FIRST Speaking Test Part 2 Talking about photographs

FIRST Speaking Test

Part 2 Talking about photographs A one-minute long turn for each candidate, plus 20 second response from the second candidate. The examiner gives you two photographs and asks you to talk about them for one minute. The examiner then asks your partner a question about your photographs and your partner responds briefly. Then the examiner gives your partner two different photographs. Your partner talks about these photographs for one minute. This time the examiner asks you a question about your partner’s photographs and you respond briefly.

In part two you are not asked to describe the photographs in detail but to compare them. When doing this, comment on the similarities and differences. Similarities: Both pictures show… Differences: In the first picture… whereas in the second one…

Useful language for speculation • • • I get the impression. . . I expect / imagine. . . They probably. . . Perhaps She may / might Give reasons for your opinions

Gathering your thoughts • I’m not quite sure, but I think. . . • I haven’t thought about it before, but perhaps. . . • I don’t really know, but I imagine. . . Remember: Do not describe the photos in detail Make sure you address both parts of the instructions.

Part 3 Collaborative task Candidates are given instructions with written prompts which they use for discussion. Candidates speak for about 3 minutes in total, the giving of instructions takes about 1 minute. The focus is on sustaining an interaction, exchanging ideas, expressing and justifying opinions, agreeing and/or disagreeing, suggesting, speculating, evaluating and reaching a decision through negotiation.

Useful phrases for starting the task • • • Shall we start with this one? Which one do you want to start with? Shall we begin here? Useful phrases for agreeing/disagreeing/moving the discussion on • I don’t feel the same way but I see what you mean. Anyway. . . • We seem to agree on that one, so. . . • Shall we move on to. . . ? We still need to discuss. . . • What about. . . ? • Which one should we discuss next?

Useful phrases for the deciding stage • • • I think we are ready to decide. I think we can eliminate/ignore We still need one more. It doesn’t seem we can agree on that one, so. . . I think that means we agree on. . . Useful phrases for reporting back to the examiner/teacher • • We have chosen. . . because. . . We couldn’t agree. I thought. . . but. . .