Part 1 at every level. The interlocutor asks each candidate questions about themselves — where they live, what they do, their interests. It is the shortest part and the one that settles your nerves or doesn’t.
| Exam | Paper and part | Questions | Marks | Counts towards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A2 Key | Speaking, Part 1 | 3-4 minutes | Assessed across the test | Speaking |
| B1 Preliminary | Speaking, Part 1 | 2 minutes | Assessed across the test | Speaking |
| B2 First | Speaking, Part 1 | 2 minutes | Assessed across the test | Speaking |
| C1 Advanced | Speaking, Part 1 | 2 minutes | Assessed across the test | Speaking |
| C2 Proficiency | Speaking, Part 1 | 2 minutes | Assessed across the test | Speaking |
| Exam | Length | What is asked |
|---|---|---|
| A2 Key | 3-4 minutes | Name, where you live, then topic questions and one "Tell me something about…" |
| B1 Preliminary | 2 minutes | Personal information, daily routine, likes and dislikes |
| B2 First | 2 minutes | Everyday topics: free time, work or study, travel, plans |
| C1 Advanced | 2 minutes | Personal and general topics with a request for opinions |
| C2 Proficiency | 2 minutes | A few personal questions, then one broader question each |
Candidates talk to the interlocutor, not to each other. All criteria are being assessed from the first answer.
A complete interview task at B2 First level. Work it with the answers closed, then open the key.
Part 1 (about 2 minutes). The examiner asks each of you some questions about yourself, such as where you live, your free time and your plans. You answer the examiner; you do not talk to your partner in this part.
Examiner
Good morning. My name is David, and this is my colleague, Helen.
And your names are?
Can I have your mark sheets, please? Thank you.
Where do you live, (Candidate A)?
And you, (Candidate B)?
First, we’d like to know something about you.
Do you prefer spending your free time indoors or outdoors? (Why?)
Tell us about a skill you would like to learn.
What was the last trip you went on? (Where did you stay?)
How important is music in your life? (Why?)
Do you think you will live in the same town or city in the future? (Why? / Why not?)
Thank you.
Sample answer
Sample Part 1 — Part 1 (interview)
Examiner: Good morning. My name is David, and this is my colleague, Helen. And your names are?
Candidate A: I’m Lucía.
Candidate B: My name’s Tomasz.
Examiner: Thank you. Where do you live, Lucía?
Candidate A: I live near Valencia, in Spain – well, in a small town just outside the city, actually.
Examiner: And you, Tomasz?
Candidate B: I’m from Gdańsk, in the north of Poland, but at the moment I’m living in Kraków because of my studies.
Examiner: First, we’d like to know something about you. Tomasz, do you prefer spending your free time indoors or outdoors?
Candidate B: Outdoors, definitely, especially in summer. I go cycling with my friends almost every weekend. In winter it’s more difficult, because it gets dark so early, so then I stay at home more and play board games or watch series. But if I can choose, I prefer to be outside.
Examiner: Lucía, tell us about a skill you would like to learn.
Candidate A: Hmm, I think I would like to learn to play the guitar. My brother plays very well, and when we have family parties he always plays and everybody sings. I tried once to learn from videos, but I gave up after a few weeks because my fingers hurt a lot! Maybe with a real teacher it would be easier.
Examiner: Tomasz, what was the last trip you went on?
Candidate B: The last one was in May. I went with my girlfriend to the mountains, to a small village in the south. We did some hiking, and the weather was not so good – it rained for two days – but we still had a great time.
Examiner: Where did you stay?
Candidate B: In a small guesthouse. The owner was very friendly – she made us a huge breakfast every morning.
Examiner: Lucía, how important is music in your life?
Candidate A: Quite important, I would say. I listen to music practically all the time – when I’m on the bus to university, when I’m studying… Actually, I can’t concentrate without it. But I don’t go to concerts very often, because the tickets have become really expensive.
Examiner: Tomasz, do you think you will live in the same city in the future?
Candidate B: I’m not sure. I really like Kraków, but after I finish my degree I would like to work abroad for a few years, maybe in Ireland, to get some experience. And then, who knows? Maybe I will go back to Gdańsk to be near my family.
Examiner: Thank you.
Grammar and Vocabulary: both candidates use a good range of simple and some complex forms (‘if I can choose, I prefer…’, ‘Maybe with a real teacher it would be easier’) and appropriate everyday vocabulary (‘guesthouse’, ‘gave up’); slips such as ‘I tried once to learn’ and ‘the weather was not so good’ do not affect communication. Discourse Management: answers are extended beyond the minimum with reasons and examples (Tomasz contrasts summer and winter; Lucía explains why she gave up the guitar), and ideas are linked with ‘but’, ‘because’ and ‘Actually’. Pronunciation: the speech is clear, with natural stress on key words. Interactive Communication: both respond promptly and relevantly to each question, and Tomasz answers the examiner’s follow-up question naturally. Global Achievement: responses are relevant and developed, which is exactly what this part rewards.
The same task type at other levels: B1 Preliminary, C1 Advanced, A2 Key, C2 Proficiency.
More practice at every level is on the Cambridge Speaking samples page. The whole section in context is on the Cambridge Speaking page, and how it is marked is on the scoring page.
Written by Kirill O'Nayd
English test expert and educator at TestSucceed. He has spent years preparing candidates for Cambridge English Qualifications from A2 Key to C2 Proficiency, and taking apart how each paper awards its marks. See all TestSucceed preparation materials.