CAE CAE Speaking 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How many candidates usually take the CAE Speaking test at the same time?
- One candidate alone with two examiners
- Two candidates with two examiners (Correct answer)
- Three candidates with one examiner
- Four candidates with two examiners
Correct answer: Two candidates with two examiners
The CAE Speaking test is typically conducted in pairs — two candidates with two examiners (an interlocutor and an assessor).
Question 2: Approximately how long does the CAE Speaking test last?
- 5–7 minutes
- 10–15 minutes
- 15 minutes (Correct answer)
- 25–30 minutes
Correct answer: 15 minutes
The CAE Speaking test lasts approximately 15 minutes for a pair of candidates, divided across four parts.
Question 3: In CAE Speaking Part 2, what must each candidate do?
- Answer short personal questions from the interlocutor
- Talk about two photographs for one minute, then comment on their partner's turn (Correct answer)
- Discuss a set of images collaboratively with their partner
- Give a prepared presentation on a given topic
Correct answer: Talk about two photographs for one minute, then comment on their partner's turn
In Part 2, each candidate speaks individually for about a minute about two photographs and then briefly comments on what their partner said.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of CAE Speaking Part 3 (collaborative task)?
- To test individual fluency through uninterrupted monologue
- To assess candidates' ability to negotiate, discuss, and reach a decision together (Correct answer)
- To read aloud a prepared text for pronunciation marks
- To role-play a scenario with the examiner as a third participant
Correct answer: To assess candidates' ability to negotiate, discuss, and reach a decision together
Part 3 requires the two candidates to collaborate, exchange ideas, negotiate, and reach a shared decision based on visual prompts.
Question 5: In CAE Speaking, which aspect is NOT directly assessed?
- Grammatical range and accuracy
- Pronunciation clarity
- Knowledge of British cultural history (Correct answer)
- Interactive communication
Correct answer: Knowledge of British cultural history
CAE Speaking assesses grammar, vocabulary, discourse management, pronunciation, and interactive communication — not factual knowledge of culture.
Question 6: What should a CAE candidate do if they do not understand a question in the Speaking test?
- Remain silent until the examiner repeats it
- Politely ask for clarification using a natural phrase (Correct answer)
- Guess and answer a different related question
- Ask their partner to answer instead
Correct answer: Politely ask for clarification using a natural phrase
Asking for clarification politely (e.g., 'Could you repeat that, please?') demonstrates communication strategies and is entirely acceptable.
CAE CAE Speaking 1
How many candidates usually take the CAE Speaking test at the same time?