Cambridge PET Exam Day and Speaking Tips

On test day basic rules

DO

• Look at the date, time, and location of the exam and the travel time to arrive.
• Arrive early.
• Bring your identification card.
• Relax!

DON’T

• Bring your phone or anything electronic inside the exam room.
• Speak to other candidates in the exam room.
• Bring food or drinks.

What to expect:

• Your identification will be checked.
• Be given a mark sheet – do not fold it.
• Follow any instructions that you are given.
• You can practice speaking (quietly) to other candidates while in the waiting area.
• In the room, there will be the interlocker, the assessor, and the other candidate(s).
• You will be given an equal amount of time to speak.
• If the interlocker interrupts you, don’t worry!  This means you have spoken for the entire section.

Speaking Part Tips

DO

• Listen carefully to the instructions and questions.
• Speak loud and clear to be understood well.
• Be sure to use every opportunity to speak.
• Start the discussion with your partner and always respond to what they say.

DON’T

• Memorize your answers.
• Interrupt your partner when they are speaking.
• Have long pauses between speaking.
• Never be scared or nervous to ask for the interlocker or your partner to repeat themselves.

There are 4 parts to the speaking paper.  Although it may seem strange, it is recommended that you practice before the exam by recording yourself completing an entire speaking paper and then listening to the recording.  You will be surprised at how well you did, and you will hear some of the errors you make.

Part 1

Questions about your past, present, and future will be asked.  Always answer in full sentences, not a few words.

Part 2

You and your partner will be given a situation and various photographs.  You will discuss the situation and the photographs and come to an agreement at the end.  Always keep the conversation going, be active in the discussion!

Part 3

Here, you and your partner will each be given a photograph.  They will be different but have the same theme.  Speak for as long as possible.  It is good if the interlocker stops you!  Be sure to describe the picture, refer to different features of the picture, and speculate.

Part 4

Again, you will speak with your partner.  Generally, part 4 is an extension of the given theme in part 3.   Speak with your partner!  This is important.  The interlocker wants to see and hear that you can maintain a conversation in English.  Giving opinions and personal experiences is a must.

Topics for the PET exam include:

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