Expresión oral, parte 1: presentación y entrevista
Expresión oral
Part 1: your home and your town
Part 1: answer the examiner's questions about yourself and familiar topics. Give short, natural answers with a reason or an example.Parte 1: responde a las preguntas del examinador sobre ti y sobre temas cotidianos. Da respuestas cortas y naturales, con un motivo o un ejemplo.
The examiner asks you some questions about yourself and familiar topics. Answer each question in two or three sentences, with a reason, an example or a detail.
Parte 1: el examinador te pregunta por tu casa y tu ciudad. Responde con dos o tres frases, con un motivo o un ejemplo.
- Do you live in a house or a flat?
- What do you like most about the area where you live?
- Is there anything you would like to change about your home?
- Has your hometown changed much since you were a child?
- Would you like to live somewhere else in the future?
hasta 5 minutos
Revisa tu respuesta oral
- I answer the question directly in my first sentence.Respondo a la pregunta directamente en la primera frase.
- I add a reason, an example or a detail, so each answer is two or three sentences long.Añado un motivo, un ejemplo o un detalle, así que cada respuesta tiene dos o tres frases.
- I compare past and present when a question asks about change (When I was little … but now …).Comparo pasado y presente cuando la pregunta trata de un cambio (When I was little … but now …).
- I keep my answers short and natural; Part 1 is a conversation, not a speech.Doy respuestas cortas y naturales; la parte 1 es una conversación, no un discurso.
- I use the tense the question needs (present for habits, past or 'used to' for changes, 'would' for wishes).Uso el tiempo verbal que pide la pregunta (presente para hábitos, pasado o «used to» para cambios, «would» para deseos).
- If I do not know a word, I explain the idea in other words instead of stopping.Si no sé una palabra, explico la idea con otras palabras en lugar de pararme.
Expresiones útiles
- I live in a flat on the … floor.Vivo en un piso en la … planta.
- … is just round the corner.… está a la vuelta de la esquina.
- I'd love a bit more …, to be honest.La verdad, me encantaría tener un poco más de …
- When I was little, … but now …Cuando era pequeño/a, … pero ahora …
- It's been turned into …Lo han convertido en …
- I think I'd come back in the end, because …Creo que al final volvería, porque …
Ver la respuesta de ejemplo
Examiner: Do you live in a house or a flat?
Candidate: I live in a flat on the third floor of quite an old building, about ten minutes from the city centre. It's not very big, but it gets a lot of light in the mornings, which I really like.
Examiner: What do you like most about the area where you live?
Candidate: Probably the fact that everything is close by. There's a bakery, a small supermarket and a park just round the corner, so I hardly ever need the car at weekends.
Examiner: Is there anything you would like to change about your home?
Candidate: I'd love a bit more storage space, to be honest. At the moment my bike lives in the hallway, and I'm always walking into it when I come home in the dark.
Examiner: Has your hometown changed much since you were a child?
Candidate: Yes, quite a lot. When I was little, the old factory by the river was empty, but now it's been turned into flats and cafés. It's much livelier, although rents have gone up a lot.
Examiner: Would you like to live somewhere else in the future?
Candidate: Maybe for a few years. I'd like to try living by the sea at some point, but I think I'd come back here in the end, because my family and most of my friends are here.
Respuesta de ejemplo: 223 palabras
Expresión oral
Part 1: work or studies and your daily routine
Part 1: answer the examiner's questions about yourself and familiar topics. Give short, natural answers with a reason or an example.Parte 1: responde a las preguntas del examinador sobre ti y sobre temas cotidianos. Da respuestas cortas y naturales, con un motivo o un ejemplo.
The examiner asks you some questions about yourself and familiar topics. Answer each question in two or three sentences, with a reason, an example or a detail.
Parte 1: preguntas sobre tu trabajo o tus estudios y tu rutina diaria. Responde con dos o tres frases.
- Do you work or are you a student?
- What do you find most interesting about your work or studies?
- Is your daily routine usually the same?
- What part of the day do you like best?
- Would you like to change anything about your routine?
hasta 5 minutos
Revisa tu respuesta oral
- I answer the question directly in my first sentence.Respondo a la pregunta directamente en la primera frase.
- I add a reason, an example or a detail, so each answer is two or three sentences long.Añado un motivo, un ejemplo o un detalle, así que cada respuesta tiene dos o tres frases.
- If I talk about work, I say what I actually do there, not just my job title.Si hablo de mi trabajo, digo lo que hago realmente, no solo el nombre del puesto.
- I keep my answers short and natural; Part 1 is a conversation, not a speech.Doy respuestas cortas y naturales; la parte 1 es una conversación, no un discurso.
- I use the tense the question needs (present for habits, past or 'used to' for changes, 'would' for wishes).Uso el tiempo verbal que pide la pregunta (presente para hábitos, pasado o «used to» para cambios, «would» para deseos).
- If I do not know a word, I explain the idea in other words instead of stopping.Si no sé una palabra, explico la idea con otras palabras en lugar de pararme.
Expresiones útiles
- I'm working at the moment. / I'm studying …Ahora mismo trabajo. / Estudio …
- I spend most of the day …ingPaso la mayor parte del día …ndo
- I like the … side of it.Me gusta la parte de …
- It turned out to be …Resultó ser …
- On weekdays, pretty much. Weekends are different, though.Entre semana, más o menos. Los fines de semana son distintos.
- I'd like to … more / less.Me gustaría … más / menos.
Ver la respuesta de ejemplo
Examiner: Do you work or are you a student?
Candidate: I'm working at the moment. I'm a lab technician at a company that tests food products, so I spend most of the day checking samples and recording the results.
Examiner: What do you find most interesting about your work?
Candidate: I like the problem-solving side of it. Sometimes a result looks strange and we have to work out whether it's the product or the equipment. Last month it turned out to be a faulty fridge, which was quite satisfying to discover.
Examiner: Is your daily routine usually the same?
Candidate: On weekdays, pretty much. I get up at half past six, cycle to work and finish around four. Weekends are completely different, though – I try not to plan anything before ten.
Examiner: What part of the day do you like best?
Candidate: The early evening. Work's finished, I've usually been for a run or done the shopping, and I can just cook something and relax for a bit.
Examiner: Would you like to change anything about your routine?
Candidate: I'd like to get more sleep! I often stay up too late reading or watching something, and then I regret it when the alarm goes off.
Respuesta de ejemplo: 195 palabras
Expresión oral
Part 1: free time and reading
Part 1: answer the examiner's questions about yourself and familiar topics. Give short, natural answers with a reason or an example.Parte 1: responde a las preguntas del examinador sobre ti y sobre temas cotidianos. Da respuestas cortas y naturales, con un motivo o un ejemplo.
The examiner asks you some questions about yourself and familiar topics. Answer each question in two or three sentences, with a reason, an example or a detail.
Parte 1: preguntas sobre tu tiempo libre y la lectura. Responde con dos o tres frases, con un ejemplo.
- What do you like doing in your free time?
- Did you have the same hobbies when you were a child?
- What kinds of things do you like reading?
- Do you prefer reading on paper or on a screen?
- Do you think people read less now than in the past?
hasta 5 minutos
Revisa tu respuesta oral
- I answer the question directly in my first sentence.Respondo a la pregunta directamente en la primera frase.
- I add a reason, an example or a detail, so each answer is two or three sentences long.Añado un motivo, un ejemplo o un detalle, así que cada respuesta tiene dos o tres frases.
- When I give a preference, I also mention an exception (For books, paper. For news, though, …).Cuando doy una preferencia, menciono también una excepción (For books, paper. For news, though, …).
- I keep my answers short and natural; Part 1 is a conversation, not a speech.Doy respuestas cortas y naturales; la parte 1 es una conversación, no un discurso.
- I use the tense the question needs (present for habits, past or 'used to' for changes, 'would' for wishes).Uso el tiempo verbal que pide la pregunta (presente para hábitos, pasado o «used to» para cambios, «would» para deseos).
- If I do not know a word, I explain the idea in other words instead of stopping.Si no sé una palabra, explico la idea con otras palabras en lugar de pararme.
Expresiones útiles
- It's a good way to …Es una buena forma de …
- As a kid, I was much more into …De pequeño/a me gustaba mucho más …
- Mostly …, if I'm honest.Sobre todo …, si te soy sincero/a.
- For …, definitely … For …, though, …Para …, sin duda … Para …, en cambio, …
- I'm not sure they …, but …No estoy seguro/a de que …, pero …
- I find it easier to concentrate.Me resulta más fácil concentrarme.
Ver la respuesta de ejemplo
Examiner: What do you like doing in your free time?
Candidate: I play basketball with a group of friends twice a week. It's not very serious, but it's a good way to forget about work, and we usually go for something to eat afterwards.
Examiner: Did you have the same hobbies when you were a child?
Candidate: Not really. As a kid I was much more into drawing and building model planes. I only started playing basketball at university, when a flatmate persuaded me to join a team.
Examiner: What kinds of things do you like reading?
Candidate: Mostly articles on my phone, if I'm honest – things about science or travel. I do read novels too, but usually only on holiday, when I've got time to get properly into a story.
Examiner: Do you prefer reading on paper or on a screen?
Candidate: For books, definitely paper. I find it easier to concentrate, and I like being able to see how much I've got left. For news, though, a screen is more practical.
Examiner: Do you think people read less now than in the past?
Candidate: I'm not sure they read less, but they read differently. People read all the time on their phones – messages, posts, short articles – but maybe fewer people sit down with a long book.
Respuesta de ejemplo: 208 palabras
Expresión oral
Part 1: getting around and the weather
Part 1: answer the examiner's questions about yourself and familiar topics. Give short, natural answers with a reason or an example.Parte 1: responde a las preguntas del examinador sobre ti y sobre temas cotidianos. Da respuestas cortas y naturales, con un motivo o un ejemplo.
The examiner asks you some questions about yourself and familiar topics. Answer each question in two or three sentences, with a reason, an example or a detail.
Parte 1: preguntas sobre cómo te desplazas y sobre el tiempo. Responde con dos o tres frases.
- How do you usually travel to work or college?
- Is public transport good where you live?
- What kind of weather do you like best?
- Does the weather ever change your plans?
hasta 5 minutos
Revisa tu respuesta oral
- I answer the question directly in my first sentence.Respondo a la pregunta directamente en la primera frase.
- I add a reason, an example or a detail, so each answer is two or three sentences long.Añado un motivo, un ejemplo o un detalle, así que cada respuesta tiene dos o tres frases.
- I give a short real example when I can (Last Saturday we were planning …).Cuando puedo, doy un ejemplo real y breve (Last Saturday we were planning …).
- I keep my answers short and natural; Part 1 is a conversation, not a speech.Doy respuestas cortas y naturales; la parte 1 es una conversación, no un discurso.
- I use the tense the question needs (present for habits, past or 'used to' for changes, 'would' for wishes).Uso el tiempo verbal que pide la pregunta (presente para hábitos, pasado o «used to» para cambios, «would» para deseos).
- If I do not know a word, I explain the idea in other words instead of stopping.Si no sé una palabra, explico la idea con otras palabras en lugar de pararme.
Expresiones útiles
- By tram, mostly.Casi siempre en tranvía.
- It takes about twenty minutes.Se tarda unos veinte minutos.
- It's fairly good in the centre, but further out …En el centro está bastante bien, pero más lejos …
- I can't stand …No soporto …
- We ended up …ing instead.Al final acabamos …ndo.
- I hardly ever have to …Casi nunca tengo que …
Ver la respuesta de ejemplo
Examiner: How do you usually travel to work or college?
Candidate: By tram, mostly. There's a stop right outside my building and it takes about twenty minutes. If it's a nice day, I sometimes walk part of the way instead.
Examiner: Is public transport good where you live?
Candidate: It's fairly good in the centre. The trams are frequent and quite cheap if you buy a monthly pass. But further out, the buses only come every half hour, so most people there drive.
Examiner: What kind of weather do you like best?
Candidate: I like it when it's cool and sunny, like in early autumn. Really hot weather makes me tired, and I can't stand days when it's grey and drizzly for hours.
Examiner: Does the weather ever change your plans?
Candidate: Quite often, actually. Last Saturday we were planning a picnic, but it poured all morning, so we ended up going to the cinema instead. In summer, though, I hardly ever have to cancel anything.
Respuesta de ejemplo: 158 palabras
Expresión oral, parte 2: turno largo (tarjeta de tema)
Expresión oral
Part 2: a person who taught you a practical skill
Part 2: read the task card, prepare for one minute (you may make notes), then talk for up to two minutes and cover every point.Parte 2: lee la tarjeta, prepárate un minuto (puedes tomar notas) y luego habla hasta dos minutos tratando todos los puntos.
Read the task card. You have one minute to prepare and you may make notes. Then talk about the topic for up to two minutes. The examiner may ask one or two short questions when you finish.
Parte 2: describe a una persona que te enseñó una habilidad práctica fuera de la escuela. Un minuto de preparación y luego habla hasta dos minutos.
Describe a person who taught you a practical skill outside school.
You should say:
• who the person is
• what skill they taught you
• how they taught it
and explain why you remember their help.
hasta 2 minutos · 1 minuto de preparación
Revisa tu respuesta oral
- I use the minute of preparation to note a few key words, not full sentences.Uso el minuto de preparación para anotar unas palabras clave, no frases completas.
- I cover every point on the card, including the 'explain' point at the end.Trato todos los puntos de la tarjeta, también el punto «explain» del final.
- I tell one story in detail instead of listing many short facts.Cuento una sola historia con detalle en lugar de enumerar muchos datos sueltos.
- My talk has a clear order (at first, after that, in the end) and one or two specific details.Mi charla tiene un orden claro (at first, after that, in the end) y uno o dos detalles concretos.
- I keep talking for close to two minutes; if I finish early, I add another detail or example.Hablo casi dos minutos; si termino antes, añado otro detalle u otro ejemplo.
- I use past tenses accurately when I describe what happened.Uso bien los tiempos del pasado cuando cuento lo que pasó.
- I sound natural: I speak from my notes and do not recite a learned text.Hablo con naturalidad a partir de mis notas, sin recitar un texto aprendido.
Expresiones útiles
- I'd like to talk about …Me gustaría hablar de …
- It started because …Todo empezó porque …
- He'd explain something once and then let me get on with it.Me lo explicaba una vez y luego me dejaba hacerlo.
- By the end, …Al final, …
- The reason I remember him so well is that …Lo recuerdo tan bien porque …
- … and that's really thanks to him.… y eso es realmente gracias a él.
Ver la respuesta de ejemplo
I'd like to talk about my old neighbour, Mr Kowalski, who taught me how to repair bikes when I was about fourteen. He was retired, and he spent most afternoons in his garage, fixing bikes for half the children on our street.
It started because my bike had a flat tyre and I had no idea what to do. My parents weren't very practical, so I wheeled it over to his garage, hoping he'd just fix it for me. Instead, he handed me the tools and said, 'You do it, I'll watch.' I remember feeling quite annoyed at first, because it took me nearly an hour.
After that, I kept going back. He never really gave lessons as such. He'd explain something once, show me the first step and then let me get on with it, even when he could see I was about to make a mistake. If I got something wrong – like putting the chain back on the wrong way – he'd just ask, 'So, what happened there?' and wait until I worked it out myself.
Over that summer I learned how to change tyres, adjust the brakes and gears, and even rebuild a wheel. By the end, other kids were bringing their bikes to me.
I think the reason I remember him so well is that he trusted me to do things properly. Most adults either did things for me or told me exactly what to do, but he let me struggle a bit, and that made me much more confident. Even now, when I'm learning something new at work, I try to have a go myself before I ask for help, and that's really thanks to him.
Respuesta de ejemplo: 280 palabras
Expresión oral
Part 2: a place you would like to visit again
Part 2: read the task card, prepare for one minute (you may make notes), then talk for up to two minutes and cover every point.Parte 2: lee la tarjeta, prepárate un minuto (puedes tomar notas) y luego habla hasta dos minutos tratando todos los puntos.
Read the task card. You have one minute to prepare and you may make notes. Then talk about the topic for up to two minutes. The examiner may ask one or two short questions when you finish.
Parte 2: describe un lugar que visitaste por primera vez y al que te gustaría volver. Un minuto de preparación y luego hasta dos minutos.
Describe a place you visited for the first time and would like to visit again.
You should say:
• where it is
• when and why you went there
• what you did there
and explain why you would like to go back.
hasta 2 minutos · 1 minuto de preparación
Revisa tu respuesta oral
- I use the minute of preparation to note a few key words, not full sentences.Uso el minuto de preparación para anotar unas palabras clave, no frases completas.
- I cover every point on the card, including the 'explain' point at the end.Trato todos los puntos de la tarjeta, también el punto «explain» del final.
- I give my reasons for going back in a clear order (First, … Second, … And finally, …).Doy mis motivos para volver en un orden claro (First, … Second, … And finally, …).
- My talk has a clear order (at first, after that, in the end) and one or two specific details.Mi charla tiene un orden claro (at first, after that, in the end) y uno o dos detalles concretos.
- I keep talking for close to two minutes; if I finish early, I add another detail or example.Hablo casi dos minutos; si termino antes, añado otro detalle u otro ejemplo.
- I use past tenses accurately when I describe what happened.Uso bien los tiempos del pasado cuando cuento lo que pasó.
- I sound natural: I speak from my notes and do not recite a learned text.Hablo con naturalidad a partir de mis notas, sin recitar un texto aprendido.
Expresiones útiles
- The place I'm going to describe is …El lugar que voy a describir es …
- There isn't much there, really – just …La verdad es que no hay mucho – solo …
- We ended up chatting with …Acabamos charlando con …
- Strangely, that's one of my favourite memories.Curiosamente, es uno de mis recuerdos favoritos.
- I'd really like to go back, for a few reasons.Me gustaría mucho volver, por varios motivos.
- First, … Second, … And finally, …Primero, … Segundo, … Y por último, …
Ver la respuesta de ejemplo
The place I'm going to describe is a small island off the coast, about two hours by ferry from where I grew up. I went there for the first time three summers ago with two friends from university. We'd just finished our exams and wanted somewhere cheap and quiet to relax for a few days.
There isn't much there, really – one village, a couple of small beaches and a lighthouse at the northern end. There are hardly any cars, so people get around by bike or on foot. We stayed in a family-run guesthouse, and the owner cooked dinner for all the guests every evening, so we ended up chatting with people from all over the place.
Most days we just hired bikes and went exploring. On the second day we cycled up to the lighthouse, which was much further than it looked on the map, and we got completely soaked in a sudden shower on the way back. Strangely, that's one of my favourite memories of the whole trip. We also went swimming every morning, although the water was freezing, even in July.
I'd really like to go back, for a few reasons. First, it was one of the few times I've been somewhere and not looked at my phone for days, and I felt incredibly relaxed afterwards. Second, we only saw about half of the island, so I'd like to walk the coastal path on the western side, which the guesthouse owner kept recommending. And finally, I'd love to go out of season, maybe in October, to see what it's like when it's even quieter and the weather's wilder.
Respuesta de ejemplo: 271 palabras
Expresión oral
Part 2: an everyday object you need
Part 2: read the task card, prepare for one minute (you may make notes), then talk for up to two minutes and cover every point.Parte 2: lee la tarjeta, prepárate un minuto (puedes tomar notas) y luego habla hasta dos minutos tratando todos los puntos.
Read the task card. You have one minute to prepare and you may make notes. Then talk about the topic for up to two minutes. The examiner may ask one or two short questions when you finish.
Parte 2: describe un objeto cotidiano sin el que te costaría arreglártelas. Un minuto de preparación y luego hasta dos minutos.
Describe an everyday object that you would find it hard to manage without.
You should say:
• what it is
• how long you have had it
• how you use it
and explain why it is important to you.
hasta 2 minutos · 1 minuto de preparación
Revisa tu respuesta oral
- I use the minute of preparation to note a few key words, not full sentences.Uso el minuto de preparación para anotar unas palabras clave, no frases completas.
- I cover every point on the card, including the 'explain' point at the end.Trato todos los puntos de la tarjeta, también el punto «explain» del final.
- I explain how I use the object in real situations, not only what it looks like.Explico cómo uso el objeto en situaciones reales, no solo cómo es.
- My talk has a clear order (at first, after that, in the end) and one or two specific details.Mi charla tiene un orden claro (at first, after that, in the end) y uno o dos detalles concretos.
- I keep talking for close to two minutes; if I finish early, I add another detail or example.Hablo casi dos minutos; si termino antes, añado otro detalle u otro ejemplo.
- I use past tenses accurately when I describe what happened.Uso bien los tiempos del pasado cuando cuento lo que pasó.
- I sound natural: I speak from my notes and do not recite a learned text.Hablo con naturalidad a partir de mis notas, sin recitar un texto aprendido.
Expresiones útiles
- I'm going to talk about something quite ordinary: …Voy a hablar de algo bastante normal: …
- I honestly don't think I'd cope without it.Sinceramente, no creo que pudiera arreglármelas sin él.
- I use it for everything.Lo uso para todo.
- The reason it matters so much is partly practical.Es tan importante en parte por motivos prácticos.
- But it's also a bit sentimental.Pero también tiene algo sentimental.
- If I lost it, I'd be …Si lo perdiera, estaría …
Ver la respuesta de ejemplo
I'm going to talk about something quite ordinary: a small paper diary that I carry around with me. I know most people use their phones for this, but I've had a paper diary every year since I started secondary school, and I honestly don't think I'd cope without one.
The current one is dark green, about the size of my hand, and it's already looking a bit battered, because it goes everywhere with me in my bag. My sister gives me a new one every December, so I've had this one since last Christmas. It's become a sort of family tradition.
I use it for everything. On the left-hand page I write appointments and deadlines, and on the right I make to-do lists for the week. I also jot down random things – a book someone's recommended, a phone number, or an idea for a present. Every Sunday evening I sit down with it for ten minutes and plan the week ahead, which sounds a bit boring, but it really helps me feel organised.
The reason it matters so much is partly practical. I've got a job and I'm also doing an evening course, so there's a lot to keep track of, and when I write something down by hand, I actually remember it. With phone reminders, I tend to just swipe them away and forget about them.
But it's also a bit sentimental. I've kept all my old diaries in a box, and sometimes I flick through them. They're a bit like a record of my life – what I was worried about, who I was meeting, what I was looking forward to. So if I lost the current one, I'd be annoyed about the appointments, but I'd be even more upset about losing that little piece of my year.
Respuesta de ejemplo: 299 palabras
Expresión oral
Part 2: a skill that took longer to learn than expected
Part 2: read the task card, prepare for one minute (you may make notes), then talk for up to two minutes and cover every point.Parte 2: lee la tarjeta, prepárate un minuto (puedes tomar notas) y luego habla hasta dos minutos tratando todos los puntos.
Read the task card. You have one minute to prepare and you may make notes. Then talk about the topic for up to two minutes. The examiner may ask one or two short questions when you finish.
Parte 2: describe una habilidad que te costó aprender más de lo que esperabas. Un minuto de preparación y luego hasta dos minutos.
Describe a skill that took you longer to learn than you expected.
You should say:
• what the skill is
• why you wanted to learn it
• what made it difficult
and explain how you feel about it now.
hasta 2 minutos · 1 minuto de preparación
Revisa tu respuesta oral
- I use the minute of preparation to note a few key words, not full sentences.Uso el minuto de preparación para anotar unas palabras clave, no frases completas.
- I cover every point on the card, including the 'explain' point at the end.Trato todos los puntos de la tarjeta, también el punto «explain» del final.
- I contrast what I expected with what really happened (I thought … In reality, …).Contrasto lo que esperaba con lo que pasó de verdad (I thought … In reality, …).
- My talk has a clear order (at first, after that, in the end) and one or two specific details.Mi charla tiene un orden claro (at first, after that, in the end) y uno o dos detalles concretos.
- I keep talking for close to two minutes; if I finish early, I add another detail or example.Hablo casi dos minutos; si termino antes, añado otro detalle u otro ejemplo.
- I use past tenses accurately when I describe what happened.Uso bien los tiempos del pasado cuando cuento lo que pasó.
- I sound natural: I speak from my notes and do not recite a learned text.Hablo con naturalidad a partir de mis notas, sin recitar un texto aprendido.
Expresiones útiles
- The skill I want to talk about is …La habilidad de la que quiero hablar es …
- I honestly thought it would take …Sinceramente, pensaba que me llevaría …
- In reality, …En realidad, …
- The hardest part was …Lo más difícil fue …
- What finally made the difference was …Lo que al final marcó la diferencia fue …
- Looking back, I'm actually glad that …Mirando atrás, en realidad me alegro de que …
Ver la respuesta de ejemplo
The skill I want to talk about is swimming front crawl properly. I could swim when I was a child, but only a sort of slow breaststroke with my head out of the water. About two years ago, a colleague persuaded me to sign up for a charity triathlon, and I realised I'd need to swim four hundred metres without stopping, so I joined an adult class at the local pool.
I honestly thought it would take me a month or so. In reality, it was nearly a year before I felt comfortable. The hardest part was the breathing. Every time I turned my head to breathe, I either swallowed water or panicked and stopped. I remember the instructor telling me to relax, and thinking, that's easy to say when you're standing on the side!
What finally made the difference was slowing everything down. The instructor got me to practise just the breathing, holding onto the edge of the pool, over and over again. It felt a bit embarrassing, because there were teenagers swimming lengths right next to me. But after a few weeks it started to feel natural, and then I could gradually add the arms and legs back in.
In the end, I did the triathlon, although I was one of the last out of the water. Now I go swimming twice a week before work, and it's become one of my favourite ways to start the day.
Looking back, I'm actually glad it took so long. It showed me that being a beginner as an adult is uncomfortable but not impossible, and I think I'm more patient now when other people are struggling to learn something.
Respuesta de ejemplo: 279 palabras
Expresión oral
Part 2: a journey that did not go as planned
Part 2: read the task card, prepare for one minute (you may make notes), then talk for up to two minutes and cover every point.Parte 2: lee la tarjeta, prepárate un minuto (puedes tomar notas) y luego habla hasta dos minutos tratando todos los puntos.
Read the task card. You have one minute to prepare and you may make notes. Then talk about the topic for up to two minutes. The examiner may ask one or two short questions when you finish.
Parte 2: describe un viaje en el que algo no salió como estaba previsto. Un minuto de preparación y luego hasta dos minutos.
Describe a journey when something did not go as planned.
You should say:
• where you were going
• who you were with
• what went wrong
and explain how you feel about the journey now.
hasta 2 minutos · 1 minuto de preparación
Revisa tu respuesta oral
- I use the minute of preparation to note a few key words, not full sentences.Uso el minuto de preparación para anotar unas palabras clave, no frases completas.
- I cover every point on the card, including the 'explain' point at the end.Trato todos los puntos de la tarjeta, también el punto «explain» del final.
- I describe how my feelings changed between then and now (At the time … But now …).Describo cómo cambiaron mis sentimientos entre entonces y ahora (At the time … But now …).
- My talk has a clear order (at first, after that, in the end) and one or two specific details.Mi charla tiene un orden claro (at first, after that, in the end) y uno o dos detalles concretos.
- I keep talking for close to two minutes; if I finish early, I add another detail or example.Hablo casi dos minutos; si termino antes, añado otro detalle u otro ejemplo.
- I use past tenses accurately when I describe what happened.Uso bien los tiempos del pasado cuando cuento lo que pasó.
- I sound natural: I speak from my notes and do not recite a learned text.Hablo con naturalidad a partir de mis notas, sin recitar un texto aprendido.
Expresiones útiles
- The plan was simple: …El plan era sencillo: …
- Things started going wrong almost immediately.Las cosas empezaron a torcerse casi enseguida.
- … was held up because of …… se retrasó por …
- They suggested …ingPropusieron …
- At the time, it felt like a disaster.En ese momento parecía un desastre.
- I suppose it taught me that …Supongo que me enseñó que …
Ver la respuesta de ejemplo
I'm going to describe a train journey I made last winter with my mum. We were travelling to my cousin's wedding, which was in a small town in the mountains, about six hours away. The plan was simple: one train to the city, then a connection to the town, arriving the evening before the wedding.
Things started going wrong almost immediately. Our first train was held up for over an hour because of snow on the line, so of course we missed our connection. At the station there was a long queue at the information desk, and when we finally got to the front, we were told that the next train wasn't until the following morning, which would have been far too late.
My mum was quite stressed, but in the queue we'd started chatting to a young couple who were going to the same area. They suggested sharing a taxi, so the four of us split the cost. The driver was very cheerful and kept stopping to show us the views, even though it was getting dark. We arrived at our hotel just after midnight, completely exhausted, but in time for the wedding.
At the time, it felt like a disaster. We were tired and cold, and the taxi cost far more than the train tickets. But when I think about it now, I actually remember that journey more than the wedding itself. My mum and I still laugh about the driver singing along to the radio, and we've stayed in touch with the couple we met.
I suppose it taught me that when plans fall apart, it's worth talking to the people around you, because they might have a better idea than you do.
Respuesta de ejemplo: 286 palabras
Expresión oral
Part 2: a change to your daily habits
Part 2: read the task card, prepare for one minute (you may make notes), then talk for up to two minutes and cover every point.Parte 2: lee la tarjeta, prepárate un minuto (puedes tomar notas) y luego habla hasta dos minutos tratando todos los puntos.
Read the task card. You have one minute to prepare and you may make notes. Then talk about the topic for up to two minutes. The examiner may ask one or two short questions when you finish.
Parte 2: describe un cambio en tus hábitos diarios que funcionó bien. Un minuto de preparación y luego hasta dos minutos.
Describe a change you made to your daily habits that worked well.
You should say:
• what the change was
• why you decided to make it
• how easy or difficult it was
and explain how it has affected your life.
hasta 2 minutos · 1 minuto de preparación
Revisa tu respuesta oral
- I use the minute of preparation to note a few key words, not full sentences.Uso el minuto de preparación para anotar unas palabras clave, no frases completas.
- I cover every point on the card, including the 'explain' point at the end.Trato todos los puntos de la tarjeta, también el punto «explain» del final.
- I compare my life before and after the change with concrete details.Comparo mi vida antes y después del cambio con detalles concretos.
- My talk has a clear order (at first, after that, in the end) and one or two specific details.Mi charla tiene un orden claro (at first, after that, in the end) y uno o dos detalles concretos.
- I keep talking for close to two minutes; if I finish early, I add another detail or example.Hablo casi dos minutos; si termino antes, añado otro detalle u otro ejemplo.
- I use past tenses accurately when I describe what happened.Uso bien los tiempos del pasado cuando cuento lo que pasó.
- I sound natural: I speak from my notes and do not recite a learned text.Hablo con naturalidad a partir de mis notas, sin recitar un texto aprendido.
Expresiones útiles
- A change I made about a year ago is that …Un cambio que hice hace más o menos un año es que …
- The reason was quite simple: …El motivo era bastante sencillo: …
- I'd go to bed at … but then I'd …Me iba a la cama a las … pero luego …
- The first week was harder than I expected.La primera semana fue más difícil de lo que esperaba.
- After a few weeks, though, it became completely normal.Pero al cabo de unas semanas se volvió algo normal.
- It's a small change, but …Es un cambio pequeño, pero …
Ver la respuesta de ejemplo
A change I made about a year ago, which has worked surprisingly well, is that I stopped taking my phone into the bedroom. Now it stays charging in the kitchen overnight, and I bought an old-fashioned alarm clock instead.
The reason was quite simple: I was sleeping really badly. I'd go to bed at eleven, but then I'd check messages, read the news and watch videos, and suddenly it would be one in the morning. Then I'd wake up tired and spend the day drinking coffee to keep going. A friend mentioned that she'd done the same thing and felt much better, so I decided to try it for a month.
The first week was harder than I expected. I kept reaching for the phone out of habit, and I felt a bit anxious that I might miss something important. I also didn't know what to do with myself at bedtime, so I started reading again, which I hadn't done for years. To be honest, for the first few nights I read until quite late, because I was enjoying the book so much!
After a few weeks, though, it became completely normal. I fall asleep much more quickly now, and I wake up feeling more rested. I've also read about fifteen books this year, which is more than in the previous five years put together.
The biggest effect, I think, is on my mornings. Before, the first thing I did was look at a screen, and I'd already feel stressed before I got out of bed. Now I have breakfast in peace and only check my phone when I'm on the bus. It's a small change, but it's made my days feel much calmer.
Respuesta de ejemplo: 284 palabras
Expresión oral, parte 3: debate
Expresión oral
Part 3: learning practical skills
Part 3: discuss more general questions linked to the Part 2 topic. Give your opinion, explain it and support it with examples.Parte 3: comenta preguntas más generales relacionadas con el tema de la parte 2. Da tu opinión, explícala y apóyala con ejemplos.
The examiner asks you more general questions linked to the Part 2 topic. Give your opinion, explain it and support it with an example. (Linked to the Part 2 task 'a person who taught you a practical skill'.)
Parte 3: preguntas más generales sobre cómo se aprenden habilidades prácticas (familia, escuela, internet). Da tu opinión y justifícala.
- Who do young people learn practical skills from nowadays – their families, their teachers or the internet?
- Should schools spend more time teaching practical skills, such as cooking or managing money?
hasta 5 minutos
Revisa tu respuesta oral
- I give a clear opinion and then explain it.Doy una opinión clara y luego la explico.
- I support my opinion with an example from my experience or general knowledge.Apoyo mi opinión con un ejemplo de mi experiencia o de mis conocimientos generales.
- I say when my answer depends on the situation and explain how.Digo cuándo mi respuesta depende de la situación y explico cómo.
- I look at more than one side (On the other hand … / That said …).Considero más de un punto de vista (On the other hand … / That said …).
- I talk about people and society in general, not only about myself.Hablo de la gente y de la sociedad en general, no solo de mí.
- My answers are developed (several sentences) but stay on the question.Mis respuestas están desarrolladas (varias frases), pero no se salen de la pregunta.
Expresiones útiles
- I'd say it's more and more …Yo diría que cada vez más …
- That's great in some ways, because …En cierto modo está muy bien, porque …
- But I think it still matters, especially for …Pero creo que sigue siendo importante, sobre todo para …
- To some extent, yes.Hasta cierto punto, sí.
- That said, I don't think …Dicho esto, no creo que …
- … but only if …… pero solo si …
Ver la respuesta de ejemplo
Examiner: Who do young people learn practical skills from nowadays – their families, their teachers or the internet?
Candidate: I'd say it's more and more the internet. If my younger brother wants to fix something or cook a new dish, he just watches a video. That's great in some ways, because you can learn almost anything for free. But I think families still matter, especially for everyday things like managing money or looking after a home, because you learn those by watching what people do every day, not from a ten-minute tutorial. Teachers probably play a smaller role, unless the skill is part of a vocational course.
Examiner: Should schools spend more time teaching practical skills, such as cooking or managing money?
Candidate: To some extent, yes. A lot of people leave school without knowing how to plan a budget or understand a rental contract, and that can cause real problems later. That said, I don't think schools should drop academic subjects to make room. Maths, for example, is exactly what you need to compare loans or phone contracts, so maybe the answer is to use practical examples in ordinary lessons. A few dedicated classes on things like cooking would be useful too, but only if schools have the time and the equipment to do them properly.
Respuesta de ejemplo: 212 palabras
Expresión oral
Part 3: tourism and local people
Part 3: discuss more general questions linked to the Part 2 topic. Give your opinion, explain it and support it with examples.Parte 3: comenta preguntas más generales relacionadas con el tema de la parte 2. Da tu opinión, explícala y apóyala con ejemplos.
The examiner asks you more general questions linked to the Part 2 topic. Give your opinion, explain it and support it with an example. (Linked to the Part 2 task 'a place you would like to visit again'.)
Parte 3: preguntas generales sobre el turismo y sus efectos en los habitantes. Da tu opinión y justifícala.
- How can tourism affect the people who live in a popular destination?
- Should popular places limit the number of visitors?
hasta 5 minutos
Revisa tu respuesta oral
- I give a clear opinion and then explain it.Doy una opinión clara y luego la explico.
- I support my opinion with an example from my experience or general knowledge.Apoyo mi opinión con un ejemplo de mi experiencia o de mis conocimientos generales.
- I say when my answer depends on the situation and explain how.Digo cuándo mi respuesta depende de la situación y explico cómo.
- I look at more than one side (On the other hand … / That said …).Considero más de un punto de vista (On the other hand … / That said …).
- I talk about people and society in general, not only about myself.Hablo de la gente y de la sociedad en general, no solo de mí.
- My answers are developed (several sentences) but stay on the question.Mis respuestas están desarrolladas (varias frases), pero no se salen de la pregunta.
Expresiones útiles
- It can work both ways.Puede tener efectos en ambos sentidos.
- On the positive side, … But there are downsides too.Por el lado positivo, … Pero también tiene inconvenientes.
- So I think it really depends on whether …Así que creo que depende de si …
- In some cases, I think they should.En algunos casos, creo que sí deberían.
- The risk, of course, is that …El riesgo, claro, es que …
- I'd prefer … before …Preferiría … antes de …
Ver la respuesta de ejemplo
Examiner: How can tourism affect the people who live in a popular destination?
Candidate: It can work both ways. On the positive side, tourism brings jobs – in hotels, restaurants, shops and transport – and it can keep traditional crafts or festivals alive, because visitors are willing to pay for them. But there are downsides too. In some city centres, so many flats are rented out to tourists that local people can't afford to live there any more, and the bakery or the hardware shop gets replaced by souvenir shops. So I think it really depends on whether the money stays with local people and whether there's some control over numbers.
Examiner: Should popular places limit the number of visitors?
Candidate: In some cases, I think they should. If a small historic town gets thousands of visitors a day, the streets become so crowded that nobody enjoys it, including the tourists. Something like a booking system or a daily limit could protect the place and make the visit more pleasant. The risk, of course, is that it becomes something only richer people can do, especially if limits push prices up. So I'd prefer measures that spread visitors out – encouraging people to come in quieter months, for example – before introducing strict limits.
Respuesta de ejemplo: 205 palabras
Expresión oral
Part 3: technology and communication
Part 3: discuss more general questions linked to the Part 2 topic. Give your opinion, explain it and support it with examples.Parte 3: comenta preguntas más generales relacionadas con el tema de la parte 2. Da tu opinión, explícala y apóyala con ejemplos.
The examiner asks you more general questions linked to the Part 2 topic. Give your opinion, explain it and support it with an example. (Linked to the Part 2 task 'an everyday object you need'.)
Parte 3: preguntas generales sobre la tecnología y la comunicación. Da tu opinión y justifícala.
- Do you think people rely too much on their phones nowadays?
- Has technology made communication between people better?
hasta 5 minutos
Revisa tu respuesta oral
- I give a clear opinion and then explain it.Doy una opinión clara y luego la explico.
- I support my opinion with an example from my experience or general knowledge.Apoyo mi opinión con un ejemplo de mi experiencia o de mis conocimientos generales.
- I make a careful distinction instead of a simple yes or no (easier is not the same as better).Hago una distinción cuidadosa en lugar de un simple sí o no (más fácil no es lo mismo que mejor).
- I look at more than one side (On the other hand … / That said …).Considero más de un punto de vista (On the other hand … / That said …).
- I talk about people and society in general, not only about myself.Hablo de la gente y de la sociedad en general, no solo de mí.
- My answers are developed (several sentences) but stay on the question.Mis respuestas están desarrolladas (varias frases), pero no se salen de la pregunta.
Expresiones útiles
- In some ways, yes.En cierto modo, sí.
- But I don't think … is always bad.Pero no creo que … sea siempre malo.
- The real problem is …El verdadero problema es …
- It's made … easier, but I'm not sure it's made it better.Ha hecho … más fácil, pero no estoy seguro/a de que lo haya mejorado.
- On the other hand, …Por otro lado, …
- It's how we use them that matters.Lo que importa es cómo los usamos.
Ver la respuesta de ejemplo
Examiner: Do you think people rely too much on their phones nowadays?
Candidate: In some ways, yes. Lots of people can't remember a single phone number or find their way around their own city without a map app, and I've noticed I get anxious myself if my battery is low. But I don't think relying on them is always bad. A phone replaces a whole collection of things – a camera, a map, a diary, a ticket – and that's genuinely useful. The real problem is the time we spend scrolling without any purpose, which can take over whole evenings without us noticing.
Examiner: Has technology made communication between people better?
Candidate: It's made communication easier, but I'm not sure it's always made it better. My grandparents can see their grandchildren on video calls every week, even though they live in another country, and that's wonderful. On the other hand, a lot of everyday communication is now short messages, and it's easy to misunderstand someone's tone. I also think people are sometimes so busy with their phones that they don't really listen to the person sitting next to them. So the tools are good; it's how we use them that matters.
Respuesta de ejemplo: 195 palabras
Expresión oral
Part 3: changing careers and future skills
Part 3: discuss more general questions linked to the Part 2 topic. Give your opinion, explain it and support it with examples.Parte 3: comenta preguntas más generales relacionadas con el tema de la parte 2. Da tu opinión, explícala y apóyala con ejemplos.
The examiner asks you more general questions linked to the Part 2 topic. Give your opinion, explain it and support it with an example. (Linked to the Part 2 task 'a skill that took longer to learn than expected'.)
Parte 3: preguntas generales sobre los cambios de profesión y las habilidades del futuro. Da tu opinión y justifícala.
- Why do some adults decide to change careers?
- What skills do you think will be most important for workers in the future?
hasta 5 minutos
Revisa tu respuesta oral
- I give a clear opinion and then explain it.Doy una opinión clara y luego la explico.
- I support my opinion with an example from my experience or general knowledge.Apoyo mi opinión con un ejemplo de mi experiencia o de mis conocimientos generales.
- I organise several reasons clearly (Some people … Others … And sometimes …).Organizo varios motivos con claridad (Some people … Others … And sometimes …).
- I look at more than one side (On the other hand … / That said …).Considero más de un punto de vista (On the other hand … / That said …).
- I talk about people and society in general, not only about myself.Hablo de la gente y de la sociedad en general, no solo de mí.
- My answers are developed (several sentences) but stay on the question.Mis respuestas están desarrolladas (varias frases), pero no se salen de la pregunta.
Expresiones útiles
- There are lots of reasons.Hay muchos motivos.
- Some people … Others … And sometimes …Algunas personas … Otras … Y a veces …
- The difficult part is usually …Lo difícil suele ser …
- I think … will matter most.Creo que … será lo más importante.
- … will probably become more important too, because …… probablemente también ganará importancia, porque …
- … are already essential in almost every job.… ya son imprescindibles en casi todos los trabajos.
Ver la respuesta de ejemplo
Examiner: Why do some adults decide to change careers?
Candidate: There are lots of reasons. Some people simply get bored after doing the same job for years and want a new challenge. Others are pushed into it – their industry shrinks, or their job is replaced by technology, so they have to retrain. And sometimes it's about lifestyle: a friend of mine left a well-paid office job to become a primary school teacher because she wanted to feel her work was more useful. The difficult part is usually money, because retraining can mean a few years on a much lower income.
Examiner: What skills do you think will be most important for workers in the future?
Candidate: I think the ability to keep learning will matter most. Jobs are changing so quickly that whatever you study at twenty might be out of date by forty, so people who are comfortable picking up new tools will have an advantage. Communication and teamwork will probably become more important too, because those are things machines still aren't very good at. And basic digital skills are already essential in almost every job, even ones that used to be completely manual, like farming or building.
Respuesta de ejemplo: 195 palabras
Expresión oral
Part 3: public transport and travel in the future
Part 3: discuss more general questions linked to the Part 2 topic. Give your opinion, explain it and support it with examples.Parte 3: comenta preguntas más generales relacionadas con el tema de la parte 2. Da tu opinión, explícala y apóyala con ejemplos.
The examiner asks you more general questions linked to the Part 2 topic. Give your opinion, explain it and support it with an example. (Linked to the Part 2 task 'a journey that did not go as planned'.)
Parte 3: preguntas generales sobre el transporte público y los viajes en el futuro. Da tu opinión y justifícala.
- What could cities do to persuade more people to use public transport?
- Do you think people will travel more or less in the future?
hasta 5 minutos
Revisa tu respuesta oral
- I give a clear opinion and then explain it.Doy una opinión clara y luego la explico.
- I support my opinion with an example from my experience or general knowledge.Apoyo mi opinión con un ejemplo de mi experiencia o de mis conocimientos generales.
- When I am not sure about the future, I say so and then give my best guess with reasons.Cuando no estoy seguro/a sobre el futuro, lo digo y luego doy mi mejor hipótesis con motivos.
- I look at more than one side (On the other hand … / That said …).Considero más de un punto de vista (On the other hand … / That said …).
- I talk about people and society in general, not only about myself.Hablo de la gente y de la sociedad en general, no solo de mí.
- My answers are developed (several sentences) but stay on the question.Mis respuestas están desarrolladas (varias frases), pero no se salen de la pregunta.
Expresiones útiles
- The most important thing is …Lo más importante es …
- … makes a big difference.… marca una gran diferencia.
- Price matters too.El precio también importa.
- It's hard to say.Es difícil decirlo.
- I suspect people will …Sospecho que la gente seguirá …
- What might change is …Lo que podría cambiar es …
Ver la respuesta de ejemplo
Examiner: What could cities do to persuade more people to use public transport?
Candidate: The most important thing is reliability. People won't leave their cars at home if they can't be sure the bus will turn up on time, so things like bus lanes, which stop buses getting stuck in traffic, make a big difference. Price matters too – a simple monthly ticket that covers buses, trams and trains is much more attractive than paying separately for each journey. And routes need to go where people actually work, not just into the city centre. Of course, for some people, such as those working night shifts, driving might still be the only realistic option.
Examiner: Do you think people will travel more or less in the future?
Candidate: It's hard to say. For work, I think people might travel a bit less, because so many meetings now happen online and some people work from home several days a week. For holidays, though, I suspect people will keep travelling, because it's such a big part of how they spend their free time. What might change is how they travel. If flying becomes more expensive, more people could take the train for shorter trips, which personally I'd be quite happy about, because I find trains much more relaxing.
Respuesta de ejemplo: 210 palabras
Expresión oral
Part 3: staying active and healthy
Part 3: discuss more general questions linked to the Part 2 topic. Give your opinion, explain it and support it with examples.Parte 3: comenta preguntas más generales relacionadas con el tema de la parte 2. Da tu opinión, explícala y apóyala con ejemplos.
The examiner asks you more general questions linked to the Part 2 topic. Give your opinion, explain it and support it with an example. (Linked to the Part 2 task 'a change to your daily habits'.)
Parte 3: preguntas generales sobre la actividad física y la salud (papel de los municipios, del gobierno y de cada persona). Da tu opinión y justifícala.
- What can local communities do to help people become more active?
- Is it mainly the government's job or the individual's job to make sure people stay healthy?
hasta 5 minutos
Revisa tu respuesta oral
- I give a clear opinion and then explain it.Doy una opinión clara y luego la explico.
- I support my opinion with an example from my experience or general knowledge.Apoyo mi opinión con un ejemplo de mi experiencia o de mis conocimientos generales.
- I explain who is responsible for what, instead of blaming one side only.Explico quién es responsable de qué, en lugar de culpar solo a una parte.
- I look at more than one side (On the other hand … / That said …).Considero más de un punto de vista (On the other hand … / That said …).
- I talk about people and society in general, not only about myself.Hablo de la gente y de la sociedad en general, no solo de mí.
- My answers are developed (several sentences) but stay on the question.Mis respuestas están desarrolladas (varias frases), pero no se salen de la pregunta.
Expresiones útiles
- I think the key is …Creo que la clave es …
- Not everyone can afford …No todo el mundo puede permitirse …
- It works because …Funciona porque …
- I think it's a shared responsibility.Creo que es una responsabilidad compartida.
- In the end, …Al fin y al cabo, …
- So I'd say … and then it's up to each person to …Así que diría que … y luego depende de cada uno …
Ver la respuesta de ejemplo
Examiner: What can local communities do to help people become more active?
Candidate: I think the key is making activity easy and cheap. Not everyone can afford a gym, so free outdoor equipment in parks, safe cycle lanes and well-lit paths can make a real difference. Local sports clubs could also offer beginner sessions for adults, because a lot of people feel embarrassed about starting a sport later in life. In my town, there's a free group run every Saturday morning, and you see all kinds of people there, from teenagers to people in their seventies. It works because it's friendly and nobody cares how fast you are.
Examiner: Is it mainly the government's job or the individual's job to make sure people stay healthy?
Candidate: I think it's a shared responsibility. In the end, individuals make their own choices about what they eat and how much they move, and no government can force people to exercise. But governments shape the conditions in which those choices are made. If healthy food is expensive and there's nowhere safe to walk, it's much harder for people to look after themselves, especially if they work long hours or don't have much money. So I'd say governments should make healthy options easy and affordable, and then it's up to each person to use them.
Respuesta de ejemplo: 216 palabras
