Aptis Advanced: Speaking Test 3 with Sample C1 Answers
This Aptis Advanced speaking test with sample C1 answers is the supplementary version of Aptis Advanced: Speaking Practice Test 3. We recommend you to try that mock-exam test first, then read this post and watch the video to help you improve your responses. Finally, go back to the original video and try again.
Of course, if you prefer, you can do it the other way round!
Remember that these are model answers read by a native speaker. You won’t be expected to give such full answers yourself; we’ve fitted in as much as possible in order to give you more ideas.
If you want a reminder of the components of the Speaking Test, go to Aptis Advanced: Speaking Practice Test 1.
Aptis Advanced Speaking Test 3 with Sample C1 Answers: Script
Part One
What do you see in the two pictures?
The first shows a rainy evening in a modern city centre – it could be the USA, as the adverts are in English. The sky’s overcast and the pavements are wet, so it must have been raining for some time. Most people are waiting to cross the road, though some are looking at clothes on a stall, despite the rain. In the other photo there are three smiling girls enjoying a drink at the beach – I’d say they’re close friends, as they’ve got their arms round each other. It looks as though they’re celebrating something special. It’s a gorgeous summer day, with a cloudless blue sky.
What type of weather do you prefer?
Like most people, I much prefer warm, sunny weather and blue skies to rainy days, though I can’t stand it when it gets too hot – especially if it’s humid at the same time. Weather like that really saps your energy – it’s hard to do anything except stay at home with the aircon on! So spring and autumn are my favourite seasons, I suppose. Having said that, I don’t mind wintry weather, as long as it’s not too damp. If it gets a bit chilly, I just pop another jumper on – I prefer that to having the heating on all day, especially now that energy costs have gone up so much.
How do you think the weather influences people’s feelings?
In my opinion, people’s moods tend to reflect the weather – when we have clear skies and bright sunny days it gives you a serotonin boost, and you feel ready to face the world. People are quicker to smile, more relaxed, cheerful and willing to stop and chat, which I think can really make your day! But of course, the opposite often happens when it’s cold, wet and miserable – you might find it hard to drag yourself out of your nice warm bed in the morning, you don’t feel like going to work or being very sociable, and – speaking personally – I usually have a very sluggish start to the day!
Part Two
How important is it to stay fit and healthy?
What do people in your country do to stay fit?
How do you think schools can promote healthy lifestyles for young people?
Even though it’s one of the most important things in life, being fit and healthy is probably something that we take for granted – I reckon most of us don’t even think about it until it’s too late. But if you don’t look after your health, it could turn your life upside-down. You could have difficulty doing everyday tasks, and may have to rely on others to help you. So we should all make more of an effort to keep fit.
What people here do to keep fit depends on the individual, and on how much time and money they can afford to spend. I’ve no idea how many of us go to gyms, but as new ones are popping up all around town, they must be pretty popular. Also, I often see people jogging or doing yoga in the neighbourhood parks. Sometimes there are personal trainers running high-intensity interval-training classes.
I believe that the role of schools is crucial when it comes to instilling healthy lifestyle habits into young people. I saw on the news that one school in Scotland has started making their kids run 1.5km every day. The results are amazing – not one of them is overweight now. What’s more, teachers report that the students are settling into their lessons a lot faster than they used to, and seem to be happier too. Maybe we should do that here!
Part Three
Topic: We should work only a four-day week
FOR
Better work/life balance
More cost-effective for employer and employee
Happier, less stressed staff
AGAINST
Longer working days to compensate
Might not suit parents with schoolchildren
Having to catch up during your ‘free’ time
Without a doubt, working a four-day week is a very attractive prospect. Who wouldn’t want such a long weekend!
It’s often argued that we spend far too much of our lives at work, so the thought of having more time to spend with your family and friends, or to dedicate to your hobbies, is very appealing. It’s easy to imagine that most employees would be happier with a fairer work/life ratio, and that this would be reflected in their productivity at work. A win-win situation!
On the other hand, we have to consider parents with school-age children. Childcare is already very expensive, and having to pay for an extra day a week would be impossible for many families. A four-day week would only work for them if schools did likewise. What’s more, these days technology means that we’re often expected to work during our free time as it is – answering emails, making calls, attending zoom meetings …
In short, I can’t help thinking that a shorter working week may actually turn out to be more stressful in the long run.
Follow-up question
How do you think will the working day change in the future?
Since the pandemic, most people’s working lives have already changed, and I’m sure this will influence the working day in the future. Flexibility will be key, both in terms of remote working versus face-to-face interactions, and regarding how working hours are allotted. I’m sure the typical nine to five working day will become a thing of the past, and that we’ll have more autonomy. Technology will play an even greater role, allowing us to have a more flexible timetable, rather than getting caught in the morning rush-hour and wasting time when we could have been working.
Next Steps
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Check out Aptis Advanced: Speaking Practice Test 2 and the version with Sample C1 Answers.
And practise your Core Test grammar and vocabulary with Aptis Advanced: Grammar Practice Test 1 and Aptis Advanced Vocabulary Practice Test 1.