Try Them Now! Sharpen your FCE Speaking Part 3 & 4 skills. Use these FCE Speaking Part 3 diagrams, their discussion questions using incredibly useful tips to make your practice more meaningful. B2 First Speaking needs care and attention as well, practice that too.
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The B2 First speaking test from Cambridge, is in 4 parts. Here are practice questions for B2 First or FCE Speaking Part 3 and Part 4.
B2 First Speaking Part 3 Quiz: Pass or Fail?
B2 First Speaking Test Breakdown:
Part 1 consists of general questions about yourself, your life and your opinions. This takes about 2 minutes, and you will probably be asked 3 or 4 questions.
In Part 2, you need to describe, compare and contrast two pictures and answer a question. You are only allowed 1 minute to do this, so some practice is essential. Part 2 sample answers are here.
Part 3 is in two parts. The first part is a discussion between you and the other candidate(s) using the topics on a given diagram. It is important in this part to interact with the other candidates well and not speak more than you should. The target language for this part is mainly agreeing, disagreeing, giving your opinion and asking for opinions. You have 2 minutes. The second part is 1 minute for the candidates to come to an agreement which of the options is the best or most important.
Part 4 is general questions which cover the same topic as Part3, but in more depth. You are also expected to agree or disagree with the answers the other candidate(s) give and give your opinion. This part lasts a total of 4 minutes. In these answers, you should sound organised and give examples if you want. Try to talk about people in general rather than yourself, so it is more formal.
Practice Parts 3 and 4 are below, while sample answers are here.
General Tips for B2 First Speaking
- Watch the official videos of B2 First speaking tests and compare the examiners’ notes with your own opinion. That way, you will be much more aware of what is important and what is not.
- B2 First Speaking can be a difficult and stressful speaking test, so it is much more effective if you prepare for the test as well as trying to improve your English. If you know exactly what is expected from you and how you will feel, then you can prepare and manage your expectations. Doing this will reduce your stress and help you to speak calmly.
- NEVER try to remember or recite answers that you have seen before. However, it is completely natural to remember phrases, words and sentences that you can fit into many answers.
- B2 First Part 3 discussions and decisions can be challenging because you don’t know what your partner(s) will say. Give yourself a chance and be flexible. If you stick to an idea, then you may get upset if the other person disagrees. Being flexible allows you to concentrate on your English rather than winning an argument.
- If you sound happy when you talk about positive things and angry, sad or disappointed when you talk about negativity, you will really help your pronunciation score and also emphasise your meaning.
B2 First Speaking Part 4 Quiz: Try Now!
Part 3 – Keep Up to Date
Part 3 Tip
You don’t have to talk about all five of the sub-topics in FCE Speaking Part 3, but you use the target language when you move from one to the other. Keep in mind what you need to say. Asking for and giving opinions is one of the essential skills needed in this part. You will have to do it at least three or four times, so find different ways to ask your partner what they think as well as using various methods to say what your view is of the matter.
Part 4 – Keep Up to Date
- Some people say that we spend too much time checking for updates on social networking websites. Do you agree? (Why? / Why not?)
- Do you think the best way to keep up to date with changes in the world is to watch television? (Why? / Why not?)
- Some people say the world is changing so fast that we can’t keep up to date with everything. Do you agree? (Why? / Why not?)
- How important is it for people to have change in their lives?
- Some people don’t like it when things change. Why do you think that is?
- Do you think people these days are only interested in new things and ignore history and tradition? (Why? / Why not?)
For Sample Answers to Part 3 and Part 4 of this question
Part 3 – Free Time
For Sample Answers to Part 3 and Part 4 of this question
Part 4 – Free Time
- Should schools and colleges organise free time activities for students at weekends? (Why? / Why not?)
- Do you think it’s true that you will always enjoy yourself if you’re with other people? (Why? / Why not?)
- Some people say that it’s important to entertain yourself rather than expect other people to do it all the time. What do you think?
- Is it a good idea to have a lot of different interests or just one or two? (Why? / Why not?)
- Do you think it’s important to be busy all the time? (Why? / Why not?)
- Some people say we don’t have enough free time these days. What do you think?
Part 4 Tip for these questions
You will have two or three questions to answer in Part 4, so try and use different words and phrases to answer each one. Giving your opinion is essential in this part, so try using some of these phrases.
For Sample Answers to Part 3 and Part 4 of this question
Part 3 – Cultures
Part 3 Tip
During the discussion in Part 3, you’ll need to agree or disagree with your partner’s opinions. Using appropriate phrases for this is essential to sounding polite and engaged. Here are some useful expressions:
- Agreeing:
- “I think we see eye to eye on that,”
- “You’re absolutely right,”
- “I couldn’t agree more.”
- “Yeah, I’d go along with that.”
- “That’s so true.”
- “Absolutely!
- “You took the words right out of my mouth.”
- “You have a point there.”
- “I’m with you 100% on this one.”
- Disagreeing:
- “I take your point, but…,”
- “I beg to differ,”
- “I’m not sure I agree with that.”
- “We don’t see eye to eye on that I’m afraid”
- “I tend to disagree with you there.”
- “That’s not always the case”
- “Isn’t it more a case of…?”
- “I don’t think so.”
Practicing these phrases will help you express your thoughts clearly and contribute effectively to the discussion.
Agreeing is a more positive experience during the exam, so don’t waste your test arguing about some small point, unless you use great language to do it. Another thing you can do is to use concessions like although, even though, despite, in spite of ……
For example
Although I thought …… when I saw the question, I see your point and now agree with you on that
Even though I believed ………. I now think you’re right
Although I’m not 100% convinced, I’ll go along with you for now
Despite wanting to believe ……. I see your point
In spite of some personal experience in the matter, I agree with what you are saying
After you have talked about the mind map for 2 minutes, you then have to decide with your partner, the best option.
Part 4 – Cultures
- Are you interested in the cultures of other countries, for example their music or food? (Why? / Why not?)
- Can we learn a lot about the culture of a country when we’re on holiday there? (Why? / Why not?)
- Should students spend more time learning about other cultures when they are at school? (Why? / Why not?)
- Some students have the opportunity to study in another country. Is this a good thing to do? (Why? / Why not?)
- Do you think it’s true that the internet has helped us understand people in other countries? (Why? / Why not?)
- Some people say that these days that there aren’t many big cultural differences between countries. Do you agree? (Why? / Why not?)
For Sample Answers to Part 3 and Part 4 of this question
Part 3 – Concentration
For Sample Answers to Part 3 and Part 4 of this question
Part 4 – Concentration
- Sometimes, people don’t like having to concentrate. Why do you think this is?
- Do you think young people find it easier to concentrate on things than older people? (Why / Why not?)
- Do you think that learning languages requires a lot of effort and concentration? (Why/Why not?)
- How important is it for people to have time to relax and forget the pressure of work or studies?
- What do young people do to relax in (candidate’s country)?
- How easy do you think it is to work when there is background noise?
Part 4 Tip for these questions
If you are asked a question about comparing one thing to another as in question 2 above, then talk about young people, then talk about older people, then compare them and add your opinion.
For Sample Answers to Part 3 and Part 4 of this question
Part 3 – Success
Part 3 Tip
It’s always good to give a good impression in the test, so dress comfortably but smartly, and keep eye contact with the examiner or the other student when you are talking to each other.
Listen actively, so nod your head in agreement, or shake your head in disagreement, and so on. It helps the others and it also helps to keep you engaged in the test.
Use open body language, so don’t sit and fold your arms or cross your legs to make you look defensive.
Also, speak up, this is a speaking test, so the examiner and the other student need to be able to hear what you say. If you don’t speak up, you’ll lose points, and taking the exam will be a waste of time.
Part 4 – Success
- Tell us about something you’ve done which you are proud of.
- Do you think winning is important In sport or is taking part enough?
- What would you most like to achieve in the future?
- Would you like to be rich or famous? (Why/Why not?)
- Which person do you most admire? (Why?)
- Do you think it is Important to be ambitious in life?
For Sample Answers to Part 3 and Part 4 of this question
Part 3 – Job Skills
Part 4 – Job Skills
- Tell us about animals you like or dislike.
- Do you think animals should be kept in zoos? (Why/Why not?
- How important do you think it is to protect wildlife?
- Which do you prefer, working outdoors or working in an office? (Why?)
- Do you think it is a good idea to do volunteer work? (Why/Why not?)
- Do you think it is important to finish your studies before you get a job? (Why/Why not?)
Part 4 Tip for these questions
Organising your answers makes them sound much better. If you are asked a question, such as ‘Do you think it is a good idea to do volunteer work?’, try answering like this. I think there are several reasons why volunteering is good, but the two main ones are, firstly …….. and secondly ……. If you feel you can talk for longer, you could also give an example for one of the reasons. Don’t give two examples, that will make your answer too long.
Part 3 – Teenagers
Part 3 Tip
When you need to negotiate an outcome in the second part of Part 3, you have 1 minute. As you will know from Part 2, 1 minute is a very short time, so have a plan for how you are going to approach this part of the speaking test.
If the other candidate is speaking for too long, then interrupt POLITELY and give your view.
If the other candidate is having trouble speaking, then HELP them by suggesting the best answer.
If the other candidate has a completely different opinion to you, change your mind and agree with them. You still have Part 4, so you don’t want to add any stress before then.
It’s an English test, not a competition about whose opinion is best.
Part 4 – Teenagers
Are young people in your country taught to save energy or protect the local environment? (How?)
Do you think it is easier to learn about the environment when you are a child or when you are older?
If you were asked to give a talk to young children, what subject would you choose?
Have you seen a television programme about the natural world lately? Tell me about it.
Do you think people should be encouraged to use public transport more?
How easy do you think it is to help your local environment?
Part 3 – Friend’s Advice
Part 4 – Friend’s Advice
- Who would you turn to for advice If you had a problem?
- How important is it to have good friends who can give advice?
- Do you think young people are better able to deal with problems than older people?
- How much do you think parents can do to help their children
- Do you think young people may worry too much about their appearance?
- Do you think it is possible to enjoy life and not worry about anything?
Part 4 Tip for these questions
It’s always best to answer the question directly before you give your reasons or opinion. Like this:
- Who would you turn to for advice If you had a problem? – I think I would talk to my mum about any problem ……..
- How important is it to have good friends who can give advice? I think it’s very important ……
- Do you think young people are better able to deal with problems than older people? No, I don’t actually ……..
- How much do you think parents can do to help their children In my opinion, they can help them immensely, ……
- Do you think young people may worry too much about their appearance? Yes I do, ……
- Do you think it is possible to enjoy life and not worry about anything? Yes, I do …….
Doing this makes it obvious what you think, and gives you room to make a mistake without being misunderstood.
Part 3 – Learn Skills
Part 3 Tip
In FCE Speaking Part 3, you’ll need to engage in a discussion with your partner. Being proactive in this part of the test shows leadership and confidence. Take the initiative by using phrases like:
“Do you mind if I start?”
“Shall I begin?”
This approach allows you to control the flow of the conversation and focus on topics you’re more comfortable discussing. Practicing this skill will help you manage the conversation more effectively during the exam.
Part 4 – Learn Skills
How difficult do you think it is to work and study at the same time?
Do you think it is a good idea for teenagers to do work experience?
How easy do you think it is for young people to find a job nowadays?
Is it better to try different jobs or to stay in the same job for a long time?
How enjoyable is it to shop in large department stores?
Some people say TV ads make us buy things we don’t need. What do you think?
Part 3 – Information
Part 4 – Information
Why did you choose the school where you are studying?
Do you think it is better to have language lessons in a group or individually?
How much can you learn by using the Internet?
What is the best age to start learning a foreign language?
How important is it to enjoy the experience of learning?
Do you think that people are influenced by advertisements they see?
Part 4 Tip for these questions
In FCE Speaking Part 4 questions such as question 1 above, maybe you didn’t choose the school, maybe if you lived in your street, all the children from there went to the same school. If this happens, say so, then give reasons why you would choose that school if you had to choose a school. Like this:
In fact, we don’t have a choice of school where we live, so we all had to go to the local school. If I had to choose a school, I would still go there due to its small class sizes, good playing fields and modern teachers. I think all of these things are important in any school.
Part 3 – Organising Events
Part 3 Tip
Here are some useful phrases for the decision-making part.
I think we’ve pretty much covered all the bases, so which option do you think would be the best…..
I think we agree that …….. and ……. aren’t the best, don’t we?
Well, xxxxx isn’t really an option is it, and as for ……,
I’m not too keen on that. What do you think?
Ok I see your point, let’s go for that one as the best
And then why
In my opinion
The way I see it is ………
As far as I’m concerned ………
If you ask me, ……….
Then ask the other person their opinion
Why do think that?
What makes you say that?
What do you think?
Do you agree?
What are your thoughts on that?
Would you agree with that?
Part 4 – Organising Events
What would you do if you wanted to raise money for a good cause?
Do you think teenagers are responsible enough to organise events like these?
Many young people do volunteer work in their free time. Do you think it is a good idea?
How important do you think it is to raise money for good causes?
When organising a big event, how important is it to plan ahead?
How can parents encourage their children to be generous and help other people?
The speaking b2 assessment for B2 First speaking is available here.