·The examiner's introduction
The mock exam starts like the real exam: the examiner welcomes you, says there are four parts and asks you to check your microphone and speak clearly. The gaps between questions are the time you have to answer.
1/8Part 1: three personal questions
In Part 1 the examiner asks you three short questions about yourself and your interests, and you have 30 seconds for each. In the mock exam they ask about your family, what you like to do in your spare time and the climate in your country.
2/8Part 2: one photo and three questions
In Part 2 you are shown one image and asked three questions, with 45 seconds for each. The questions go from describing the image to talking about an experience and giving an opinion: in the mock exam they ask you to describe it, tell about a memorable meal with friends or family and explain why eating healthily has become so popular.
3/8Part 3: two photos and three questions
In Part 3 you are shown two images and asked three questions, with 45 seconds for each. The first asks you to describe and compare; the next ones ask for opinion and speculation. In the mock exam they compare two ways of working, ask about the advantages of working from home and about how the workplace will change for future generations.
4/8Part 4: one image and three questions
In Part 4 you are shown one image and asked three questions. You have one minute to prepare your notes and two minutes to speak, in one go. When the preparation ends, the examiner tells you and you start speaking.
·End of the mock exam
When the mock exam ends, go over your recordings part by part. Below you have commented model answers for each part to compare with your own.
5/8Model answers, Part 1: personal questions
The Part 1 model answers develop each personal question with detail and varied vocabulary. To talk about their neighbourhood, the model describes the place, the atmosphere and the people. To talk about a new hobby, it assesses it with two contrasts.
I live in a rather charming neighborhood, very close to the historic center.As for the people, it's predominantly families and older residents…It's proving to be incredibly challenging, but also immensely rewarding.
6/8Model answers, Part 2: a photo and an experience
The model describes the photo in three steps: the general picture (this photo clearly depicts a lively scene in what appears to be a primary school classroom), the foreground (in the foreground…) and what seems to be happening (what looks like a collaborative craft project). For what is not clear, it speculates: perhaps cutting, pasting…, although the specifics aren't entirely clear.
In the experience question, it tells a specific situation (I can immediately think of a time a couple of years ago when…), the problem, how they solved it (we made a conscious effort to ensure everyone's perspective was heard) and the result.
7/8Model answers, Part 3: comparing two photos
The answer contrasts the two images in one sequence: Photo A shows a very traditional classroom… In stark contrast, photo B presents a much more modern…. It closes with a nuance: That being said, both aim to foster knowledge, just through vastly different pedagogical paradigms.
In the question about technology and education, it presents both sides (However, on the other hand, it's not without its drawbacks) and concludes with an image: it's a double-edged sword.
8/8Model answers, Part 4: three questions
In Part 4 the model develops each answer: it gives its stance (I'd strongly argue that personal happiness undoubtedly matters more than career success), justifies it, concedes the other side (That being said, I wouldn't diminish…) and illustrates with an example (Let me think of an example…).
For the advice question it uses If I had to pick one piece of advice, I'd argue that…; to talk about the future it organises with Firstly… Secondly… Consequently… and closes with Overall, I'd venture to say that….
·Two tips for practising
The video ends with two tips: go back to it as many times as you like until the format feels like home, and practise yourself. Watching model answers is fine, but speaking, making mistakes and getting corrected is what raises your level.