Home > C1 Advanced > Speaking > Part 4
Many students seem to miss basic facts about the C1 Advanced Speaking Part 4, so this page is to fill in some of that missing information about Part 4. There is also a separate page for general information and advice as well as others for each part.
C1 Advanced Speaking Part 4
| Task Type and Format | A discussion on topics related to the collaborative task (spoken questions). |
| Focus | The focus is on expressing and justifying opinions, agreeing and/or disagreeing and speculating. |
| Timing | 5 minutes |
This part of the test gives candidates an opportunity to show
their ability to exchange information, express and justify their
opinions, and agree or disagree with one another. It also provides
candidates with an opportunity to show that they are capable
of discussing topics and certain issues in more depth than in the
earlier parts of the test
Information
This part tests the candidates’ ability to engage in a discussion based on the topics or issues raised in the collaborative task in Part 3.
In Part 4, the interlocutor directs the interaction by asking questions which encourage the candidates to discuss further and broaden the topics introduced in Part 3.
The questions often focus on more abstract issues as the discussion develops.
This part of the test gives candidates an opportunity to show their ability to exchange information, express and justify their opinions, and agree or disagree with one another.
It also provides candidates with an opportunity to show that they are capable of discussing topics and certain issues in more depth than in the earlier parts of the test.
Advice
a) After doing a Part 3 task, try to predict what kind of questions you think you might be asked in Part 4. This will help you prepare for what they might be asked to talk about in Part 4.
b) You are not assessed on your ideas but be aware that examiners can only assess you on the language you produce.
c) With a teacher, classmate or friend, listen to each other’s responses to questions in Part 4 and join in to develop a discussion if it is appropriate. Be aware, however, of not interrupting your partner before they have given a full answer and also not to dominate the discussion.
d) Photocopy an article from an English-language newspaper, magazine or website and discuss the article with a teacher, classmate or friend.
e) Try to react immediately to the questions you are asked or give yourself a little time to think aloud by saying things like, ‘Well that’s something I’ve never really thought about but, on reflection, I’d say that …’.
f) Practice sessions should be the same length as the whole test (usually 15 minutes). The impression you make at the end of the test is equally as important as the one you make at the beginning.
C1 Advanced Speaking Part 4 Sample Questions
• What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of buying a holiday online?
• In your opinion is working for a travel company a good job for young people? Why/Why not?
• Some people say that going away on holiday is a waste of money. What’s your opinion?
• Why do you think some people prefer to travel independently while others prefer to travel in a group?
• How do you think people can benefit from travelling to other countries?
• In future, do you think people will travel more, or less? Why?
Conclusion
I hope that has helped to give you a better understanding of what is required for the C1 Advanced Speaking Part 4, and that you will look into each part in more detail. There is a full list of pages on the C1 Advanced Speaking test here. Good luck with your test!
information on this page is adapted from The Cambridge C1 Handbook for Teachers