Before You Begin

Understanding the CPE Exam

Read this before Lesson 1. Get the shape of the exam — papers, timing, question types, marking and sample materials — so every lesson lands in context.

Speaking

15 min · pairs of candidates · two examiners (interlocutor + assessor) · 4 parts · 20% of the overall mark.

PartNameFormatTask
1InterviewExaminer ↔ candidate · ~2 minAnswer personal questions about yourself, studies, work, interests, future plans.
2Long TurnEach candidate compares 2 of 3 photos for 1 min + partner responds 30 s · ~4 min totalCompare two photographs and answer an embedded question; partner gives a short follow-up answer.
3Collaborative TaskPair task with a prompt board · 2 min discussion + 1 min decision · ~4 minDiscuss written prompts around a central question, then reach a joint decision.
4DiscussionExaminer-led discussion of Part 3 themes · ~5 minDiscuss broader, more abstract questions linked to the Part 3 topic.

Assessment scales (each 0–5)

Grammatical Resource

Range and accuracy of C2 structures across all four parts.

Band 0–5

Lexical Resource

Range, precision and flexibility of vocabulary for everyday and abstract topics.

Band 0–5

Discourse Management

Extended, relevant, coherent contributions; cohesive devices used naturally.

Band 0–5

Pronunciation

Individual sounds, word stress, sentence stress, intonation — intelligible throughout.

Band 0–5

Interactive Communication

Initiates, responds, negotiates, develops the discussion with the partner.

Band 0–5