CPE Speaking Paper- Videos

The Cambridge Proficiency in English exam has 4 components, none of which should be neglected. These are Reading and Use of English, Writing, Listening and Speaking. In Cpesamplewritings we are experts in essays, articles and letters but we believe in the importance of preparing for the speaking part of the CPE exam as well. 

CPE Paper 4 Speaking / Info about the exam

The exam is divided into three parts, and it lasts approximately 15 minutes.

In Part 1 of the exam the interlocutor asks each student a question or a couple of questions about their life or background.

Part 2 of the exam is a two-way conversation between candidates. Candidates are given prompts in different topics such as the environment, economy, the media, etc to talk about. Their ability to evaluate, speculate and give opinions is tested.

Part 3 of the exam is know as the long turn or the solo part. Here each candidate takes turns to answer a written question and is asked to talk non-stop for about 3 minutes.

Videos of the Speaking Paper

There are a some videos available on Youtube for you to watch:

CPE/CAE Practice tests

A new year has started and you are probably thinking it is high time to take the Proficiency in English exam. In preparation for it you have been doing your local library Cambridge ESOL past papers but you still feel like you could do with a little bit more prep? Well, check out this selection of very useful (and free) Internet web pages which offer extra practice activities.

FLO-JOE
www.flo-joe.co.uk/cpe/students/tests/

EXAMENGLISH
www.examenglish.com/cpe/




ENGLISH-ONLINE
http://www.english-online.org.uk/cpefolder/cpehome.php?name=Practice%20for%20the%20Cambridge%20Proficiency%20English

ESL-LOUNGE
http://www.esl-lounge.com/student/proficiency.php

INTERNATIONAL HOUSE
http://www.ihbristol.com/free-english-exercises/esol

POST A CPE SAMPLE WRITING

Are you taking CAE or CPE this year? Have you got a letter/ essay/ article/ or story you would like to share with us? Send your Word document to gustavo.albarracin.q@gmail.com

We will read it, edit it a little together if necessary and post it straight away. See it as an opportunity to help other fellow teachers or students become proficient.  THANKS a lot.

CPE Writing Paper 2013 / Part 1 Essay by guest blogger Javi Montoliu from Barcelona

Task: Write an essay summarising and evaluating the key points from both texts. Use your own words throughout as far as possible, and include your own ideas in your answer. You should write 240-280 words. (Texts are about "Positive Psychology", see Proficiency Expert book)

Positive Psychology

Both texts discuss the way positive psychology affects people’s lives. The first one advocates that it has a beneficial effect on those who put it into practice. The second one, on the other hand, states that it might not be favourable for everyone.

The first passage argues that people who buy into positive psychology attain a more joyful life not only for themselves but also for the wider society, but claims that experts of the field compare it to the frivolous self-help books. I personally feel this last statement will resonate with many people because therapies of this kind tend to be fairly senseless and unrealistic, for they tell you what to do but not how to do it. As reported by the text, this particular psychology enhances the person’s well-being and quality of life, thereby giving rise to a much more cheerful and healthy population.

In contrast, the second text proposes that a specific group of people called defensive pessimists react negatively to positive psychology thus stating that it is not suitable for everyone. Whilst we might think these so-called defensive pessimists really expect the worse, they actually adopt a pattern of behaviour which helps them be successful in life, they trick themselves into thinking they’ve performed badly. I would agree that being pessimistic might help them reach their own targets in life; nevertheless, I feel it isn’t beneficial for them to get fully involved in this pessimism.

In conclusion, it could be argued that joy and optimism are not what make us succeed in life. In my opinion, everyone has their own quirks that help them overcome their problems; therefore, any forced beliefs or behaviour will result in an unfavourable response.

Javier Montoliu