PART 4 - FOLLOW UP TO PART 3

Examiner:

Both your photographs showed people doing things in groups. Now I'd like both of you to talk together about whether you like doing things in groups or not.

Student A and B talk to each other:

A: I think doing things alone is OK, but the real fun comes when you are in a group. For example, playing football alone is boring but playing in a group is great. What do you think?...

B: ...Yes, I can see what you mean, but not everything is better in a group. I like to be alone with my playstation because when my friends are there, I have to let them have a go, which is no fun. Don't you agree?...

A: ...OK, but what about birthday parties? They are not a lot of fun if you are alone, are they? Imagine sitting there alone with your presents and nobody else. That would be horrible, don't you think?...

B: Yes, I think you have a very good point. OK, so we agree. Most things are better in groups, but there are one or two things that are more fun alone. Is that right?...

A:Yes, that's right, although sometimes it is more fun sharing than playing alone. You can laugh at your friends' mistakes, and they treat you better if you share. Nobody likes people who don't share.

Explanation

1) In part 4 of the PET speaking exam you and your partner will be required to speak to each other about the subject of the photographs in part 3.

2) It is important to understand that the examiner is very interested in how you communicate.
He doesn't want to see one student talking all the time.
So you need to learn how to exchange ideas, which requires questions like WHAT DO YOU THINK...or DO YOU AGREE.....or WHAT ABOUT .....
Then your partner needs to start his answer with phrases like YES, I SEE WHAT YOU MEAN... or YES, I THINK THAT...

3) Your answers should not be too short or too long.
A good way to get the size right is to follow your answer with a BECAUSE and then stop. Giving examples of what you mean is very important.

4) Don't spend too much time on any one point. Try to give your idea clearly and briefly and move on to the next idea.

5) Don't forget to come to a joint decision at the end, to conclude the conversation.

6) Don't speak too quickly in the exam. It is easier to make mistakes if you speak too quickly, and it is harder to understand someone when they speak too quickly. Finally, if you speak very quickly, you need more things to say, so it is better to practise speaking at a relaxed comfortable speed, and concentrate on pronouncing your words correctly.