Cambridge First Oral Exam Part 1: Breaking the Ice

 

The key to success in this part is to just be yourself. Of course, you are already being examined: your fluency, pronunciation, grammar, etc. But you should not force things. This is a moment to tune into the exam. To focus.

Examiners have a set of questions to choose from for this part. They refer to you and your everyday life. As much as extended responses are required in the exam, this is not the moment to flaunt your ability to extend and go on and on. Short answers are expected. If you are not really interested in the topic, a brief and polite answer will do. Let the examiner conduct the conversation.

What can they ask you about?

Here is a beautiful list for you to practise the usual questions of Part 1:

91 FCE Speaking Test Part 1 Questions

Remember: do not memorise answers. Just practise them.

Possible topics in this part:

• Where you live
• Daily life
• Education and work
• Travel and holidays
• The media. Hoy you get informed
• Family and friends
• Entertainment
• Sports
• Free time

Here are a couple of examples of Part 1.

Source: a clipping extracted from the official Cambridge Channel

Now it's your turn.

1. Set your mobile count down timer to 1 minute.
2. Choose some questions from the website above 
3. Record yourself.

Yes, record your minute. 

Seeing the timer run plus knowing you are being recorded may recreate exam "nerves" conditions. You will know what kind of mistakes you make under a little pressure.

Priceless information!