CAE CAE Speaking 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following phrases best demonstrates turn-taking in CAE Speaking Part 3?
- 'I've finished now, your turn.'
- 'What do you think about this one?' (Correct answer)
- 'No, that's wrong.'
- 'I don't want to discuss that image.'
Correct answer: 'What do you think about this one?'
Inviting your partner's opinion with 'What do you think about this one?' shows interactive communication skills and natural turn-taking.
Question 2: In CAE Speaking Part 2, a candidate is comparing two photographs of celebrations. Which opening is most appropriate?
- 'Both pictures show celebrations, but the first seems more formal while the second looks relaxed.' (Correct answer)
- 'I don't really like celebrations.'
- 'The pictures have people in them who are happy.'
- 'Picture one is taken in a room. Picture two is outside.'
Correct answer: 'Both pictures show celebrations, but the first seems more formal while the second looks relaxed.'
A good Part 2 opening identifies what both images share and then highlights a key contrast, demonstrating comparison skills immediately.
Question 3: What does 'discourse management' mean in CAE Speaking assessment?
- Using formal vocabulary only
- Organising and connecting ideas clearly within and between turns (Correct answer)
- Speaking without any pauses
- Correcting grammatical errors while speaking
Correct answer: Organising and connecting ideas clearly within and between turns
Discourse management refers to a speaker's ability to structure speech logically, link ideas coherently, and manage the flow of conversation.
Question 4: Why is it important to speculate rather than state facts in CAE Speaking Part 2 photo tasks?
- Speculation is marked more generously than factual statements
- Photographs are ambiguous, so speculation shows language flexibility and avoids false claims (Correct answer)
- Examiners specifically instruct candidates to avoid factual statements
- Stating facts requires more advanced vocabulary
Correct answer: Photographs are ambiguous, so speculation shows language flexibility and avoids false claims
Since you cannot know the exact context of a photograph, speculating with phrases like 'It looks as if' or 'They might be' is more accurate and demonstrates a wider range of language.
Question 5: In CAE Speaking Part 4, what typically happens?
- Candidates return to their Part 2 photographs for further analysis
- The interlocutor asks both candidates questions related to the themes of Part 3 (Correct answer)
- Candidates deliver a two-minute prepared talk
- Candidates read a short text aloud for pronunciation assessment
Correct answer: The interlocutor asks both candidates questions related to the themes of Part 3
Part 4 extends the discussion from Part 3, with the interlocutor asking both candidates broader, more abstract questions on the same topic area.
Question 6: Which strategy best demonstrates 'interactive communication' skills in CAE Speaking?
- Speaking continuously without pausing for your partner
- Building on your partner's ideas and responding to what they say (Correct answer)
- Memorising and reciting prepared phrases
- Correcting your partner's grammatical mistakes politely
Correct answer: Building on your partner's ideas and responding to what they say
Interactive communication is demonstrated by genuinely engaging with your partner's contributions — agreeing, disagreeing, adding to, or questioning their points.
CAE CAE Speaking 2
Which of the following phrases best demonstrates turn-taking in CAE Speaking Part 3?