An introduction to the Cambridge CAE exam
Time allowed: 15 minutes
Part | Task type | Focus | Time |
---|---|---|---|
1. Interview | Two candidates are asked questions by the interlocutor. | use language for social purposes, e.g. introductions, asking and answering questions. | 2 minutes |
2. Long turn and comment | The first candidate is given a visual prompt and asked to talk about it for 1 minute. The second candidate makes a short response, before the roles are reversed. | use language to describe, compare and contrast, hypothesise and comment upon a topic. | 4 minutes |
3. Two-way interaction: solving a problem | Looking at a written prompt, the candidates are asked to carry out a problem-solving task, which may involve choosing the best from a list, sequencing, comparing and contrasting different options, etc. | use language to discuss and interpret, to agree, disagree or agree to disagree, negotiate and collaborate, to rank or classify. | 4 minutes |
4. Three-way conversation | Following on from Part 3, the candidates are asked questions about the topic related to Part 3. | use language to summarise, report and explain decisions; develop a topic further. | 5 minutes |
Table: CAE Paper 4 Speaking