FCE Speaking Part 3 // " Collaborative Task " // Cambridge English: First B2 Speaking [PASS]

FCE Speaking Part 3: Collaborative Task. In this part of the test, you’re given a question and five prompts to speak about. The question asks you to discuss the prompts in some way. You have 2 minutes with your partner to discuss the task.

For example:
Here are some ways in which people might enjoy spending their free time

Talk together about why people might find these ways of spending their free time relaxing or enjoyable

Going to the beach
Playing in a sports team
Reading novels
Taking a cooking class
Playing computer games

Then after 2 minutes

Now decide together which activity would appeal the most to people between 25 and 35 years old

Then after 1 minute, ‘Thank you. That’s the end of the task.’


Let’s break this down:

What is FCE Speaking Part 3 testing?

It’s mainly testing your interactive communication, which means how you can perform in a discussion. So, turn taking and responding to what your partner is saying are key parts of this.

Examiner Tip 1:

Who are you having the conversation with? Your partner – so please look at them! It’s a bit strange for us when two people are looking at us when they’re supposed to be talking to each other!
Also, the examiners have to mark you on Interactive Communication, which basically means how good are you at responding and listening, and this is the part they’re using to test this.

How do I do FCE Speaking Part 3?

Part 3 is like a game or tennis or chess. You need two people, and they should both be equal and given the same amount of time. One starts, then the other and so on back and forth.
Basically, the easiest way to do this is for one of you to start and give your opinion on one of the prompts.

Before I show you an example, look back at the mind map. Can you think of ONE reason why people would find these activities relaxing, and ONE reason why they might not?

These are my ideas:

Going to the beach
Many options for different activities
Some people don’t like sand, can be crowded
Playing in a sports team
Meet new friends, do something active
Might not enjoy sport, could have an injury
Reading novels
Enjoy getting lost in fantasy, escapism
Might feel lonely
Taking a cooking class
Enjoy learning about new food, and eating
Might be too expensive, could be on a diet!
Playing computer games
Fun and engaging, could play online with others
Might be too difficult, staying inside could feel stuffy


How do we put this all into practice?


Candidate A: “Shall I start? Personally, I think people enjoy going to the beach because it’s a very relaxing environment, you can do lots of different things at the beach like read, play volleyball or go for a swim so there’s something for everyone.”

Then Candidate A invites Candidate B to respond

Candidate A: “Do you agree?”

Then Candidate B responds with their opinion

“Hmmm, I’m afraid I don’t agree. I think a lot of people find the beach too crowded and hot and a lot of people don’t like sand. So, for some it can be relaxing, but for others it can be a nightmare.”

Then Candidate B moves on to another prompt, gives their opinion and asks Candidate A for their opinion

Candidate B: “I think a lot of people would really enjoy being part of a sports team because not only do you get to play the sport you love, but you also make new friends and feel like part of a community. How about you?”

As I said, it’s like a game of tennis, hitting the ball back to one another. You can’t play tennis with one person!

FCE Speaking Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3
FCE Speaking Part 1:    • FCE Speaking Part 1 " The Interview " Camb...  
FCE Speaking Part 2:    • FCE Speaking Part 2 // " The Long Turn " /...  
FCE Speaking Part 3:    • FCE Speaking Part 3 // " Collaborative Tas...  

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