 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

Part 3 (Collaborative task)

What’s in Part 3?
Conversation with the other candidate. The examiner gives you some pictures and a 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

Part 4 (Discussion)

What’s in Part 4?
Further discussion with the other candidate about the same topic 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 speak?

4 minutes