B1 Preliminary (PET) Speaking – Practice Test 1 — Part 4 – Discussion
About 3 minutes. The examiner asks wider questions about the topic from Part 3. Read the questions and model answers, practise out loud, then try the questions below.
The examiner's script
Interlocutor: Thank you. Now I'd like to ask you some questions about free time and school.
- What do you like doing in your free time? (Why?)
- Do you think students today have enough free time? (Why? / Why not?)
- Is it better to spend free time with friends or on your own? (Why?)
- Do you think schools should organise more activities? (Why? / Why not?)
- How has the way young people spend their free time changed? (Prompts: What about you? Do you agree? What do you think?)
Model answers
- Do students have enough free time? — "In my opinion, no. Most students have a lot of homework and some also have exams to prepare for, so they don't have much time to relax."
- Friends or on your own? — "It depends. I like being with friends because it's fun, but sometimes I prefer to be alone to read or listen to music."
- Should schools organise more activities? — "Yes, I think so. Clubs and sports give students something to do after class, and they help you make new friends."
Useful language for a discussion
- Giving an opinion: In my opinion…, I think…, Personally…
- Saying it depends: It depends., Sometimes… but other times…
- Agreeing / disagreeing: I agree with you., I see your point, but…
- Giving reasons and examples: because…, for example…, such as…
11. The examiner asks: "Do students today have enough free time?" Which is the best answer?
22. Which phrase is best for showing that your answer is not always the same?
33. Your partner gives an opinion you don't share. What is the best reply?
44. What makes an answer stronger in Part 4?
55. What is the main aim of Part 4?