Cambridge C1 Advanced CAE Speaking: Part 1 Interview

Are you going to sit for C1 Advanced exam any time soon? Then, you will find this blog useful as I’m going to share some key phrases and expressions you can use to impress the examiners and get a great mark.

Timing and type of task

Cambridge C1 CAE Speaking Part 1 takes 2 minutes in total when there are two candidates and 3 minutes for three candidates.

In this part, you and the other candidate will have a short conversation with the examiner. It means that in this part you will be able to speak for less than 60 seconds so do your best to give a great impression from the very beginning. This part is individual, you will not interact with your partner yet, it’s just you and the examiner who will ask you about two or three questions.

Be ready to answer questions related to:

• Your Routine
• Work or studies
• Spare time
• Holidays
• The use of technology
• Your friends and family

And everyday topics like these.

How to give good answers

If you want to give a great answer, remember to:

• Introduce your answer
• Justify it
• Provide example/s

Include connectors (however, as a matter of fact, although – see the list below) and try to be as natural as possible. Rehearsed answers will not help you to be fluent or more accurate, so try to find a study buddy or a professional so that you can practise as much as possible in order to be ready to be familiar with the topics mentioned above.

Useful Phrases

Take a look at the following list of useful phrases to give great answers in your Cambridge C1 Advanced CAE exam.

Introduce your answer

• Well, honestly, I would say that…
• You ’ve put me on the spot there (when it’s a difficult question)
• Oh, in fa,ct haven’t thought about that but let me think…
• That’s an interesting question
• Mmm…that’s a tough/difficult question since…

To say you particularly like/dislike something

• I’m keen on (+ verb-ING) I’m keen on listening to music in my spare time so…
• I’m fond of (+verb-ING) I’m fond of people who are positive and trustworthy.
• I’m a huge fan of …
• I particularly dislike…because/since/as…

To ask for repetition

Let’s stop there for a second. Asking for repetition is perfectly fine as long as you don’t do it constantly. Do not think that asking for repetition will mean that you haven’t understood the question and you will not get a lower mark for asking the examiner to repeat what they’ve said.

• Sorry, could you repeat that?
• Would you mind saying that again?
• Would you mind repeating the question?
• I didn’t catch that, could you repeat, please?

To talk about the future

• I’m looking forward to (+ verb-ING)
• I would love to be able to …
• I would love to be given the chance to…
• I would give (parachuting) a go if…

To talk about the present

• I tend to + verb in the infinitive. I tend to believe that people who do that deserve…
• I’m used to + verb ING. I’m used to working in a multicultural environment so…
• Oftentimes… . Oftentimes I find myself doing things I said I was never going to dare to do.

Tips to Practise

• Tip #1: Record Yourself

You can’t imagine how useful it is to record yourself and listen to your own answers. You will be able to analyse your fluency, word stress, intonation and other aspects you may not be aware of while you are speaking.

• Tip #2: Practise with your Study Buddy

Find someone who has sat for the exam or who is going to do it any time soon so that you can both pratise and give feedback to each other. You can try the method mentioned below (Tip #1: Record Yourself) and provide constructive feedback in order to improve.

• Tip #3: Get Feedback from a Professional

Finding a teacher or language instructor who is familiar with Cambridge exams will make you save time and provide you with the feedback you need in order to improve and reach the desired level.

Sample Questions

These are some of the questions you may be asked at Cambridge C1 CAE Speaking Part 1. These questions are provided in the Free Speaking Sample Paper 1.

• What free time activity do you enjoy the most?
• What sort of work would you like to do in the future?
• Do you think you spedn too much working or studying?
• Do you like using the internet to keep in touch with people?
• Have you celebrated anything recently?
• If you could travel to any country in the world, where would you travel?
• How important is it for you to spend time with your family?
• Who do you think has the greatest influence in your life?

Try recording yourself answering the questions below or write them down in your notebook and don’t forget to use the useful prases mentioned above.

Do you need professional help to get ready to pass your Cambridge C1 CAE exam? Book your FREE Let’s Talk session to discuss your needs and find out how I can help you!

You can also check the other blogs related to Cambridge C1 CAE exam: Cambridge C1 CAE Speaking: How to do Part 2 and How to Write an Essay for Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE).