CAE SPEAKING
1
Part 1
What has been your biggest achievement so far?
How do you usually deal with disappointment?
Tell me about something you found difficult to learn.
What would you consider to be success in your future career?
Do you think making mistakes is important for learning? Why/why not?
Part 2
A. The photographs show people experiencing different kinds of success. Compare two
of the photographs, and say what different kinds of success these people might be
experiencing, and how they might be feeling.
Which of these achievements do you think would be most meaningful to you personally? Why?
B. The photographs show people dealing with different kinds of setbacks. Compare two of
the photographs, and say what difficulties these people might be facing, and how they might
overcome them.
Which problem is the most difficult to solve?
Part 3
Here are some factors that can contribute to success in life. Talk to each other about how
important each of these factors might be for achieving success.
• natural talent
• hard work
• education
• connections
• luck
Decide which two factors you think are the most important for success.
Part 4
• Some people say we learn more from failure than from success. What do you think?
• How has the definition of success changed in recent years?
• Do you think there's too much emphasis on academic qualifications in society?
• What role does failure play in innovation and progress?
• Is competition always helpful for achieving success?
• How can we help others deal with failure?
2
Part 1
What's your neighbourhood like?
Would you prefer to live in the city centre or the suburbs? Why?
How has your local area changed in recent years?
What's the best thing about living where you do?
Do you think your city is a good place for young people? Why/why not?
Part 2
A. The photographs show different aspects of city life. Compare two of the photographs,
and say what challenges people might face in these urban situations, and how they
might deal with them.
Which of these urban situations would you find most challenging to deal with? Why?
B. The photographs show different ways people spend their leisure time in cities. Compare two
of the photographs, and say what these people might be enjoying about these activities, and
why they've chosen them.
Part 3
Here are some initiatives that cities might implement to improve quality of life. Talk to each other
about how effective these different measures might be.
• car-free zones
• community gardens
• public art projects
• free public transport
• night markets
Decide which two initiatives would have the most positive impact on city life.
Part 4
• How is technology changing the way we live in cities?
• Do you think cities will become more or less important in the future?
• What can be done to make cities more suitable for elderly people?
• Some people say cities are becoming too similar. What do you think?
• How important is it for cities to maintain their historical buildings?
• What makes a city a good place to raise children?
3
Part 1
Do you think the rules at your workplace or institution are fair? Why/why not?
Tell me about a time when you experienced unfair treatment.
What makes a good leader in your opinion?
How do people in your country typically resolve disputes?
Do you think social media has made society fairer? Why/why not?
Part 2
A. The photographs show different situations involving fairness and justice. Compare
two of the photographs, and say what issues of fairness these situations might raise,
and how the people might be feeling.
Which of these situations do you think would be the most challenging to handle fairly?
Why?
B. The photographs show different ways people are working for social justice. Compare two
of the photographs, and say what these people might be trying to achieve, and how effective
their actions might be.
Which of these approaches to creating change do you think is most effective? Why?
Part 3
Here are some ways society tries to ensure fairness. Talk to each other about how effective these
different methods might be.
• equal opportunities laws
• progressive taxation
• free education
• quotas
• universal healthcare
Which two methods you think are most important for creating a fair society.
Part 4
Is it possible to create a completely fair society?
How has social media affected people's sense of justice?
Should justice systems focus more on punishment or rehabilitation?
What role should education play in promoting fairness?
How can societies balance individual rights with collective needs?
Do you think future generations will live in a fairer world?
4
Part 1
What do you find beautiful about where you live?
Do you have a favourite building or piece of architecture? Why do you like it?
Has your idea of beauty changed as you've grown older?
What makes something beautiful to you?
Do you think beautiful things are always expensive?
Part 2
A. The photographs show different interpretations of beauty in nature. Compare two of
the photographs, and say why people might find these scenes beautiful, and what
effect they might have on people.
Which of these natural settings would you find most inspiring? Why?
B. The photographs show different ways people create or interact with beauty. Compare
two of the photographs, and say what these people might get from these experiences,
and why they might value them.
Which of these ways of experiencing beauty appeals to you most? Why?
Part 3
Here are some ways that beauty might influence our lives. Talk to each other about how these
different aspects might affect people's wellbeing and behaviour.
• beautiful surroundings
• personal appearance
• artistic expression
• natural aesthetics
• design in everyday objects
Decide which two aspects have the greatest impact on people's daily lives.
Part 4
• How have social media and filters changed our perception of beauty?
• Should governments invest in making public spaces more beautiful?
• Is there such a thing as universal beauty?
• Why do different cultures have different ideas about what's beautiful?
• Has modern life made us less appreciative of beauty?
• Should aesthetic appreciation be part of education?