How To Succeed in B2 First (FCE) Speaking

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How to Succeed in B2 First (FCE) Speaking Part 3
How to Succeed in B2 First (FCE) Speaking

Part 3
In B2 First (FCE) Speaking Part 3, you must hold a
discussion based on a situation and different options.
Learn to do this properly and enjoy the post!
Luis @ KSE Academy 28 Nov 2019
In a different article, I have already told you about the B2
FCE Speaking Test (official called B2 First (FCE), by the

way). But in this post I will focus more specifically in FCE
Speaking Part 3, and I will give a detailed description of
https://kseacademy.com/cambridge/b2-first-fce/speaking/part-3/ 13/09/2020
and Part 2. In this part, as we will see in a minute, both

candidates have to interact in order to succeed.
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This is what you'll get!
How to Succeed in B2 First (FCE): Speaking Part 3 [PDF]
CONTINUE
Table of Contents
• Description of FCE Speaking Part 3

◦ Timing of the B2 First Speaking Part 3
◦ Instructions and Possible Candidate’s

Response
◦ Examiner’s initial instructions
◦ Candidates’ discussion (2 minutes)
◦ Examiner’s second set of instructions
◦ Candidate’s making a decision
◦ Examiner’s final instructions
◦ Basic observations for B2 First (FCE) Speaking
Part 3
◦ FCE Speaking Part 3: Useful Phrases to Engage

in a Discussion
• Top 10 Tips for FCE Speaking Part 3
◦ Bonus Tip
• Video of a Real FCE Speaking Part 3
Description of FCE Speaking Part 3

This part of the test comprises 1 discussion divided into 2
parts. First, the examiner will describe a situation to you
and your partner, and he/she will offer you different

options to discuss. Second, after the brief discussion,
you and your partner will have to decide on the best

option for the situation proposed in the first part of the
discussion.
Speaking First: Ten practice tests for the Cambridge B2 First
Get your copy of Speaking B2 to gain access to 10 complete B2 First (FCE)

Speaking Tests and many more things: description of each part, sample
answers, guidance for every part, mark sheet, author comments and tips,
etc.
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Timing of the B2 First Speaking Part 3

This part of the test is supposed to last 4 minutes, or 5
minutes if the speaking task is carried out by 3
candidates. The main elements of the task are the
following:
1. Examiner’s instructions (total): 1 minute

2. Pair discussion of the options: 2 minutes (3
minutes for groups of 3 candidates)

3. Reaching a conclusion: 1 minute
Instructions and Possible Candidate’s Response

When sitting any speaking exam, it is important to know
what to expect in terms of timing, tasks, instructions,

content and so on. For this reason, it is absolutely
essential to know the instructions you will receive during

the B2 FCE’s speaking test. So let’s see what they are for
FCE Speaking part 3 with an example:
Examiner’s initial instructions

Now, I’d like you to talk about something together for
about two minutes.
I’d like you to imagine that a town wants more

tourists to visit. Here are some ideas they’re thinking
about and a question for you to discuss. First you
have some time to look at the task.
(The examiner places the following picture in front of
you and allows you 15 seconds to read the question
and study the options.)
Candidates’ discussion (2 minutes)
– Candidate A: Shall I go first?
– Candidate B: Sure, go ahead.
– Candidate A: I believe that this option (pointing),

«building a large nightclub», will attract tourists,
especially young ones who enjoy partying and going
out with friends, don’t you think?
– Candidate B: Yes, I think so, too. However, it might

not be the best type of tourism, because it can
disturb neighbours and residents. How abouthaving
more shops?
– Candidate A: Oh, that’s a great idea. If the city offers

a good shopping experience, many people will be
attracted to it, which I guess is quite positive for
everyone. Wouldn’t you agree?
– Candidate B: Yes, of course. Maybe that option

could go hand in hand with building holiday flats
because. The way I see it, you want tourists to spend
more time in your city. So if you have plenty of shops
and accommodation, it’s the perfect combination,
right?
– Candidate A: Yeah, you’re absolutely right. But what

do you think about the other two options? (pointing)?
Do you think they’re a good idea?
– Candidate B: Well, if you ask me, putting up security

cameras isn’t very appealing to anyone. But I suppose
parks can be attractive, but I’m not sure how
much exactly. What’s your take on those two options?
– Candidate A: As you said, security cameras are not

appealing at all. As for parks, maybe they are a good
thing for residents, but not for tourists, particularly.

etc.
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Examiner’s second set of instructions

The examiner will interrupt the conversation above and
say:
Thank you. Now you have about a minute to

decide which idea would be best for the town.
Candidate’s making a decision
– Candidate B: Well, given our previous comments, I

would say that the two best options would probably
be the shops and the holiday flats, don’t you think?
– Candidate A: Yeah, well, I do agree with you on

having more shops, but I think that building a
nightclub is more important than holiday flats.
– Candidate B: Okay, I see what you mean, but I don’t

think the same way. Shall we stick to having more
shops then?
– Candidate A: Yes, sure, I also think it’s the best one.

So do we have an agreement?
– Candidate B: Yes, we do.
Examiner’s final instructions
Thank you. Can I have the booklet, please?
Basic observations for B2 First (FCE) Speaking Part 3

If you read the task above carefully, you will notice the
following features in FCE Speaking part 3:
• The candidates are asked to interact with each
other rather than speak by themselves.
• It is essential to express and ask for

opinions, agree and disagree with the other
candidate, and change the subject.

• The examiner’s question is written in the middle of
the booklet he/she places in front of the
candidates.
• Candidates are encouraged to discuss the
different options.
• Candidates are expected to have a conversation,

sharing opinions and asking questions.
• The expressions in bold are useful words or
phrases to use in any discussion.
• It is advisable to reach an agreement with your

partner, but it is not absolutely necessary.
• The most important thing is to show the examiner
that you are discussing and working towards a
final decision.
FCE Speaking Part 3: Useful Phrases to Engage in a

Discussion
In this section, we’ll go over some useful phrases that
you can use in any discussion like the one in this part of
the B2 Speaking. Let’s see:
• Starting your discussion

• Shall I start? / Yeah, go on.
• Shall I go first? / Of course, go ahead.

• Is it okay if I start? / Sure, no problem.
• Would you like to go first? / Yes, why not?
• Expressing your opinion

• I believe/think that…
• In my opinion,…
• The way I see it,…

• If you ask me,…
• I would say that…
• It seems to me that…
• In my view…
• As far as I’m concerned,…
• Asking for your partner’s opinion
• statement, don’t you think/agree?
• statement, wouldn’t you say so?
• statement , wouldn’t you agree?

• statement, right?
• Do you think…?
• Do you believe that…?

• What do you think about…?
• How about…?
• What about…?
• What’s your take on…?

• Agreeing with your partner
• I (totally) agree with you.
• You’re dead right.

• That’s (absolutely) true.
• You’re (absolutely) right.
• That’s a great idea.

• I couldn’t agree more.
• Yes, I see what you mean.
• I see it that way, too.
• Yes, of course.
• I think so, too.
• Disagreeing with your partner
• I’m afraid I don’t see it the same way.
• I’m sorry but I have to disagree.
• You may be right, but I have a different view.

• That might be true, but I’m not sure I agree with
you.
• I’m sorry, but I don’t agree.

• Changing the subject
• As for + one of the options

• As to + one of the options
• In relation to + one of the options

• As regards + one of the options
• Regarding the question of the task,
• With regard to + paraphrased question

• Concluding the discussion
• I believe we have an agreement, don’t we?
• So, do we have an agreement?

• Shall we stick to…?
• Shall we agree on..?

etc.
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Top 10 Tips for FCE Speaking Part 3

1. Have a clear discussion, not 2 monologues: it is
common for candidates to think that the more
they speak, the better. That’s not correct. It’s what
you say that matters, and in this part you’re

expected to discuss, not to speak by yourself.
2. Justify your opinions: expressing your opinions is

not the only thing that matters; justifying them is
just as important. For one thing, you are showing

the examiner that you can justify your opinions in
English, and for another, you are giving your
partner material to work with throughout the
conversation. Let’s say that your justifications feed

the conversation on hand.
3. Try to speak about all the options: while this is not
compulsory, if you focus on only one option, you

will have less of a chance to show how well you
can interact in a conversation. That’s why I always
recommend jumping from one option to another,

so that you get more opportunities to agree,
disagree and express your opinions.
4. Work with your partner: your partner is not your

enemy. You will be assessed separately, so you
must see him/her as your ally.

5. Help your partner: if your partner is struggling to
find the appropriate words or some ideas to
express, you can give him/her a hand by stepping

with some ideas or the words you think he/she is
looking for. Not only will this help the
conversation itself, it will also show the examiner

that you have good communication skills.
6. Step up your interaction skills: most of the score
in this part of the speaking is based on your ability
to interact, which means that you have to ask for

opinions and be able to agree or disagree with
your partner. For this reason, you should know a
set of expressions to do so that will impress the
examiner. So try to avoid the typical «What do you
think about…?» or «I agree/disagree», and go for

something a little more advanced, such as
«wouldn’t you agree?», or «I’m afraid I don’t hold
the same opinion.»
7. Keep your turn short: remember, we are

discussing different options with the other
candidate, not reciting a monologue. If you spend

1 minute speaking non-stop, you are not
interacting, which shows poor communication
skills on your part.

8. Stick to the topic: make sure that you stick to the
topic and answer exactly what the examiner asked.
9. Finish your statements with a question or a

question tag: finishing your statements with a
questions is a very natural way of keeping the
conversation flowing, which is the whole point
in this part.
10. Address your partner: remember that you are
having a conversation with someone. That
someone is your partner, not the examiner, so be
sure to look at the other candidate when you
speak.
Bonus Tip
• Be polite & smile: you’d be surprised by what
human beings can achieve with politeness and a
smile. A positive, cheerful attitude will make you
cause a better impression on the examiners and

your partner, plus it makes you, to some extent, a
better communicator.
Video of a Real FCE Speaking Part 3

It is always useful to see a real exam, so here’s a video of
the third part of the FCE speaking test. But remember,
these candidates are not perfect, so try to learn from

their mistakes rather than make them yours!
For more information about the First exam (previously
known as FCE), visit Cambridge English: First / What’s in

the exam?
If you enjoyed this post, please comment and share! And

don’t forget to keep up with KSE Academy’s latest news
by following me on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube!
And don’t forget to keep smiling!
© KSE Academy, 2019
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How to Succeed in B2 First (FCE) Speaking Part 3 | KSE Academy® Page 1 of 18

Inicio » Cambridge Assessment English » B2 First (FCE) »

How to Succeed in B2 First (FCE) Speaking

Learn to do this properly and enjoy the post!

Luis @ KSE Academy 28 Nov 2019

In a different article, I have already told you about the B2

FCE Speaking Test (official called B2 First (FCE), by the

Speaking Part 3, and I will give a detailed description of

and Part 2. In this part, as we will see in a minute, both

GET THIS POST IN PDF

How to Succeed in B2 First (FCE): Speaking Part 3 [PDF]

• Description of FCE Speaking Part 3

◦ Instructions and Possible Candidate’s

◦ Examiner’s initial instructions

◦ Candidates’ discussion (2 minutes)

◦ Examiner’s second set of instructions

◦ Candidate’s making a decision

◦ Basic observations for B2 First (FCE) Speaking

◦ FCE Speaking Part 3: Useful Phrases to Engage

• Video of a Real FCE Speaking Part 3

Description of FCE Speaking Part 3

and your partner, and he/she will offer you different

you and your partner will have to decide on the best

Speaking First: Ten practice tests for the Cambridge B2 First

Get your copy of Speaking B2 to gain access to 10 complete B2 First (FCE)

Timing of the B2 First Speaking Part 3

1. Examiner’s instructions (total): 1 minute

minutes for groups of 3 candidates)

Instructions and Possible Candidate’s Response

what to expect in terms of timing, tasks, instructions,

essential to know the instructions you will receive during

FCE Speaking part 3 with an example:

Examiner’s initial instructions

about two minutes.

I’d like you to imagine that a town wants more

Candidates’ discussion (2 minutes)

– Candidate A: Shall I go first?

– Candidate B: Sure, go ahead.

– Candidate A: I believe that this option (pointing),

– Candidate B: Yes, I think so, too. However, it might

– Candidate A: Oh, that’s a great idea. If the city offers

– Candidate B: Yes, of course. Maybe that option

– Candidate A: Yeah, you’re absolutely right. But what

– Candidate B: Well, if you ask me, putting up security

– Candidate A: As you said, security cameras are not

Speaking First: Ten practice tests for the Cambridge B2 First

Get your copy of Speaking B2 to gain access to 10 complete B2 First (FCE)

Examiner’s second set of instructions

Thank you. Now you have about a minute to

Candidate’s making a decision

– Candidate B: Well, given our previous comments, I

– Candidate A: Yeah, well, I do agree with you on

– Candidate B: Okay, I see what you mean, but I don’t

– Candidate A: Yes, sure, I also think it’s the best one.

– Candidate B: Yes, we do.

Thank you. Can I have the booklet, please?

Basic observations for B2 First (FCE) Speaking Part 3

• The candidates are asked to interact with each

other rather than speak by themselves.

• It is essential to express and ask for

candidate, and change the subject.

• Candidates are expected to have a conversation,

phrases to use in any discussion.