I want to introduce you to two of my wonderful students Marta and Aida.

This isn’t a full FCE Speaking test, but I do ask some questions that are similar to those you may hear in Part 1 of the test.

Aida uses the present perfect continuous tense well at the beginning of the interview. She says "I’ve been studying English since I was in high school. For 10 years, more or less." An excellent answer.

Marta uses a nice comparative expression when she says "English is now the most important language in the world."

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This isn’t a full FCE Speaking test, but I do ask some questions that are similar to those you may hear in Part 1 of the test with Miguel and Pau."

Miguel spoke very well, he didn’t seem to be nervous and he was very clear and easy to understand.

Pau is working hard on improving his pronunciation. He sounds clear and he’s concentrating on his vowel sounds and he’s trying to speak English with correct and accurate pronunciation.

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Word formation – part 3 of the Reading and Use of English paper.

Word formation is particulary important in the writing, speaking and the Use of English parts of the exam.

I think the part of the FCE exam that tests this the most is part 3 of the Reading and Use of English paper when you have to change root words and put them in a text.

It’s really important to read the text carefully and understand the context of the missing word. It could be negative, or it could be positive.

This is how I suggest you do part 3, the word formation or word families exercise:

1. Read the text quickly
2. Look at the gap and the word at the end of the line
3. Change the word (usually using a prefix, a suffix or both)
4. Answer ALL questions. If you don’t know, guess!.

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Full FCE Speaking Test with Bea and Tatiana.

- In part 1 the examiner asks you general questions about things like your family, home, job/studies, hobbies, holidays, future plans etc. Obviously he or she will ask your name and where you’re from. This part lasts for about 2 minutes.
- Moving on to Part 2 which lasts for about 4 minutes and you have to speak about 2 photographs and then make a comment about your partner’s photographs for about 30 seconds.

- In part 3, you have to give your opinion and ask your partner’s opinion.

Here are some modern inventions and a question for you to discuss. First you have some time to look at the task.

Now, talk to each other about why these inventions are important in our everyday lives.

- Part 4 is the final part of the test and lasts for about 4 minutes.
The examiner will ask you and your partner some questions that are connected to part 3. The subject, or topic, will be the same.

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