Answers and Discussion

PET Speaking Part 3

Task Description

What do the candidates have to do?
The candidates have to talk on their own about what they can see in a colour photograph. Each candidate has their own photograph to describe.

What does the examiner have to do?
The examiner tells the candidates the general topic that links the photographs and asks them to talk about what they can see, giving the photographs to each of the candidates in turn.

What is the purpose of this part?
This part tests the candidates' range of vocabulary and their ability to organise language in a long turn.

How long does this part last?
This part of the test lasts 3 minutes.

Understanding the Task

To understand better how students need to approach this task, it may help you to do the activity yourself, and analyse what you had to do. Look at the sample Part 3 script and photographs. Complete the task in a group of three with one of you being the examiner and the other two being the candidates.

If you have a copy of the Speaking test video, you could watch Part 3 now. If not, you can read a transcript.

Sample Part 3 (PDF)
Transcript

Look at these questions about how you did the task and consider your answers.

1. What did you say about your picture?
   
   
2. How much time did you have to speak?
   
   
3. Do you think it would be a good idea to point to things in the photograph and name them?
   
   
4. What if you didn't know the word in English for something in the photograph?
   
   
5. Were you asked why the people in the photographs are doing what they are doing?
   
   
6. Were you asked to comment on your partner's photograph?