C1 Advanced Speaking Part 2: Compare and Contrast

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C1 Advanced Speaking Part 2 is a tricky part of the speaking test. It seems easy because you are given photos to contrast and compare, but you only have a minute to do it. To do it well takes practice so when you are in your test you know exactly what you should do and exactly how to do it. There are practice pictures and sample answers to help, but you should also think about what the examiners want from this part.

According to the teacher’s handbook:

Candidates are expected to point out similarities and differences between the photographs and then move on to deal with the question, answering it with reference to both photographs.

To point out these similarities or differences, candidates need to use words and phrases. Preparing these in advance will make this tricky part of the test much easier.

There aren’t too many, so learn them all, but choose your favourite ones so that you have some that you can use them easily. Here are some examples.

To Compare Similarities	To Contrast Differences
Likewise	However
Also	Whereas
Similarly	On the other hand
Equally	Conversely
In the same way	But
As with	On the contrary
Like	Unlike

Likewise – I think it is incredibly important for the chefs to create something unique, likewise for the artist.

Also – I think it is incredibly important for the chefs to create something unique, and also for the artist, but in a different way.

Similarly – Chefs have to create memorable dishes each day. Similarly, the artist has to make something memorable, but over a longer period of time.

Equally – Even though the artist and the little girl are different ages, they will probably find it equally as difficult to do something new.

In the same way – The artist needs to feel free to express herself in the same way as the child.

As with – As with the child, the artist needs to feel free to express herself.

Like – Like the child, the artist needs to feel free to express herself.

However – The chefs are working together, however, the artist is working alone.

Whereas – The little girl is dying eggs, whereas the artist is working on a large picture.

On the other hand – The little girl is dying eggs, on the other hand, the artist is working on a large picture.

Conversely – The chefs are under constant pressure to create, while conversely, the little girl won’t care about anything.

Alternatively – The head chef looks as if he is watching them, alternatively it could be a teacher.

On the contrary – The chefs look as if they are under pressure, but on the contrary, the girl looks as if she has all the time in the world.

Unlike – Unlike the chefs, the girl is not wearing a uniform.

When you do C1 Advanced Speaking Part 2, you should try not to repeat yourself (it’s not the end of the world if you do) and so try to practice using different ways to compare and contrast.

I can’t emphasise how much practice will help you become more confident for your speaking test. the more confident you are, the more fluently you speak and so the higher your score will be. Good Luck!