Aptis for Teens: Speaking Test 1

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Aptis for Teens: Speaking Test 1

This Aptis for Teens speaking test gives you timed practice in completing each part of the speaking exam. This is vital if you want to improve your answers and do well on exam-day. In the test you won’t be face-to-face with an examiner; you take the speaking test by talking into a microphone on a headset connected to a computer. This can feel very strange at first, so it’s a good idea to practise as much as you can.

Let’s begin by looking at the format of the Aptis for Teens Speaking Test. It lasts 15 minutes, and is divided into four parts, each with different tasks. The test is graded; Part 1 is the easiest, and it gets more difficult as it progresses.

Aptis for Teens Speaking Test Format

Each answer you give in the official test has a maximum amount of time in which you can speak (30 seconds for each question in Part 1, 45 seconds for each question in Parts 2 and 3, and 2 minutes in Part 4). You can end your answer before time runs out by clicking on ‘finish recording’. However, if you finish early, you may not get the highest marks.

Part 1: Giving personal information

You have to answer three questions on personal topics (your hobbies, home, family, holidays, etc). You have to speak for 30 seconds per question.

Part 2: Describing a photo, expressing opinion and providing reasons and explanations

You describe a photograph and then answer two questions related to the topic illustrated in the picture. You have to give your opinion and say why you think that. You have to talk for 45 seconds per task (three in total).

Part 3: Describing and comparing two photos and providing reasons and explanations

You answer two questions in this task. You will see two pictures and will be asked a question that gives you a chance to compare and contrast something about the picture. Then you will hear and read a second question. You will have 45 seconds to answer each question.

Part 4: Discussing personal experience and giving an opinion on an abstract topic

In this final part, you see a poster containing information about a topic. You have to give a presentation about the poster to your class. You get 90 seconds to prepare, and then you give your presentation. You will have two minutes to talk.

Aptis Tutor Speaking Tests

Our tests are here to help you practise, so you can pause the video whenever you like, to give you time to think.  Then we recommend you to try again without pausing.  This will help you to get used to how long each part of the test is. We’ll soon be posting a version of this video with sample answers, but we want you to try on your own first.  This is so that you can think about what you want to say and practise how long you have to speak for in each part.

Here are the questions you have to answer in Aptis for Teens Speaking Test 1. Read them carefully and start planning what you’re going to say.

Part 1
What’s the weather like?
Describe your classroom.
Tell me about your best friend.

Part 2
Describe this picture.

What type of books do children and young people in your country read?
Why do you think it’s important to read?

Part 3
(Photo of children playing chess, and photo of children playing football)
Which do you prefer doing, and why?
Which is better for your health, and why?

Part 4
Look at this poster, which you are now going to present to your class. Don’t just repeat what’s on the screen – look for ways to express the information in your own words as much as possible.

Now watch the video and practise giving your answers in the correct times.

Next Steps

Go to the Aptis for Teens Speaking Test 1 with sample B2 answers.

Click here for more Aptis for Teens practice, and here for information about the test.

You can also read the British Council’s overview of the test here.