CPE Speaking Practice 1

Speaking can't be auto-graded the way Reading or Listening can — this is a real practice set for two students (or a student and teacher) to run together, with the examiner's actual questions and timing.

For the teacher/examiner: run this with a timer. Part 2 needs photos on a related theme — use your own photos, a magazine, or a phone search matching each prompt below; the exact images don't matter as much as the theme and the language they push students to use (speculation, evaluation).

Part 1 · Interview · 2 minutes

Getting to know you

The examiner asks each candidate a few personal questions in turn. Answer naturally in a few sentences, expanding on your points where appropriate.

Are you the kind of person who likes to plan everything in advance, or do you prefer to be spontaneous?
What aspect of learning English has been the most challenging for you, and why?
If you had the opportunity to take up a completely new skill or hobby, what would it be?
How important is it for you to keep up with current affairs and the news?

Part 2 · Collaborative task · ~4 minutes

Making an impact

Stage 1 (1 minute): Look at these pictures showing people trying to raise awareness of different issues. Talk together about how successful these methods might be in getting people's attention.

Photo 1: A group of people participating in a large, noisy street protest with banners

Photo 2: Someone filming a serious message directly to camera for social media

Photo 3: An artist painting a large, provocative mural on a city wall

Stage 2 (3 minutes): Now look at all the pictures. Imagine that a local community group wants to launch a campaign to encourage people to reduce their plastic waste. Talk together about how effective these different approaches would be for this specific campaign. Then decide which approach would have the most long-lasting impact on people's habits.

Stage 1: Discuss all photos (~1 min) → Stage 2: Evaluate for campaign & decide (~3 mins)

Part 3 · Long turn & Discussion · 10 minutes

Tradition and Modernity

Candidate A (2 minutes): It's your turn first. Here is your card with a question. You have two minutes to talk about it. There are some ideas on the card for you to use if you like.

How important is it to preserve traditional skills and crafts in the modern world?

cultural identity
economic viability
technological progress

Candidate B (1 minute): Do you think there is a danger that we rely too much on modern technology and lose basic life skills?

Candidate B (2 minutes): Now it's your turn. Here is your card with a question. You have two minutes to talk about it.

To what extent does the architecture of a city reflect its culture and history?

historical events
modernization
practical needs vs aesthetics

Candidate A (1 minute): Do you prefer visiting places with historical character or ultra-modern cities?

General Discussion (4 minutes):

The examiner asks both candidates questions related to the topics discussed in the long turns.

Some people argue that preserving historical buildings stands in the way of necessary modern development. What is your view?
How can education systems strike a balance between teaching traditional academic subjects and modern practical skills?
In what ways do traditions and customs help to bind a society together?
Do you think globalization will eventually lead to the loss of unique national traditions?