I've started a new edition of my Speaking Exam Phrasebook, and instead of posting it all at once, at first I'll post it in instalments. Watch this space for the final version ;) Today - some phrases you can use in various Speaking Exams such as IELTS or the Cambridge First or Advanced papers. It's designed as something you can slowly go through while you're on the bus or … [Read more...] about Speaking Exam Phrasebook – Giving Your Opinion
Cambridge Exam Preparation
English Exams: Speaking For A Minute [Cambridge First-FCE, BEC]
Today's ideas may help you speak better even if you aren't taking an exam. Exams such as the Cambridge First (FCE) and Business English Certificate (BEC Vantage) papers ask you to speak for a minute in one of the parts. For example, in part 2 of the First (FCE) exam, you are asked to describe two photographs and to answer a question about them. Quite often it involves … [Read more...] about English Exams: Speaking For A Minute [Cambridge First-FCE, BEC]
Phrases for giving your opinion – download
This might help you with the Cambridge Speaking First (FCE), Advanced (CAE) or Proficiency (CPE) Exams, or indeed when you're out and about speaking English … [Read more...] about Phrases for giving your opinion – download
Before your Cambridge Speaking Exam
Are you taking the Cambridge First (FCE), Advanced (CAE) or Proficiency (CPE) Speaking Exam soon? Yesterday I was examining for Cambridge, and I must say how surprised I was by one thing which many candidates were doing before the exam. … [Read more...] about Before your Cambridge Speaking Exam
Last Minute Tips For The Cambridge English Speaking Exams
If you're taking the Cambridge English: First (FCE) Speaking Exam in the next few weeks in Prague at the British Council, or indeed the Cambridge Advanced (CAE) or Proficiency (CPE) exams, here's a few things to focus on before the big day. … [Read more...] about Last Minute Tips For The Cambridge English Speaking Exams
“That’s When He Walked Out The Door” – Cambridge English: First Story Writing
See the lovers in the faded photograph She's making funny faces. He's trying not to laugh Do you remember the way we used to be When love lifted us up, made us feel so free? - from 'Have a little faith in us' by John Farnham … [Read more...] about “That’s When He Walked Out The Door” – Cambridge English: First Story Writing
Do You Know What You’re Saying? – Present, Expand, Explore
This should help you in general when you present your ideas at work, but also if you're taking the IELTS or Cambridge exams (FCE, CAE, CPE): So many students have told me that at school they studied English grammar, but they didn't study how to organise a short talk or essay like we do in the UK or Australia. … [Read more...] about Do You Know What You’re Saying? – Present, Expand, Explore
“She Smiled And Walked Away” – Cambridge English: First For Schools Story Writing
For the Cambridge: First For Schools [formerly FCE] writing exam, you might be asked to write a story in 140-190 words. Here's an example below with some tips on what to consider when writing your cool story. 2015 Update Cambridge have changed the format for the First Writing Exam. Cambridge First For Schools includes story writing, but Cambridge First (ie the general … [Read more...] about “She Smiled And Walked Away” – Cambridge English: First For Schools Story Writing
Cambridge CPE Speaking Exam: Interactive Communication
This week one of my students is taking the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English Exam so I thought this would be a timely reminder: Image: Claudio Matsuoka (licence CC by 2.0) One thing that some learners find hard to get is that a Cambridge Speaking Exam doesn't just mark you on grammar and vocabulary. You're also given marks for pronunciation, discourse management … [Read more...] about Cambridge CPE Speaking Exam: Interactive Communication
