Aptis Advanced: Speaking Practice Test 1

Aptis Advanced: Speaking Practice Test 1

This is the first in a series of Aptis Advanced Speaking Practice Tests. 

The Aptis Advanced Test is intended for students from B1 to C2. However, our materials are aimed at levels high B2 and C1.

Aptis Advanced, like the other tests, consists of five components: core (grammar and vocabulary), reading, listening, writing and speaking. The format is more or less the same, although the timings differ. The content and tasks are, of course, different. We’ll explain more about this in separate posts.

The Speaking Test format differs from that of Aptis General and Aptis for Teachers in two main ways. It consists of only three main parts (the others have four), and it’s only 10 minutes long (instead of 12). We say ‘main parts’ because Part 4 is only one question following on from your presentation in Part 3.

Our exam-style videos will help you prepare for your Aptis Advanced Speaking Test.  Then, as with the other Aptis tests, we’ll be producing supplementary versions of each video.  These will give you sample C1 answers, ideas and suggestions.

Before you watch the video

First read the instructions and think about the questions we’ll be asking you.  In any oral language exam or test you need to show the examiner how much language you know and how many different structures and vocabulary you can use.  So in order to help you answer more fully, we’ve also included exam tips and some ideas on useful language.

Aptis Advanced: Speaking Practice Test 1

Part One:  Describe, compare and provide reasons and explanations

In this part you’re asked to compare two pictures. Then you have to answer two questions about them. You will have 45 seconds for each response.

What do you see in the two pictures?  (One shows two footballers – one is tackling the other, and the other shows a teenager playing chess and considering her next move.)

Which of these activities would you prefer to do? Why?

Which of these two activities do you think children would prefer?

TIP: As we’ve explained, this exam is open for students from B1 onwards. This means that the first section is always the most simple; the test gets harder as it progresses. But that doesn’t mean you should limit yourself to simple responses! Make sure you use as wide a variety as possible of structures and vocabulary.

Part Two:  Discuss personal experience and opinion in relation to an abstract topic

In this part, you’re asked three questions, which remain on the screen. You have one minute to think about your answers and two minutes to talk.

How important is it that children learn about saving money?

What advice would you give someone about managing their personal finances?

Why do people think that wealth brings happiness?

TIP: You can make notes during the first minute, and we really recommend that you do. Two minutes is quite a long time to talk for. It’s easy to go blank (forget what you were going to say), so use your notes.

USEFUL VOCABULARY: piggy-bank, coins, notes, save up, the value of money, savings account, credit card, interest, budget, accountant, financial advice, overdraft, to be in the red …

Parts Three and Four:  Presentation and question on your presentation

In the main part of Part Three you have to speak on a topic for 90 seconds. The topic stays on the screen, together with two lists of points – for and against – related to the topic. You have to choose two items from each list and give a balanced argument to represent both sides of the topic. You have one minute to prepare your argument, and then you have one and a half minutes to speak.

Topic: Students should all wear school uniforms

FOR

Gives students a sense of belonging/community

Saves time in the morning

Students dress the same irrespective of their economic backgrounds

AGAINST

No sense of individualism and limits self-expression

Can be expensive for parents.

Can lead to a policing of what students wear in school.

TIP: Again, use the time you have to make notes. Make sure you cover both sides of the argument, or you won’t get full marks.

USEFUL LANGUAGE

Connectors: firstly, secondly, moreover, what’s more, on (the) one hand, on the other hand, however, although, even though, despite, in spite of, to sum up, in conclusion …

Giving your opinion: as I see it, from my point of view, to my mind, in my opinion, if you ask me

Putting forward alternative views: you could say, some would say, it could be said that, some would argue that, it could be argued that …

After you finish speaking on this main topic, you’ll be asked an additional question related to it (this is Part 4).  You have to respond immediately; there’s no preparation time. 

How we dress nowadays is more important now than 50 years ago.

What is your response to this statement?

You’ll have 45 seconds to speak. The list of useful language points will be helpful here too.