Aptis Advanced Speaking: four parts in 10 minutes, a presentation with an unprepared extra question, B1 to C2 cut scores and how to prepare.
The Aptis Advanced Speaking lasts 10 minutes and has four parts, but the last two form one task: a presentation followed by a question about it, with no time to prepare.
General certifies up to C1. Advanced measures B1 to C2 and is the only variant that certifies C2. See the home page for other guides.
| Part | What it asks |
|---|---|
| 1 | Compare two photos and answer two more questions. The three questions increase in complexity |
| 2 | An abstract topic with three questions: one minute to prepare (you can take notes), then speak |
| 3 and 4 | A presentation on a topic, with one minute to prepare, and an extra question on the same topic, with no preparation time |
Each task has its own scale and ceiling.
| Task | Level aimed at | Scale | What the ceiling means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 (photos) | B1 | 0 to 5 | A 5 means "above B1" (B2 or higher) |
| Part 2 (abstract topic) | C1 | 0 to 6 | A 5 is C1 and a 6 is C2 |
| Parts 3 and 4 (presentation and question) | C1 | 0 to 6 | A 5 is C1 and a 6 is C2 |
Part 1 cannot give you C1 even if you do it perfectly. C1 and C2 are shown in Part 2 and in the presentation.
The descriptors count how many of the three questions you answer on topic. Answering all three is band 4 (B1.2); two is band 3; one is band 1. A 5 is reserved for people above B1.
Answer what is asked, all three times. The questions move from describing to speculating, so the third usually asks for a hypothesis. Really compare: do not describe the first photo and then the second, like two monologues. Useful phrases (AptisBot view, not official): - Both photos show..., but the contexts couldn't be more different. - The first depicts..., whereas the second shows... - What stands out to me is the contrast in... - I imagine this is because... (for the question that asks you to speculate)
Here the high level is decided. According to the descriptors, a 5 (C1) answers all three questions and is well structured, with a range of complex structures used accurately (minor errors that do not stop understanding), a range of vocabulary (with some awkward use), rephrasing that does not break the thread, and a range of connectors. A 6 is C2.
What lowers the band, according to the same scale: - Answering only two of the three questions: band 3 (B2.1). - Some correct complex structures, "sufficient" vocabulary and few connectors: band 4 (B2.2).
The distance between B2 and C1 is range: several different structures and connectors, and that they work. Use the minute to note one idea per question, not to write the speech. How you divide the time between the three questions is our view: do not leave any of them without time.
AptisBot view, not official: these structures are correct and can be improvised with little risk.
| Structure | Model sentence |
|---|---|
| Concession | While it may be true that remote work isolates people, it has also opened doors for many. |
| Mixed conditional | If I hadn't moved abroad, I wouldn't be teaching English now. |
| Not only... but also | Not only does it save time, but it also cuts costs. |
The official guide labels Parts 3 and 4 together. The extra question is about the same topic and there is no preparation, so they share one scale, from 0 to 6:
| Band | Level | What the descriptor says |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | B1.1 | Reads directly from the material and does not answer the follow-up question |
| 2 | B1.2 | No coherent, sustained talk, depends heavily on the material, does not answer the follow-up question |
| 3 | B2.1 | Does not cover points from both sections, although the follow-up question is on topic |
| 4 | B2.2 | Covers points from each section and the follow-up question is on topic; B2 features |
| 5 | C1 | Clear presentation that highlights points from each section, giving reasons for or against; coherent follow-up answer; talks about the poster in their own words |
| 6 | C2 | Convincing, well-structured presentation: highlights and expands the points of each section; clear and coherent follow-up answer |
Two features follow. Reading the poster aloud scores in the lowest band, however well pronounced. And what separates C2 from C1 is expanding the points of each section: C1 highlights them and gives reasons; C2 develops them.
AptisBot view, not official: - One sentence to set the topic (for example: I'd like to focus on two points...). - For each section, three moves: the point, a reason for or against, and an expansion (an example, a consequence, a nuance). - A short closing with your position (for example: All things considered, I'd argue that...). - For the extra question, answer in the first sentence, add a reason and an example, and do not repeat the presentation. To gain time: That's a tricky one because... / If I had to choose, I'd say..., mainly because...
Advanced Speaking cut scores (out of 50):
| B1 | B2 | C1 | C2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 | 37 | 44 | 50 |
Unlike the General, the Advanced reports C1 and C2 separately.
| General | Advanced | |
|---|---|---|
| Total time | 12 minutes | 10 minutes |
| Abstract topic | Part 4 | Part 2 |
| Presentation | Does not exist | Parts 3 and 4, one task |
| C1 and C2 | C1 can only come from Part 4, and the certificate joins the 5 and the 6 in one "C" | Reported separately |
The abstract topic is the same task in both exams (three questions, one minute to prepare), so practising it helps for both.
Aptis® is a trademark of the British Council. AptisBot is an independent project, and its scores are an estimate, not an official result.
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Test format overview 2023 (Advanced), Advanced Technical Supplement (Appendix G, pp. 36-38) and "Aptis Scoring System" v2.1 (TR/2024/002). The descriptors are summarised from the Advanced scale; the phrases and advice are AptisBot's view, not official.
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