Actively preparing for the Cambridge C1 Advanced Speaking Part 1

In Part 1 of the Cambridge C1 Advanced Speaking Test, candidates are asked questions, including questions that ask candidates about themselves, their interests, experiences and plans for the future. Part 1 of the test helps candidates to settle, get used to the interlocutor’s and their partner’s voices.

Part 1 is part of the test, so, training our students to respond promptly, with natural, full answers to these questions is important. What is also important is for them to try and use as wide a range of language as possible. As Cambridge advises in the Cambridge C1 Advanced Handbook:

“Advise your students to try and use a variety of appropriate tenses, structures and vocabulary in this part of the test. This will create a good impression and give them confidence to tackle the other parts of the test.”

After analysing a number of practice tests and Cambridge materials, I’ve created a set of ‘Question heads‘, the initial wording typically used in the questions in this part of the C1 Advanced Speaking Test.

You can download the 3-page document I’ve created with the Question heads, notes and suggestions for different topics and questions about English as an example. (see link below)