B2 First (FCE) Speaking Practice About Growing Up [Part 3]

Practice your skills for part 3 of the speaking paper with this sample question related to the topic of children drowing up. Part 3 requires you to have a discussion with your partner. You will be assessed on your ability to express your opinion and how well you interact with your partner. Candidates should be comfortable agreeing or disagreeing with their partners opinions, expresses themselves clearly and asking opinions from their partner.

Useful Vocabulary

Educate

“Educate” is a B2 level verb that candidates can use in the B2 First exam. It means to teach or…read more

Beneficial

“Beneficial” is a B2 level adjective that means to be helpful or useful. Being able to use it easily in…read more

Make the most of

“Make the most of” means to use or enjoy something as much as possible, usually because it may not last…read more

Speaking Paper Part 3: Phrases

Check out the infographic below for some useful phrases that you can use to help you interact with your partner in the exam:

Practice Question

Below is a typical question that you might see in the exam. Firstly you should practice on your own expressing your opinion about each prompt. Try and give clear reasons for you opinion in each case. You should aim to spend around 2-3 minutes talking about all five prompts.

Further down the page you will see three different audios. These audios are of your partner expressing their opinion and then asking you to speak. You should listen carefully to what your partner says, comment on what they say where appropriate, express your agreement or disagreement about what they have said and finally give your own opinion.

How important are these things for children growing up?

Regular exercise

School

Family

Friends

A healthy diet

Interaction Practice: Audio One

In the following audio you will listen to a person (your partner) speak about one of the prompts of the question, then will bring you into the conversation. They may ask things like “Do you agree?”, “What do you think?”, “What’s your opinion this?” or something similar.

You need to practice continuing the conversation after “your partner” brings you into the conversation. Try where possible to reference what your partner has said to show your agreement, disagreement or similarities to another prompt they may ask you to talk about.

Remember: Your partner may not speak perfect English. They may use incorrect vocabulary or grammar so you should prepare from this. However, you should be able to understand what your partner is trying to say from the overall context even if they do make mistakes.

Interaction Practice: Audio Two

You will hear a different person talk about one of the prompts in the question, and bring you into the conversation like in the previous audio.

Interaction Practice: Audio Three

The examiner has now asked you and your partner the following question:

“What is the most important thing for children growing up?”

You will hear your partner give their opinion about the decision question and then bring you into the conversation. Try and comment on what your partner has said and then give your own opinion.

Audio One

I would definitely say that school is extremely important for children growing up. I think that school provides children with the education they need to progress in life and become an adult. And it also gives a great opportunity for children to make friends and learn social skills. Would you agree?

Audio Two

In relation to a healthy diet, I think it is important, but as long as it is a balanced diet and not fast food every day then I don’t think it is that important in my opinion. What do you think?

Audio Three

From my point of view I think family is the most important, particularly close family so the people that the child lives with. And I think it’s the most important because this is who children usually spend the majority of their time with. Do you agree with me?