SPEAKING TEST WORKSHEET Exam Essentials

Watch the video of a model interview, based on Test 3 of the Cambridge English: First Speaking test,
and do the activities, which relate to each part. You can check your answers and look at the full script on
separate PDFs on this DVD-ROM.

Part 1 (00:04)
Watch Part 1 of the speaking test and answer the questions below.
1 In this part of the speaking test the examiner will ask personal questions. Watch Part 1 and
complete the questions.
a Where …………………………………… from, (Angie)?
b (Raúl), …………………………………… in a city or a village?
c And …………………………………… living there?
d How can people ………………………………… free time in the place where you live?
e And what …………………………………… do people do in (Berlin)?

2 In this part of the test, you talk about yourself. Match the model phrases below to
their function.
… but people call me (Angie).
It’s … one of the (biggest) in the region.
It’s a brilliant place to …
… because people from all over come to study there.
What most people don’t know is …

a saying what is good about where you live

b comparing your city to other cities
c saying your nickname
d introducing a surprising fact
e giving reasons

3 Raúl made a mistake while he was speaking, but he corrected himself. Write the mistake,
together with its corrected form.
Mistake: …………………………………………………
Correction: …………………………………………………
Angie made and corrected two mistakes while she was speaking. Write each mistake,
together with its corrected form.
Mistake 1: …………………………………………………
Correction: …………………………………………………

Mistake 2: …………………………………………………
Correction: …………………………………………………

4 Prepare your own answers for the personal questions in exercise 1. Expand your replies by
giving further information or reasons for your answer.

TIP: If you make a mistake while speaking, don’t be afraid to correct it. You can introduce
the correct version by saying I mean … or sorry …

© National Geographic Learning 2015 PHOTOCOPIABLE Cambridge English: First Speaking Test Worksheet 1
Part 2 (02:40)
Watch Part 2 of the speaking test and answer the questions below.
1 Here are some key phrases that are useful when talking about photographs. Complete the
sentences with a word or phrase below. Check your answers by watching Part 2.

both pictures   maybe it’s   it seems to me that   probably

on the other hand    so, in the first picture

a …………………………………… he is explaining something.

b The second picture, …………………………………… , shows a different situation.
c …………………………………… a private lesson …
d ………………………………… have good and bad points.
e …………………………………… you can see a man.
f He’s …………………………………… worried about safety.

2 How did Angie and Raúl support and explain their thoughts about the photographs? Tick the
correct box.
a I’d say he’s the teacher because he is ...
pointing to something. at the front in the classroom. older than the others.

b The best thing is that you get all the attention because the teacher is ...
only there for you. someone you know. in your home.

c It seems to be cold as he’s ...

wearing a long black coat. not casually dressed. wearing a sort of hat.

d I think the man might prefer to travel by bike because it can be ..................... than the train.
more fun cheaper less tiring

e The people on the train have probably chosen to travel like this because they prefer to ...
get to work quickly. read a book while travelling. relax on the way to work.

3 Who says each of these sentences? Write A for Angie and R for Raúl. Note the useful words
and expressions in bold.
a … there is a man, a man in his late fifties, I think.
b Personally, I’d prefer to study in a group.
c I believe that when you go to school … you learn much more.
d If I could choose between cycling and taking the train, I would choose cycling.
e Actually, this is how I go to work every day.

TIP: In Part 2, make sure you compare the two photographs and answer the specific question.
For example, in this test Angie was asked to say why the people might enjoy learning in the
different environments and Raúl was asked to say why the people might prefer to travel in
these ways.

© National Geographic Learning 2015 PHOTOCOPIABLE  Cambridge English: First Speaking Test Worksheet 2
Part 3 (07:34)
Watch Part 3 of the speaking test and answer the questions below.
1 Which two objects did Angie and Raúl decide on? Tick (√ ) two items.
the map
he boots
the water bottle
the waterproof jacket
the sandwiches

2 The expressions in bold are used for Agreement or Disagreement. Circle the ones that were
used in Part 3.
a Raúl: I agree entirely / totally agree with you about the water bottle.
b Raúl: Yes, you could be right / you have a point there.
c Raúl: Yes, I think you’re completely right / you’re quite right.
d I definitely agree. / I couldn’t agree more. The bottle would also be the first thing I’d
Raúl: 
like to take …
e We both agree / So we agree that the bottle of water will be the first thing on our list.
Raúl: 
f Angie: I’m afraid you disagree / you won’t agree with me here.
g Raúl: Great, I think we have reached a decision. / it looks like we’ve come to a
conclusion.

3 Angie and Raúl used different expressions to state and ask for opinions. Watch Part 3 again
and complete the gaps with the expressions they used.
Angie:
a …………………………………… a bottle of water is extremely important.
b ………………………………… that it’s essential, not only for walks in the mountain …
c …………………………………… think, Raúl?
Raúl:
d …………………………………… the map, though.
e ………………………………… a map might be very useful.
f …………………………………… you’re quite right.

4 Using words with a similar meaning (synonyms) can avoid repetition and impress the examiners.
Match the words and phrases that Angie and Raúl repeated (a–e) with the synonyms.

a important extremely / really

b difficult vital / essential
c strong helpful / valuable
d useful tough / durable
e very hard / challenging

TIP: In Part 3 it’s not necessary to agree with your partner or to come to a common
conclusion. Practise expressions to acknowledge this, such as I think we’ll have to agree
to disagree or I’m afraid we have different views on that.

© National Geographic Learning 2015 PHOTOCOPIABLE Cambridge English: First Speaking Test Worksheet 3
Part 4 (12:22)
Watch Part 4 of the speaking test and answer the questions below.
1 In the speaking test, it’s important that you justify your opinion. Match sentences a–e with
their corresponding supporting idea.
a Raúl and I have the same opinion about this topic.
b … begin by asking a doctor if you are fit enough …
c … only pack what you’re certainly going to use …
d … it would be possible to survive without having to leave your house.
e I’d say definitely, yes, people should definitely spend more time outdoors.

In my opinion, that’s a very healthy thing.

This is especially important if you’ve been lazy for a while.
One of the reasons I say this is because I also love to see nature.
After all, you are the person who’ll have to carry things around!
The internet has made it possible, hasn’t it?

2 Angie and Raúl used linking words and expressions to connect their ideas. Match the phrases
below to their function.

a I believe that … Contrast

b In general, Giving opinions
c Besides that, Adding information
d One of the reasons I say this is because … Explaining
e However, Generalising

3 Note the adjectives and adverbs in bold in Raúl’s speech below. Further improve his speech
by adding adjectives and adverbs from the list.

honestly   close   terribly   easily   outdoor   wild

‘I’m the kind of person that enjoys (a) ........................... sports and being in (b) ...........................
contact with nature. When I can do both things at the same time, it’s simply great.
I (c) ........................... believe that’s why people like to walk. This is especially true if you live in the
cities and don’t have much opportunity to be … I mean to, to see the trees and the plants, and to
listen to (d) ........................... birds. In general, people are (e) ........................... busy and hardly ever
enjoy nature. Besides that, walking in mountains is something you can (f) ........................... do on
your own, or you can do in large groups or small groups. Um, and it’s not expensive, because you
don’t need any kind of special equipment – you only need good boots. And it doesn’t need any
special training, too, I mean, either. It’s a very good activity.’

TIP: If your partner is talking a lot in Parts 3 and 4 and it is difficult for you to join in, you can
politely interrupt by saying something like I don’t mean to interrupt, but I’d just like to say …
or I’m sorry, but could I come in here?

© National Geographic Learning 2015 PHOTOCOPIABLE  Cambridge English: First Speaking Test Worksheet 4
SPEAKING TEST VIDEO SCRIPTS Exam Essentials
Part 1 (00:04)
Examiner: Good morning.
Candidates: Hello.
Examiner: Please, sit down.
Examiner: My name’s Mary and this is my colleague Julia. And your names
are …?
Candidate A: Um, my name is Angelika Hoffmann, but people call me Angie.
Candidate B: Hi, I’m Raúl. Raúl González.
Examiner: Thank you. Can I have your mark sheets, please?
Examiner: Where are you from, Angie?
Candidate A: Well, I was born in South Africa, but my parents are German and
I moved to Berlin in Germany when I was only a baby.
Examiner: And you, Raúl?
Candidate B: I’m from Salamanca, in northwest Spain.
Examiner: First we’d like to know something about you. Raúl, do you live in a
town or a village?
Candidate B: Well, as I said, I was born in Salamanca, where I still live. It’s a rather
big city, one of the biggest in the region.
Examiner: And do you like living there?
Candidate B: Definitely, I love it. Erm, first, it has a very active and busy city life
as it have … I mean, there are several museums, art galleries, um,
cinemas. It’s a brilliant place to make new friends because people
from all over come to study there. The city is safe and pleasant and,
at the same time, modern and lively.
Examiner: Now it’s your turn, Angie. How can people spend their free time in
the place where you live?
Candidate A: Um, well, there are a lot of things you can do in Berlin. Berlin
has wonderful restaurants that serve local and international food,
excellent discos and pubs. However, what most peoples … um,
sorry … most people don’t know is, um, that nightlife in Berlin begins
really late. So, if you make a comparison between nightlife in Berlin
and nightlife in England, you know what I mean … um, most places
won’t open before 10pm.
Examiner: And what kind of jobs do people do in Berlin?
Candidate A: Um, just like in any other big city, there are opportunities in many
different areas. This will depends … sorry, depend, um, on your
qualifications. Speaking English will help you find a better job.
Examiner: Ok, thank you.

© National Geographic Learning 2015 PHOTOCOPIABLE Cambridge English: First Speaking Test Video script 1
Part 2 (02:40)
Examiner: In this part of the test, I’m going to give each of you two
photographs. I’d like you to talk about your photographs on your
own for about a minute, and also to answer a question about your
partner’s photographs.
Examiner: Angie, it’s your turn first. Here are your photographs. They show
people learning in different environments.
Examiner: I’d like you to compare the photographs, and say why you think the
people might enjoy learning in these different environments. All
right?
Candidate A: Umm, the first picture, um, there is a man, a man in his late fifties,
I think. I’d say he’s the teacher because he is at the front in the
classroom. Um, it seems to me that he is explaining something. The
teacher, he’s in a … what do you call it? Um, the special chair … a
wheelchair, yes, the teacher is in a wheelchair. The second picture,
on the other hand, shows a different situation. Maybe it’s a private
lesson, um, this is because you just see a boy in the picture, and a
woman. The woman might be a teacher, or maybe his mother …
who’s teaching him at home. Both pictures have good and bad
points. You see, in the first, I’d say, um, people enjoy learning in a
group, and that they can talk to one another. It seems to me more …
it’s more … interactive. In the second situation, well, the best thing is
that you get all the attention because the teacher’s only there for you.
I think what people like about it is that you can make most of your
time. Another point is …
Examiner: Thank you. Raúl, which environment would you prefer to learn in,
and why?
Candidate B: Um, personally, I prefer to study in a group. I believe that when you
go to a school and have a class in a group like the one you see in
the first picture, you learn much more. Your colleagues might ask
questions you hadn’t … thought of to ask.
Examiner: Thank you. Can I have the booklet, please?
Examiner: Now, Raúl, here are your photographs. They show people travelling
in different ways.
Examiner: I’d like you to compare the photographs, and say why the people
might prefer to travel in these ways. All right?
Candidate B: So, in the first picture you can see a man. Who is … I’d say he’s about
forty, driving, I mean, he’s riding a bike. It seems to be cold as he’s
wearing a long black coat … or a suit. Yes, a suit. Hmm, let’s see …
he’s probably worried about safety, um, as he’s wearing a … what’s
it called? I forgot the name … the thing you, you wear on your head
when you ride a bike, um … Anyways it’s a … it’s a sort of hat to
keep your head safe. The second picture, well, in the second picture
it looks like the people are, are going to work, too, er, but in the train.
It’s not very crowded, but is a bit busy. Ah … um, what else? Oh yes,
I think the man might be … I think the man might prefer to travel
by bike because it can be more fun than the train. Er, it’s a way of
exercising and it’s also better for the environment as riding a bicycle
doesn’t cause any pollution. The people on the train have probably
chosen to travel like this because they prefer, hmm, to relax on the
way to work.
Examiner: Thank you. Angie, which method of travel do you prefer?
Candidate A: Well, if I could choose between cycling and taking the train, I certainly
would choose cycling. Actually, er, this is how I go to work every day.
In Berlin it is even possible to take the bikes on the train and on the
night buses, which is great. Er, it makes life a lot easier.
Examiner: Thank you. Can I have the booklet, please?

© National Geographic Learning 2015 PHOTOCOPIABLE  Cambridge English: First Speaking Test Video script 2
Part 3 (07:34)
Examiner: Now, I’d like you to talk about something together for about two
minutes. I’d like you to talk about different objects people might use
on a walking trip in the mountains. Here are some ideas for useful
objects and a question for you to discuss.
First, you have some time to look at the task.
Now, talk to each other about how useful each object is.
Candidate A: Well, going on a walking trip in the mountains certainly needs some
planning. In my opinion, um, a bottle of water is extremely important,
vital … I mean, how can you survive without water? I’d even say it’s
essential, not only for walks in the mountain, but also for other kind
of walks. Depending on where you go, it’s sometimes difficult to find
drinking water. What do you think, Raúl?
Candidate B: Yes, yes, I agree entirely with you about the water bottle. You go
for a walk in the mountains this is one of the first things you have
to have. Strong walking boots also seem to be a ‘must have’, as
people usually say. Um, you can’t walk for long hours without … you
know, uncomfortable … with uncomfortable shoes. I’m not so sure
about the map, though. This is all depends of … sorry, depends on
the situation. It is not necessary to take a map if you’re going with a
guide, or with a group that knows the area. Unless you go alone, then
maybe the map is important. Do you think so, too?
Candidate A: Well, I think it’s very, very useful even if you go with a group of
people. It’s much easier to find your way and to know where exactly
you are if you have a map. Learning how to read a map is not that
difficult, is it? Actually, when I look at the list, the map would be my
second choice, just after the water bottle.
Candidate B: Yes, you have a point there. Depending on how experienced you are,
I suppose a map might be very useful. What about the sandwiches,
how useful would they be going in the mountains? Very, very useful,
I’d say. Walking makes you really hungry – if I went for a long walk I’d
want something to eat when I stop to get some rest. It will also keep
your energy high and …
Examiner: Thank you. Now you have about a minute to decide which two
objects are the most important and why.
Candidate A: So, let’s cross the jacket out of the list – it’s not that important if
you’re not going out when it’s raining or when it’s chilly.
Candidate B: Yes, I think you’re quite right.
Candidate A: Now, let’s see, which two would you choose – the bottle of water, the
sandwiches, the map or the walking boots? My first choice would be
the water bottle.
Candidate B: I definitely agree. The bottle would also be the first thing I’d like to
take with me. No one can walk for long hours without drinking some
water. So we agree that the bottle of water will be the first thing on
our list. Now, the sandwich, the boots or the map?
Candidate A: Hmm, in my opinion it would be more important to take the map, but
I’m afraid you won’t agree with me here.
Candidate B: You’re right.
Candidate A: So, what about the sandwiches? A bottle of water and sandwiches. If
we go on a trip like that, we wouldn’t feel hungry or thirsty. Do you
agree with me?
Candidate B: Well, I’m not totally convinced that the sandwiches are the best
choice. Honestly, I think that the strong boots would be more useful
in this situation. When you are used to walking, you know what a big
difference strong boots can make.
Candidate A: It’s quite difficult to decide, isn’t it? But I suppose you’re right. Um, a
bottle of water and strong walking boots are probably the best choice.
Candidate B: Great, I think we have reached a decision, then. We both agree that the
two most useful items would be the water bottle and the strong boots.
Examiner: Thank you. Can I have the booklet, please?
© National Geographic Learning 2015 PHOTOCOPIABLE Cambridge English: First Speaking Test Video script 3
Part 4 (12:22)
Examiner: Raúl, why do you think people enjoy walking in the mountains?
Candidate B: I’m the kind of person that enjoys sports and being in contact with
nature. When I can do both at the same time, it’s simply great. I
believe that’s why people like to walk. This is especially true if you
live in the cities and don’t have much opportunity to be … I mean
to, to see the trees and the plants, and to listen to birds. In general,
people are busy and hardly ever enjoy nature. Besides that, walking
in mountains is something that you can do on your own, or you
can do in large groups or small groups. Um, and it’s not expensive,
because it doesn’t need any kind of special equipment – you only
need good boots. And it doesn’t need any special training, too, I
mean, either. It’s a very good activity.
Examiner: Angie, do you agree with Raúl? What do you think?
Candidate A: Hmm, actually Raúl and I have the same opinion about this topic.
One of the reasons I say this is because I also love to see nature.
You know, hiking is the perfect activity for people who like walking,
who like the silent … the silence and the peace of the mountains, the
flowers … However, I suppose that it’s an activity that works better if
you are in a small group of people who are about as fit as you are,
um, not much more and not much less. What else? Um, people who
have … who like the same things. I say that because there are people
who want to stop every five minutes, either because they are tired
and need to have a rest, or because they want to take pictures of
everything they see, or of themselves.
Examiner: Now, Angie, what preparations do you think people should make
before they go for a long walk?
Candidate A: Before long walks, perhaps you should begin by asking a doctor
if you are fit enough and ready to go hiking. This is especially
important if you have been lazy for a while. Next, I think you have
to think, to think … think about what you have to take. People who
enjoy hiking, like me, usually say that you should only pack what
you’re certainly going to use, um, like water and snacks. After all, you
are the person who’ll have to carry things around! Another thing that
I think usually helps is to go with somebody you know. I mean, you
can always make new friends on an activity like that, but what I really
mean is it’s always good to go with someone you know better. It may
make you happier, more enthusiastic about it.
Examiner: Raúl, do you think people should be encouraged to spend more time
outdoors?
Candidate B: Well, that’s a very good question. I say definitely, yes, people should
definitely spend more time outdoors. In my opinion, that’s a very
healthy thing. Modern life can make you spend a lot of time at work,
or at home, or shopping malls or places similar to this. And that’s
bad. I believe that there are, um, what’s the word? Well, I saw it on
TV, that it would be possible to survive without having to leave your
house. The internet has made it possible, hasn’t it? You can work,
order your food, pay your bills, chat with your friends without leaving
your living room. That seems just horrible to me, really terrible. I’m
an outdoor kind of person, but that’s true that technology makes it
much more easy for us now to stay inside. That is so unhealthy, and
so sad. So, I think that people should encourage … um sorry, I mean,
should be encouraged to go out more.
Examiner: Thank you. That’s the end of the test.
Candidate A: Thank you.
Examiner: Goodbye.
Candidate B: Thank you.

© National Geographic Learning 2015 PHOTOCOPIABLE  Cambridge English: First Speaking Test Video script 4
SPEAKING TEST Tips VIDEO SCRIPTS Exam Essentials
Hello, my name is Mary and I was one of the examiners in this speaking test.
Candidates sometimes say that they feel nervous before this part of the exam, so
here I’m going to give you some tips to help you do well.
To begin with, I’m going to give you some general advice and then later I’ll talk about
each of the four specific parts of the speaking test.
Also, remember that the Cambridge examiners understand that it can be stressful and
they will do everything they can to make the interview as pleasant as possible for you.
So, try to relax, as this will help you do better. If possible, talk to your partner before
the exam begins.
Also, remember that, just like when you are writing, it’s important to structure what
you’re going to say so that it is easier for the listener to follow what you’re saying.
Remember to use what we call ‘discourse markers’ such as to begin with, first,
secondly, also, as well, lastly.
Remember that using these expressions will also give you some time to think and will
help you sound more fluent.
Don’t forget that when examiners assess your pronunciation they will be focusing
not only on specific words, but also on your intonation and the way you join words
together. For instance, some people have difficulty linking words and say them
separately, for example ‘What – do – you – think?’ or ‘I’m – afraid – I – don’t – agree’,
instead of ‘What do you think?’ or ‘I’m afraid I don’t agree with you’.
Linking words in this way can make you sound much more fluent and natural, so
practise before the exam. You can record yourself saying some key sentences and
listen to the recording afterwards to check your pronunciation. You could also ask a
native speaker or a teacher to listen to the recording, and help you.
Now, let’s talk about more specific parts of the exam.
In Part 1, the examiner will ask each of the candidates to speak briefly in turn and
to provide personal information about themselves. Therefore, it’s useful to practise
vocabulary that is specific to you. For example, make sure you know how to describe
the place where you live, your school or work, and your hobbies as well as structures
that help you do that. Remember you can combine different structures such the
present simple, the past simple and the past perfect as in ‘I live in Tokyo now, but
before I moved there I had lived in Paris and Toulouse.’
There are certain structures that can help to make you sound more proficient, such as
coordinating adjectives – or putting them together.
For example, in Part 1 of this test, when Raúl describes Salamanca, he says, ‘The city’s
also safe and pleasant and, at the same time, modern and lively’.
Using nouns instead of verbs can also make you sound more advanced.
In Part 2, you will each be asked to talk for a minute without interruption. Each
candidate in turn will be given two different photographs to talk about. After your
partner has finished speaking, you will be asked a brief question connected with your
partner’s photographs. The examiner will always ask you to compare the photos and
answer a question about it, which might be about the people in the pictures and how
they feel.
It’s important to listen carefully to what the examiner is asking you to do, and respond
to that.
Many candidates worry about not knowing a specific word that they would like to use
to describe their photographs. You shouldn’t worry if that happens to you. You can
always explain what you mean by using different words. This is called paraphras-
ing. For example, in Part 2 of this test Raúl didn’t know the word for helmet, but he
described it clearly as ‘a sort of hat to keep your head safe’.
In Part 3, the examiner will ask you to discuss something together with your partner.
You will be given a page of prompts and a question to help you. The task question is
here … and the activity ideas are here … .

© National Geographic Learning 2015 PHOTOCOPIABLE Cambridge English: First Speaking Test Tips Video script 5
Remember that you don’t necessarily have to agree with your partner and come to
a common conclusion while discussing the task. In other words, you can agree to
disagree. The examiner will not take part in the conversation in this part of the test.
Another important thing to remember is that you shouldn’t repeatedly interrupt your
partner. Instead, talk for a short while and then invite your partner to speak by asking
them for their opinion. If your partner is talking too much and not giving you a chance
to speak, make sure that you are included in the conversation by saying something like,
‘I’m sorry, can I come in here?’ or ‘I’d just like to say …’
In Part 4, the examiner will ask you some questions related to the Part 3 task. You
should discuss these together with your partner. Although the examiner will not take
part in the conversation, other than to ask you the questions, you will be talking both
with your partner and the examiner. So, make sure that you make eye contact with the
person you’re talking to.
You are often asked for your opinion in Part 4. This is an opportunity to really express
yourself, and some good conversation strategies will help the interaction to flow well.
Memorise a few key phrases such as ‘As a matter of fact’, ‘To be honest’ to give your
opinion or ‘Luckily’, and ‘Fortunately’ or ‘Unfortunately’, to show what your attitude to
certain topics is.
Finally, remember that the examiners read all of the instructions for the test from a
detailed script. They are not allowed to say anything that is not in their script. However,
if you don’t understand something, the examiner will be happy to repeat the
instructions for you. We wish you good luck and hope you are successful in the
Cambridge English: First speaking test. Goodbye for now.

© National Geographic Learning 2015 PHOTOCOPIABLE  Cambridge English: First Speaking Test Tips Video script 6
SPEAKING TEST ANSWER KEY Exam Essentials
Part 1 Part 3
1 1
a are you the water bottle and the sandwiches
b do you live
2
c do you like
a agree entirely
d spend their
b you have a point there
e kind of jobs
c you’re quite right

2 d I definitely agree.
c b a e d e So we agree
f you won’t agree
3
g I think we have reached a decision.
Raúl
Mistake: as it have (several) 3
Correction: there are several
a In my opinion
Angie b I’d even say
Mistake 1: What most peoples c What do you
Correction: most people
d I’m not so sure about
Mistake 2: This will depends
e I suppose
Correction: (This will) depend
f I think
4
Students’ own answers 4
e a d c b

Part 2
1
Part 4
a It seems to me that 1
e b a c d
b on the other hand
c Maybe it’s
2
d Both pictures e Contrast
e So, in the first picture a Giving opinions
f probably c Adding information
d Explaining
2
b Generalising
a at the front in the classroom.
b only there for you.
3
c wearing a black coat. a outdoor
d more fun b close
e relax on the way to work. c honestly
d wild
3
e terribly
aA bR cR dA eA
f easily

© National Geographic Learning 2015 PHOTOCOPIABLE Cambridge English: First Speaking Test Answer key 1