Strategy:

Answer your own questions.

Dont contribute to your partners answers.

Give interesting answers, but not too long.

Dont answer yes / no give a reason for your answer & expand

Examples:

Are you an organized kind of person?

Is it a good idea to have a daily routine?

What do you like to do when you go out with your friends?

Whats the best time of the day for studying?

Concepts:

Answer the two questions written at the top of the page

Only compare two of the pictures

Dont describe what you can see as this unsuitable for CAE level

COMPARING

While / whereas the people in the first picture are very busy, those in the second picture

On the one hand the women in the first picture look relaxed. On the other hand, the people
in the second picture seem to be concerned about something.

Unlike the man in the first picture, this one looks extremely happy.

In contrast to the first picture, this one displays a rather messy bedroom.

These two pictures are similar because they both show happy occasions.

The main similarity between these two pictures is that in both of them the people are working very hard.

SPECULATING

As if / as though: It looks as if the workers arent enjoying what theyre doing.

May / might / could: The couple may be having an argument; The couple might have had an argument.

Suppose: I suppose the man is delivering some sort of speech.

Some sort of: The girls are wearing some sort of uniform.

Apparently: Apparently, the students arent paying attention to the teacher.

Perhaps: Perhaps the boy is not feeling very well.

My impression is that: My impression is that the woman is not the boys mum.

CERTAINTY

Judging from their facial expression, I am (absolutely) sure that they are having a great time.

Im certain the man has been traveling for a long time.

Obviously, the little boy doesnt seem to enjoy sharing his toys.

EXPRESSING OPINIONS

I think that

I feel quite strongly that

In my opinion

In my view

From my point of view

To my way of thinking

To my mind,

Personally, I feel that

Concepts:

listen to your partner & respond to what they are saying: responding
doesnt just mean using I agree with you. You are expected to widen the
discussion by adding your own ideas, suggestions and opinions as part
of the discussion.

Initiate ideas: you also need to start off the discussion or part of the
discussion. You are both taking part and respecting turn-taking.

work towards an outcome: Cambridge uses this term to refer to your

ability to try to explore the topic and work towards negotiating a decision.
While you are not penalized for not reaching a decision, you should be
using your communicative abilities to answer questions and move the
discussion forward.

Interactive communication:

DO initiate, respond & develop your ideas & opinions

DO give reasons & examples

DO your best to answer even if you may not know much about the topic

DO enjoy the exam

X DONT monopolise the discussion

X DONT describe the pictures
X DONT feel you need to agree with your partner
X DONT worry if the examiner stops you

AGREEING

DISAGREEING

Do football players earn too much money?

Of course they do!

Do you think smoking should be completely

banned in public places?
Absolutely !

You should quit smoking.

That goes without saying.

Everyone should put some money aside if

they can.
I certainly go along with that.

Harry shouldnt spend a fortune on designer

clothes.
Im with you 100%.

I dont think so.

Im afraid I have to disagree.
I see your point, but
Im sorry but
I see where you are coming from, but
No way!
I cant believe what youre saying.
Are you serious? Are you kidding?
Face it its not going to work.
We dont really see eye to eye.
Do you honestly think that?
Yeah, but have you thought about?

EXPRESSING DOUBTS

I doubt that
Well, Im not so sure
I dont think thats the best solution
It sounds good, but
In theory it sounds good, but in practice

Lets play some cards now!

That sounds great.

ASKING FOR OPINIONS

The company should invest in new technology

to become more competitive.
Thats exactly how I see it, too.

We shouldnt go to Greece in July. Its going to

be scorching hot.
I completely / totally / strongly /
wholeheartedly agree with you.
I couldnt agree more.

A Canon printer is more efficient than a

Samsung.
Yeah, I guess / suppose so.

James Cameron is a very experienced

politician.
Youve got a point there.

What do you think?

Whats your opinion?
Anything to add?
Do you feel the same?

SUGGESTING

We could link this to

Why dont we think about?
This seems to me a good idea.

MOVING ON TO ANOTHER PICTURE

Shall we go on to the next picture?

How about talking about this one?
Im not sure what this actually is.
What does this add?
What do you think about?

..

JUSTIFYING

PARTIAL AGREEMENT

I partly agree.

SUMMARISING

I agree up to a point.

I somewhat agree.

I agree with you thatbut

I agree with you in part.

What I mean is that

So what you really mean is

To sum up, we agree that

We both feel that
While we agree about..., we disagree that
We couldnt agree / decide because

Concepts:

in this part of the test you discuss abstract questions related to part 3;

give fuller answers than in part 1;

even if the interlocutor asks your partner a question, you can still add your
own ideas once your partner has answered;

you dont have to agree with your partner;

if you have no ideas, use fillers to buy time: mmmmm, let me think, well;

silence must be avoided

there are no right / wrong answers to these questions

you are simply being asked to express your opinions.

Examples: