CAE Speaking Part 2 sample questions with answers. If you want to print them or save in PDF, click the red icon at the bottom of this page.
Examiner: Here are your pictures, they show people at work. I’d like you to compare two of the pictures and say what might be the challenges that people face while working and whether they enjoy what they do.
- What might be the challenges that the people have to face while working?
- Do they enjoy what they do?
Candidate A: Both of the top pictures display people performing their duties, however the tasks that they have to deal with and the associated challenges are drastically different. While the firefighters put their lives at risk almost everyday because they have to work in extremely dangerous environments, the seamstress working with sewing machines face a challenge of different kind. Because of the natural repetitiveness of this type of work, they are likely to grow bored and even disillusioned with their job.
Whether people shown in both pictures actually enjoy what they do can only be guessed. They might not enjoy it and carry on doing it to put the food on the table, or they may be in love with what they do, it is very hard to tell from either of the photos.
Examiner: which picture shows work that is most beneficial to society?
Candidate B: I’m tempted to say it’s the firemen’s job, but to be honest the job of a tailor is as, if not more, important. I mean, if it wasn’t for these ladies, we wouldn’t have any clothes to wear, we’d all freeze to death! But in all seriousness, the importance of such seemingly mundane occupations shouldn’t be underestimated.
Examiner: Here are your pictures, in which you can see people celebrating something. I’d like you to compare two of the pictures and say what might they be celebrating and how they might be feeling.
- What might the people be celebrating?
- How might they be feeling?
Candidate B: The group of grown-ups in the bottom picture, just like the younger people in the top right photo, seem to be overjoyed by something. It seems to be quite clear that the team from the top-right photograph have just won something, probably the match or even the whole championship. They must be feeling fantastic in this moment – they say that winning a sporting competition is one of the greater joys one can experience.
The bottom photo however is not as straightforward – they look like they are reading some very positive news, maybe something to do with their jobs. One thing is sure though – they are elated, overfilled with positive emotions.
Examiner: in which situation the feeling of happiness is going to last the longest?
Candidate B: I would say that it’s the bottom picture. The cause for being happy is sure to have a more long-lasting effect on their careers, and consequently, their lives. It might help them to become more comfortable financially, and they are likely to remember this moment with great fondness.
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