CAE Speaking Flashcards

Which of the following phrases best demonstrates turn-taking in CAE Speaking Part 3?

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.

In CAE Speaking Part 2, a candidate is comparing two photographs of celebrations. Which opening is most appropriate?

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.

What does 'discourse management' mean in CAE Speaking assessment?

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.

Why is it important to speculate rather than state facts in CAE Speaking Part 2 photo tasks?

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.

In CAE Speaking Part 4, what typically happens?

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.

Which strategy best demonstrates 'interactive communication' skills in CAE Speaking?

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.