20 Cambridge C1 Speaking Part 2 Exam Questions

20 Cambridge C1 Advanced Speaking Part 2 sample exam questions with exam tips and C1 vocabulary to help you pass your exam!

Hayley Morris

Found and Head Teacher

Cambridge C1

Ace the Cambridge C1 Speaking Part 2: Your Ultimate Guide

Today, we're zeroing in on Speaking Part 2 of the Cambridge C1 exam – a section that can seem as tricky as learning to pronounce "Worcestershire" on your first try. But fear not! With the right strategy, tips, and a heads-up on common pitfalls, you'll be chatting your way to success. So, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of CAE Speaking Part 2, shall we?

Exam Format: What to Expect

Timing and Task Type: Speaking Part 2 is a solo task, which means you'll have to talk for 1 minute continuously while the other exam candidate listens. The other candidate will also be asked a short question of about 30 seconds, then you switch. This part lasts about 4 minutes, which, let's be honest, can either fly by in a blink or feel like a mini eternity depending on how prepared you are.

Description: You'll be presented with a set of 3 photographs related to a specific theme. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to speak for about a minute on two of the photos, comparing them and answering a question related to the theme. Then, your partner does the same with two different photos, you'll also be asked to comment on your partner's photo for about 30 second.

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Cambridge C1 Speaking Test - Sample Video

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📚 Exam Tips: Strategies for Success

Now, onto the juicy part – how to ace Speaking Part 2 like a pro:

Structure Your Response: Start with a brief introduction to the pictures, move on to compare and contrast them, and then answer the specific question given. A clear structure makes your response easier to follow and shows that you can organize your thoughts coherently.
Rich Vocabulary: This is your chance to shine! Use a variety of expressions and advanced vocabulary like idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs for that extra flair.
Don't Forget About Grammar: Show off your grammatical range. Mix it up with complex sentence structures, conditionals, and varied tenses. The more variety, the better.
Practice Makes Perfect: Familiarize yourself with speaking about a range of topics and pictures. Practice with friends, in front of a mirror, or record yourself. Feedback is golden, so if you can, get some lessons so a teacher can listen and critique your responses.

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C1 Advanced (CAE) Speaking Part 2: Example Questions

Topic: Hobbies

Question 1

What benefits might these creative hobbies offer?

What challenges could they pose?

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Question 2

What aspects of these hobbies might offer stress relief?

What difficulties might they entail?

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Topic: Education

Question 3

What benefits could these learning environments offer?

What drawbacks might they have?

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Question 4

How might these education methods impact critical thinking skills?

What challenges could students face with them?

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Topic: Relationships

Question 5

What impact might these life events have on relationships?

What challenges could they bring?

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Question 6

What aspects of these interactions could enhance emotional connections?

What misunderstandings might arise?

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Topic: Work

Question 7

What impact might these career changes have on personal identity?

What uncertainties might they bring?

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Question 8

How might these work environments influence job satisfaction?

What stress factors might they introduce?

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Topic: Travel

Question 9

How might these travel choices reflect personal values?

What inconveniences might they encounter?

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Question 10

What personal growth opportunities might these travel adventures provide?

What risks might they involve?

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❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best of us can slip up under exam pressure. Here are some common traps candidates fall into:

Getting Stuck on Descriptions: Remember, this is NOT about what you see but about your ability to analyze and speculate. DON'T describe - you should compare and contrast.
Ignoring the Question: Each set of pictures comes with 2 specific questions. Tailor your comparison and analysis to answer this question directly. Going off-topic can cost valuable points.
Speaking Too Fast: It's natural to speak quickly when nervous, but this can make your speech hard to follow. Practice speaking at a controlled pace.
Overthinking: Don't get paralyzed by trying to find the "perfect" thing to say. It's better to speak confidently on what comes to mind than to hesitate too much searching for the ideal answer.
Repetition: Avoid using the same vocabulary and sentence structures repeatedly. This is your moment to demonstrate the breadth of your English knowledge.

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Topic: Sport

Question 11

What personal achievements might these sports offer?

What setbacks could individuals face?

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Question 12

How might these sports activities affect mental health?

What physical challenges might they pose?

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Topic: Shopping

Question 13

How might these shopping trends reflect societal changes?

What negative aspects could they have?

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Question 14

How could these payment methods affect the shopping experience?

What risks or benefits might they involve?

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Topic: The Environment

Question 15

What benefits might these things provide to the environment?

What reactions might people have to these things?

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Question 16

What benefits might these things provide to the environment?

What reactions might people have to these things?

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Question 17

How could these environmental threats impact our world?

What challenges do we face in combating these threats?

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Topic: Technology

Question 18

How could these technologies transform the healthcare sector?

What challenges could they bring about?

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Question 19

How do these different methods of communication impact our lives?

What difficulties could they bring?

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Question 20

How might these technological innovations influence the way we learn?

What could be their downsides?

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Tackling Speaking Part 2 of the Cambridge C1 exam doesn't have to be a daunting task. With the right preparation, strategy, and mindset, you can turn it into an opportunity to truly showcase your English skills. Remember, confidence is key. Believe in your abilities, practice regularly, and don't be afraid to make mistakes during your preparation phase – they're valuable learning opportunities.

So, there you have it, folks! Your comprehensive guide to smashing Speaking Part 2 of the Cambridge C1 exam. Keep practicing, stay positive, and remember that every step you take is bringing you closer to your goal.

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