🔒 INTERACTIVE LIBRARY

FC SPEAKING — SET 5: EDUCATION & SCHOOL

Cambridge First Speaking Paper
Set 5 · Education & School · Paper 4
Part 1Warm-up

The examiner will ask some general questions as an introduction to the test. Answer clearly but without elaborating too much. This part lasts approximately 2 minutes.

  • What subjects did you enjoy most at school?
  • Do you prefer studying alone or with other people?
  • What makes a good teacher?
  • Is it important to learn practical skills at school?
  • Do you think homework is useful?
  • What would you change about schools today?
Part 2Long Turn

Speak for 1 minute without interruption. Compare the two photographs and answer the question below them. Your partner will comment for about 30 seconds when you finish.

Candidate A
  • Describe the photos
  • In what way might these people be connecting with each other?
Candidate A — two photographs

Candidate B
  • Describe the photos
  • In what way is collaboration important in these situations?
Candidate B — two photographs
Part 3Collaborative Task

You will be shown a diagram with a central question and satellite prompts. Discuss each prompt with your partner — collaborate and invite them to participate as if it were a real conversation. You have 2 minutes to discuss, then 1 minute to decide together.

Talk together about how useful each of these things is for students. Then decide which one is the most useful for the future.

The most useful
things students
learn at school
working in
teams
learning
languages
solving
problems
using
technology
managing
time
Part 4Extended Discussion

Take part in a discussion with the other candidate related to the topic of the previous task. Elaborate your answers — give reasons, examples, and personal opinions.

⏱ 4 minutes total
  • Should schools focus more on academic subjects or life skills?
  • What qualities should a good student have?
  • Do exams show a student’s real ability?
  • How could education be improved?