Speaking test- sample answers 01

The speaking test takes 11-14 minutes and consists of an interview with an examiner.
The interview is recorded.
The speaking test has three parts:
Part 1 Introduction and interview
Examiner introduces him/herself and checks your name. The examiner then asks you questions on general topics.
4–5 minutes

Part 2 Individual long turn
Examiner gives you a written task card. You have 1 minute to think (take notes) before you have to speak for 1–2 minutes.
Examiner asks one or two questions at the end of your talk.
3–4 minutes (including 1 minute preparation time)

Part 3 Two-way discussion
Discuss with the examiner more abstract issues and concepts which are thematically linked to the topic of your talk in Part 2.
4–5 minutes

 
1- Describe a place you visited when you were a child.
You should say:

where it is
when you went there
what you did there
and explain why you would, or would not, like to return to this place again.


Sample answer

I’d like to tell you something about a campsite I visited quite frequently when I was little. It was called Brandy Brook, and it was on the south coast of Wales, in Pembroke shire. It was near the sea, but it wasn’t really near any big towns. I remember, though, it was near an airfield, and we always used to get excited when we saw the big orange windsock, because we’d know we were nearly there.
We went there several times, always in the summer holidays, until I was about 10. I suppose after that, my parents thought I was too old for it.
So, we used to stay there in a caravan, which was great fun. We had to collect water from the taps outside the shower block and carry it back to the caravan. The caravans were all arranged around the edge of the field, so there was plenty of room in the middle to play ball games. There was a climbing frame in the middle too. There was a cabin which would open every evening at about 5 o’clock where we could buy sweets. During the day, we’d leave the site, of course, and go to the beach or go walking and sightseeing. In the evenings we’d go back, and play board games in the caravan. It was good.
I’m not sure whether I’d like to go there again or not, because I’m worried it might have changed, and I’d be really disappointed. Plus, it might be more fun to go there as a child, or as a parent. Otherwise it might be a bit boring.


2- Talk about an enjoyable or memorable experience that you had when you were alone. Explain what made this event so memorable.

Sample answer

A few years ago, I went on a really long bike ride on my own. One of my tutors at college had told me about a rare falcon which had given birth to some chicks. It had a nest on the side of a cliff, and birdwatchers were really gathering there to see it. I decided to see it too, even though I wasn’t really interested in birds. I wanted to go on a bike ride, and this gave me something to aim for. I took a route via several beautiful beaches. The scenery was really pretty. I remember that it was very hot and I got sunburn across one side of my body. I don’t remember much about the falcon. I couldn’t see it very well because I didn’t have any binoculars. What I remember most is how much I traveled. It was about thirty miles to the cliff each way, but because of my roundabout route, I probably cycled over eighty miles there and back. That’s the most I’ve ever done in a day.

3- Some people think they can achieve more when they are with other people. Others think they are more productive when they are alone. What is your opinion? Explain why.
Preparation Time: 15 seconds
Response Time: 45 seconds

Sample answer

I’m in two minds about this. In some cases it can be really beneficial to be with other people when you’re trying to achieve something. For example, when I was trying to lose weight, I formed a group with some friends. We got together to weigh ourselves once a week. We went swimming and running together too. Being with other people motivated and encouraged me to eat less fatty food and do more exercise, so I think that was really beneficial. On the other hand, I once got together with my friends to form a study group before an exam, and to my mind, that was a waste of time. We spent too long chatting about our teachers, rather than focusing on the work. Then my friends spent ages discussing a topic I knew a lot about already. I’d have accomplished a lot more if I’d spent the afternoon reading on