Subjects:

In part 2 of the FCE speaking exam, the student is given 2 images and is required to compare the images and speak for about 1 minute.

The examiners explain what they are looking for in the handbook:

FOCUS

The focus is on organising a larger unit of discourse by comparing, describing and expressing opinions.

They also explain what they need to see to give a good mark:

Candidates are not expected to give detailed descriptions of each picture. Rather, they are asked to compare the pictures and to give their reaction to them.

The speaking exam in general has a lot in common with the writing exam because the skill of expressing ideas is very similar.

For this reason, using the methods we discussed in the writing section - using good structure, good sentence construction, good variety of grammar elements can help the student get good marks.

The examiners also explain what specific elements they are looking for:

FOCUS

The focus is on sustaining an interaction; exchanging ideas, expressing opinions and justifying opinions, agreeing or disagreeing, suggesting, speculating, evaluating, and reaching a decision through negotiation.

Putting all these ideas together, let's start by making a list of steps to follow, and keeping things simple:

1 IDENTIFY WHAT ACTIVITY THE IMAGES HAVE IN COMMON

2 IDENTIFY DIFFERENCES

3 IDENTIFY REASONS FOR ACTIVITY

4 LOOK FOR 1 ADJECTIVE FOR EACH NOUN USED

Let's apply these steps to a typical exam question:

1 IDENTIFY WHAT ACTIVITY THE IMAGES HAVE IN COMMON

In common: people shopping

2 IDENTIFY DIFFERENCES

Differences: shopping in market, v exclusive shop

3 IDENTIFY REASONS FOR ACTIVITY

Why: better prices and friendly atmosphere v special items.

4 LOOK FOR 1 ADJECTIVE FOR EACH NOUN USED

Adjectives: blonde hair, fresh vegetables, elegant young lady, expensive clothes, noticeable differences.

The structure we could use would look like the following:

INTRODUCTION
               ELEMENTS IN COMMON

BODY
               DIFFERENCES AND WHY
             ANSWER THE EXAM QUESTION

CONCLUSION
              PERSONAL OPINION
               JUSTIFICATION

We can develop this structure further:

INTRODUCTION - in common

Although both pictures show ..................., there are some noticeable differences.

BODY - differences:

In the first one ..........,who........., appears to be ...................while in the second one, ..........., who........... , seems to be ............................

Why:

I think the ................ might be ..........................., whereas, in contrast, the .................... could be ...................

CONCLUSION - personal opinion + justification.

If I had the choice, I would prefer to ........................ because the experience is probably more ......................

Then, PUTTING EVERYTHING TOGETHER:

Although both pictures show people shopping, there are some noticeable differences.

In the first one a lady, who has blonde hair, appears to be buying fresh vegetables in a market while in the second one, a young lady, who looks very elegant, seems to be buying expensive clothes in an exclusive shop.

I think the lady in the market might be looking for lower prices and a friendly atmosphere, whereas, in contrast, the second lady could be looking for something special.

If I had the choice, I would prefer to shop in the market because the experience is probably more enjoyable.

This would be evaluated as follows:

Good structure: intro, body, conclusion

Answers the question (2)

Good description (3)

Good speculation: appears to be, seems to be, is probably, might be, could be, (4)

Good variety of Grammar: concession, modals, relative clauses, conditionals (5)

Good use of Contrast elements: although, while, whereas, in contrast (6)

The Document:

Although (6) both pictures show people shopping, there are some noticeable differences. (5)

In the first one a lady, who has blonde hair,(3)(5) appears to be (4) buying fresh vegetables(3) in a market while (6) in the second one, a young lady, who looks very elegant,(3)(5) seems to be (4) buying expensive clothes in an exclusive shop.(3)

I think the lady in the market might be (4) looking for lower prices and a friendly atmosphere, whereas, in contrast, (6) the second lady could be (4) looking for something special.(2)

If I had the choice, I would prefer to shop in the market because the experience is probably (4) more enjoyable.(5)