FCE Speaking Test 1
Part 3: “How could these activities help residents get to know one another?”
Part 2 photos: working on practical tasks in different ways, spending their free time in different places
Take FCE Speaking Test 1
FCE · Speaking
FCE Speaking practice: all four parts, with sample questions
FCE Speaking is the B2 First Speaking test: 14 minutes, face to face with two examiners and usually one other candidate. It has four parts: an interview, a one-minute photo comparison, a discussion task with your partner and a wider discussion. It is marked out of 60 and counts for 20% of your result.
- Free, no sign-up to start
- Solo practice with recorded examiner prompts
- Estimated Cambridge English Scale score
Time14 min
Parts4
Marks60
Of your score20%
Paper format
FCE Speaking, part by part
Each row links to a guide with the format, a worked example, strategy and common mistakes.
| Part | Task | Time | What it tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Interview | 2 min | Answering questions about yourself: everyday social language. |
| 2 | Long turn | 4 min | Comparing two photos and answering a printed question for about a minute, then a short answer about your partner’s photos. |
| 3 | Collaborative task | 4 min | Discussing five written ideas with your partner for 2 minutes, then a 1-minute decision. |
| 4 | Discussion | 4 min | Giving and justifying opinions on wider questions linked to Part 3. |
Marking
How FCE Speaking is marked
Grammar and Vocabulary, Discourse Management, Pronunciation, Interactive Communication and Global Achievement: 60 marks. Our expert evaluation gives an estimate from your recordings.
In the real test each candidate is marked individually, not against their partner. 54/60 is about 180 on Cambridge's practice-test guidance.
Tips
Six FCE Speaking tips
- Part 1: two or three sentences per answer. Give a reason or an example, not a single word, but keep it short: the examiner has more questions.
- Part 2: compare, then answer the question. Spend your minute on similarities, differences and the printed question, not on describing everything in the photos.
- Part 2: listen to your partner’s turn. You answer a short question about their photos for about 30 seconds afterwards.
- Part 3: talk about the ideas, not through them. You do not need to cover all five; discuss two or three properly, then use the minute to decide.
- Part 3 and 4: interact. Ask your partner’s opinion, agree or disagree and build on what they say; failing to agree is not penalised.
- Part 4: justify your opinion. Give a reason and an example, and add a contrasting view when you can.
Sample questions
FCE Speaking questions from our tests
One example from each part. Every test page lists all of its questions and photos.
Part 2, Test 2 (2 photos)
What might the people enjoy about doing these activities together?
Part 3, Test 3
How useful would these features be for people using the park?
Part 4, Test 4
What do people usually find difficult when they start at a new school?
Useful phrases
Useful phrases for FCE Speaking
Short frames to start an answer in each part. Use them to begin, then say something specific about the question.
Part 1
- I’d say that…, because…
- Not really. I prefer… because…
- It depends. Usually…, but…
Part 2
- Both photos show…, but in the first…
- Whereas the people in this photo…, the others…
- They might be… because…
- I imagine it’s quite… for them.
Part 3
- Shall we start with…?
- What do you think about…?
- That’s a good point, but…
- So, have we agreed on…?
Part 4
- In my view…, mainly because…
- On the other hand, some people…
- For example, in my town…
- I agree with … up to a point.
Speaking tests
All 6 FCE Speaking tests
Each test is the Speaking paper of the matching FCE mock test, and its page shows what is inside before you start.
FCE Speaking Test 2
Part 3: “How important are these things for keeping up a hobby?”
Part 2 photos: working together to produce food, travelling through the countryside in different ways
Take FCE Speaking Test 2FCE Speaking Test 3
Part 3: “How useful would these features be for people using the park?”
Part 2 photos: making things in different ways, enjoying live music in different ways
Take FCE Speaking Test 3FCE Speaking Test 4
Part 3: “How could these ideas help new students feel comfortable?”
Part 2 photos: giving practical help in everyday situations, practising a sport in different places
Take FCE Speaking Test 4FCE Speaking Test 5
Part 3: “How could these ideas encourage people to use the library?”
Part 2 photos: making choices, studying in different environments
Take FCE Speaking Test 5FCE Speaking Test 6
Part 3: “How could these ideas make everyday journeys more enjoyable?”
Part 2 photos: preparing an activity for a group, finding out something new
Take FCE Speaking Test 6
FAQ
FCE Speaking questions
How long is the FCE Speaking test?
14 minutes for a pair of candidates, or 20 minutes in a group of three. It may be on a different day from the other papers.
Is the FCE Speaking test done on a computer?
No. It is face to face with two examiners in both the paper-based and the computer-based exam. Our practice version is solo: you answer recorded examiner prompts and your answers are recorded.
How is FCE Speaking marked?
Grammar and Vocabulary, Discourse Management, Pronunciation and Interactive Communication, plus Global Achievement from the interlocutor: 60 marks in all.
Do we have to agree in FCE Speaking Part 3?
No. You are marked on how you discuss and negotiate, and failing to agree is not penalised.
Sources
- B2 First Handbook for Teachers (Cambridge University Press & Assessment)
- Converting practice test scores to Cambridge English Scale scores (Cambridge University Press & Assessment)
CambridgeMock is independent and not affiliated with Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Facts on this page are checked against the official documents above; the practice items and advice are our own.
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Start with FCE Speaking Test 1
6 free FCE Speaking tests. No sign-up to start: you give an email address when you submit.