C2 Proficiency Module 5: Speaking
C2 Proficiency Speaking Test
The C2 Proficiency Speaking test is designed to assess a wide range of speaking skills, including fluency, coherence, vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and interactive communication. The test is conducted in pairs, with two candidates and two examiners. It consists of four parts and lasts approximately 16 minutes.
Part 1: Interview (2 minutes)
In this part, the examiner asks each candidate a few questions about themselves. This part is designed to put the candidates at ease and to give them the opportunity to talk about familiar topics.
Example Questions:
- Can you tell me a little about your job or studies?
- What do you like to do in your free time?
- Have you ever traveled to another country? Where did you go?
- What are your future plans or ambitions?
- Do you prefer living in the city or the countryside? Why?
Part 2: Individual Long Turn
Advanced Topic: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Society
Instructions:
- Each candidate will be given a task card with a topic.
- Candidates will have 1 minute to prepare and 2 minutes to speak about their topic.
- After the first candidate finishes, the second candidate will respond briefly, and vice versa.
Task Card for Candidate A:
- Discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of artificial intelligence in healthcare.
- How can AI improve patient outcomes?
- What ethical considerations should be taken into account?
- To what extent do you think AI will replace human roles in healthcare?
Candidate A speaks for 2 minutes.
Examiner to Candidate B:
- [Candidate B], what do you think about the role of AI in healthcare?
- Do you agree with [Candidate A]’s views on the potential drawbacks?
Candidate B responds for 1 minute.
Task Card for Candidate B:
- Evaluate the influence of artificial intelligence on the job market.
- Which industries are most likely to be affected by AI?
- How can workers adapt to changes brought by AI?
- What measures should governments take to manage the transition?
Candidate B speaks for 2 minutes.
Examiner to Candidate A:
- [Candidate A], how do you feel about the impact of AI on job opportunities?
- Do you agree with [Candidate B]’s suggestions for government intervention?
Candidate A responds for 1 minute.
Part 3: Collaborative Task
Advanced Topic: Balancing Technological Advancements and Human Values
Material Needed:
- Pictures depicting various aspects of technology in society (e.g., AI in healthcare, robots in manufacturing, virtual classrooms, etc.)
- Stopwatch or timer
Instructions:
- Candidates will discuss the topic together for about 3 minutes.
- They will analyze the pictures and talk about how to balance technological advancements with maintaining human values.
Pictures:
- A robot performing surgery in a hospital.
- An automated factory with minimal human presence.
- Students attending a virtual reality classroom.
- An elderly person using a digital assistant at home.
Discussion Points:
- How can society ensure that technological advancements benefit everyone?
- What are the potential risks of relying too much on technology?
- How can we maintain ethical standards in the face of rapid technological change?
- What role do human values play in the development and implementation of new technologies?
Candidates discuss the pictures and the topic for 3 minutes.
Part 4: Discussion
Advanced Topic: The Future of Work and Society
Instructions:
- This part of the test involves a discussion between the examiner and the candidates on a broader topic related to the themes explored in Part 3.
- The examiner will ask questions to both candidates, encouraging a deeper exploration of the topic.
- Candidates are expected to interact with each other as well as respond to the examiner.
Discussion Questions:
- Examiner: Let’s talk about the future of work. How do you think remote work will evolve in the next decade?
- Follow-up Prompt to Candidate A: What advantages and disadvantages do you foresee for employees and employers with the rise of remote work?
- Candidate A responds.
- Examiner:
- Follow-up Prompt to Candidate B: Do you agree with [Candidate A]’s perspective? Why or why not?
- Candidate B responds.
- Examiner: As artificial intelligence continues to develop, what impact do you think it will have on the nature of work and employment?
- Follow-up Prompt to Candidate B: What skills do you think will become essential for future workers to stay relevant in the job market?
- Candidate B responds.
- Examiner:
- Follow-up Prompt to Candidate A: Do you think the education system is currently preparing students adequately for these future challenges? Why or why not?
- Candidate A responds.
- Examiner: Ethical considerations are becoming increasingly important in technology. What ethical issues do you think need to be addressed as AI and automation become more prevalent?
- Follow-up Prompt to Candidate A: How can companies ensure that they use AI responsibly and ethically?
- Candidate A responds.
- Examiner:
- Follow-up Prompt to Candidate B: What role should governments play in regulating AI and protecting workers’ rights?
- Candidate B responds.
- Examiner: Let’s discuss the social implications of technological advancements. How do you think society can balance technological progress with maintaining human values and social cohesion?
- Follow-up Prompt to Candidate B: Can you think of any historical examples where technological progress led to significant social change? What can we learn from these examples?
- Candidate B responds.
- Examiner:
- Follow-up Prompt to Candidate A: How can individuals adapt to ensure they benefit from technological advancements rather than being left behind?
- Candidate A responds.
- Examiner: Lastly, what do you think is the most important factor for ensuring a positive future where technology and society coexist harmoniously?
- Open the floor for both candidates to share their thoughts and discuss with each other.
Discussion Flow:
- Candidate Interaction: Encourage candidates to interact with each other during their responses. They can agree, disagree, build upon each other’s points, or provide contrasting perspectives.
- Examiner’s Role: The examiner should facilitate the discussion, ensuring that both candidates have equal opportunities to speak and encouraging deeper exploration of the topic.
- Time Management: Allocate around 4-5 minutes for this part, ensuring a balanced discussion without rushing or dragging the conversation.
Tips for Candidates
- Be Prepared: Think about the broader implications of the topics discussed in earlier parts and be ready to expand on them.
- Engage Actively: Listen to your partner’s points and respond thoughtfully. Build on their ideas or present alternative viewpoints.
- Use Advanced Vocabulary: Demonstrate your C2 level proficiency by using a wide range of vocabulary and complex structures.
- Stay Focused: Keep your responses relevant to the questions and try to add insightful commentary or examples.
- Show Critical Thinking: Analyze the questions deeply and provide well-reasoned arguments supported by examples or evidence.