Speaking C1 Advanced (CAE): Complete Guide with Examples

In this post, you will learn everything about the C1 Advanced (CAE) oral examination from Cambridge Assessment English, i.e., the C1 Speaking or CAE Speaking. As a English academy (Granada), we specialise in preparing for Cambridge English exams, and on this occasion, I am going to talk to you about the C1 oral exam. The speaking or oral exam is one of the four typical parts of Cambridge English exams. In this article, I will explain the 4 parts into which the C1 Advanced (CAE) oral examination is divided (Speaking Paper). Furthermore, I will explain everything with a video of a real exam and example material for each of the 4 parts.

Speaking C1 Advanced: General Aspects

• The speaking exam has 4 parts.
• It is taken in pairs.
• There are 2 examiners and 2 candidates.
• During the exam, you have to interact with one of the examiners (the interlocutor) and with your partner.
• The other examiner does not ask you anything. He or she simply takes notes.

Speaking C1 Part 1: Interview (2 minutes)

During CAE Speaking Part 1, the examiner asks you different questions about your personal and professional experiences (interests, career, work, etc.). Additionally, you will also have to express your opinion on various topics. This task is individual, so you only have to interact with the examiner. However, you should pay attention to what the interlocutor asks your partner, as they might ask you the same thing. Here is an example of questions they might ask you during this first part of the Speaking test:

Speaking C1 Part 2: Comparing 2 Images (3 minutes)

In the second part (CAE Speaking Part 2), you are given 3 images and asked to talk about and compare 2 of the images in 1 minute. This task is individual. Along with the 3 images, you are given 2 questions written at the top. During the comparison, you must answer the questions regarding the images. When you have finished, after 1 minute, the examiner asks your partner a question related to your images. This question is answered in about 20 – 30 seconds. Then, the whole process is repeated but in reverse: your partner compares, and you answer a question.

Here is an example of the interlocutor’s instructions and some images that you might be given to compare.

Although these images appear in black and white, in the exam, they will be in colour.

During this part, you are assessed on your ability to compare, describe, express opinions, speculate, etc.

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Speaking C1 Part 3: Debate (3 minutes)

During this third part, you must interact with your partner. The examiner describes a situation to both of you, and gives you a task/question and a series of ideas to help you. You have to discuss the different ideas with your partner and, if possible, reach an agreement. The objective of this part is to evaluate how you exchange ideas, express your opinion; how you express your agreement or disagreement with someone; how you suggest, speculate, evaluate; and how you try to reach an agreement through negotiation.

This task is divided into 2 parts: first, you have 2 minutes to discuss the different options regarding the question. Then, the examiner interrupts you and asks you to reach a conclusion or agreement regarding one of the options. For this, you are given 1 minute.

Here is an example of what the examiner would say, and another example of the question and ideas you have to discuss with your partner.

Speaking C1 Part 4: More Debate (4 minutes)

In this part, you have to carry out another conversation, which derives from the theme of part 3. You are asked different questions that you will have to answer alone or discuss with your partner. It is very important that you pay attention to what your partner answers, in case you are asked to interact with them in that part. Below is an example of what you might be asked in Part 4 of the C1 Speaking (Advanced):

The most important thing to perform this task correctly is to know how to justify opinions as well as to agree and disagree with your partner or with some ideas that the examiner will give you.

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Example of C1 Advanced Speaking [VIDEO]

You can read the examiners’ comments on this exam here.

General Tips

Although each part is different, there are many things you should consider during this Speaking exam. Let’s see:

• You are assessed individually, so you shouldn’t worry about doing better or worse than your partner. As a former oral examiner, Stephen Hasler, states, «neither your partner nor the examiners are your enemies. The only enemy in the room is yourself.«
• In this C1 exam, you must demonstrate a C1 level of English or higher. For this reason, it is not enough to just be able to communicate, as it is in lower levels. In this case, you must use a wide variety of grammatical structures and vocabulary that is typical of a C1 English level. Therefore, you should also try to use the occasional idiom or advanced phrasal verb.
• It is not a problem if the examiner interrupts you before you finish.
• Be spontaneous. Do not memorise «speeches» for the exam. The examiners will immediately notice whether what you are saying is memorised in advance or not.
• Always answer what you are asked. If you start talking about something irrelevant, the examiners will interrupt you and move on to another question.
• Pay attention to your partner. Be attentive to what your partner says throughout the exam. You are supposed to agree or disagree with them, and have a conversation about different ideas (parts 2, 3 and 4), so don’t ignore them!
• Be polite even if you don’t agree with your partner’s opinions. There are many structures for expressing agreement or disagreement politely, so make sure you know them well before your oral exam.
• Smile! You would be surprised what a smile can achieve. If you seem cheerful during the exam, everyone in the room will be more open and receptive to what you say. This can positively affect your score.

If you want more information about C1 Advanced (CAE), visit this Cambridge page.