Aptis Speaking Practice

Part 4

What is part 4?- Aptis speaking part 4 is aimed at level B2 on the CEFR

- You will see a picture on the screen and 3 questions

- You have 1 minute to prepare your answers for the 3 questions

- You then have 2 minutes to answer these questions by speaking into a microphone

Points to remember- Answer all 3 questions. Only answering 1 or 2 will lower your score- Stay on topic. Not doing so will lower your score- Use a variety of grammatical structures and vocabulary (see below)

- Speak clearly, at a normal pace, not too fast. Dont use too many pauses in the sentences- Use a variety of cohesive devices. These help to link ideas (see below)- Dont panic. Use the 1-minute preparation time to write down ideas More Tips for Speaking You need to answer the questions fully and talk more, as quite a lot say I dont know about it or I have nothing to say or just answer Yes/No. Try to elaborate whenever you can. Try not to repeat things youve said. Expand upon your answers and move the topic forward. Practice describing pictures / comparing two pictures. Even if you feel you dont have the right vocabulary, try to speak impromptu, and explain whatever ideas you have. In the long turn (...1 min. preparation 2 min. speech) dont spend the preparation time on writing full sentences because this will only be enough for 20-30 seconds. Just write bullet points (single words) which will act as a prompt for you to talk about more freely. If you dont fill 2 minutes you will not get the full score. Answer the question accurately. For example, if the question saysTell me about a musical festival in your countrydont talk about festivals generally it should only be a music festival. Or,Tell me about a close relative of yoursthe question is actually about ONE relative and not all of your family. Overall, try not to feel nervous while speaking; exams can actually be an enjoyable experience. Finally, speakconfidentlyand clearly. You will be fine!Example GrammarAt this level, this includes:

adjectives and adverbs

future continous/perfect

conditional sentences (If I were, I would; If I hadnt, I would have)

modals (cant have, must have)

narrative tenses (I was waiting for the bus, when I saw my next door neighbour)

habits in the past (I used to live in Tokyo. We would eat sushi every day.)

predictions using will and going to Example Cohesive Devices

Example QuestionsPart 4In this part, I am going to show you a picture and ask you three questions. You will have one minute to think about your answers before you start speaking. You will have two minutes to answer all three questions. Look at the photograph.

- Tell me about a time you went on a long journey.

- How did you feel about it?

- Why do you think people are doing more long distance travelling nowadays?

Part 4

In this part, I am going to show you a picture and ask you three questions. You will have one minute to think about your answers before you start speaking. You will have two minutes to answer all three questions. Look at the photograph.

- Tell me about a time when you were very busy.

- How did you feel about it?

- Why do you think people are so busy nowadays?Adding another point

also

furthermore, in addition

not only this, but also

another thing/point is

Giving examples

such as

for example/instance

like

in particular

Ordering your ideas

to start with

first/second of all

firstly/secondly

finally

Giving reasons

because

one of the reasons (why) is that

another reason is

some people may think/say that

Contributed by Stephen Sharpe

Photos taken from www.freedigitalphotos.net The British Council, 2014

The United Kingdoms international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. We are registered in England as a charity.