Useful Phrases for FCE Speaking Part 3

Here you are some useful phrases you can use in your FCE Speaking Exam Part 3, which is also known as the collaborative part because you have to actively collaborate and speak with your partner, the student that is also taking the exam with you.

Before doing so, check this post to know how the FCE Speaking Exam Part 3 works!

Getting Started

Which one shall we start with?
What do you think, Bob?
Bob, I think you know a lot about [topic]. What’s your opinion on it?

Moving to the Next Item

Shall we move onto [topic] now?
So what about [topic]?
I wonder if we can compare [current topic] to [new topic]?
What about this one? [pointing to topic]
What do you think about this idea?
How do you feel about that one?
We’re running out of time, so let’s move on.
We still need to discuss [topic].
Ah, that connects with the next topic.
[Topic] is pretty similar to the last one – maybe we can skip it for now?

Ending Your Turn

What do you think?
Don’t you agree?
Do you have anything to say about that?
Do you have anything to add to that?
Did I forget anything?

Interrupting

Sorry to interrupt but…
Just a second…

Agreeing

Right.
Good point.
I fully agree.
I was just thinking that!
I was just going to say that!
That’s just what I was thinking.
I couldn’t agree more.
You’re totally right.

Disagreeing (with reasons)

Maybe, but what about…?
I think it would be better to…
I’m not so keen on that.
I don’t really agree with you there.
Weeeeeell maybe, but…
Yeah, but, the thing is…
The problem with what you said is…
For one thing…[reason 1] And for another… [reason 2]

Reaching a Decision

Well, I think it’s definitely not [topic]
We can eliminate [topic] right away. Don’t you think?
So then, what do you think is the best one?
I guess you think we should choose [topic]?
Are we both in favour of [topic]?
Okay, so we agree.
I don’t think we’re going to agree on this!
Let’s agree to disagree!

Example Speaking Part 3

What problems might arise in these relationships?

• Brothers and sisters
• Boyfriends and girlfriends
• Flatmates
• Parents and teenagers
• Work colleagues

Let’s listen to students (A) and (B):

A- Which one shall we start with?
B- I’ll talk about brothers and sisters first. Um… one of the problems I had with my sister is that she spends hours in the bathroom.
A- Oh, I know that one!
B- It’s not like a big problem but it was a bit annoying.
A- I totally agree – in my case it was my brother who took these really long baths and made a total mess.
B- Are there any other problems in that relationship?
A- Maybe about money when their parents die. A lot of families fall out over that topic, sadly. But that’s depressing. Shall we move on?
B- Sure!
A- Actually, maybe boyfriends have the same problem with their girlfriends. You know, taking so much time in the bathroom.
B- Sorry to interrupt but I think that’s a bit of a stereotype. It’s not really true in my opinion.
A- I have to disagree with you. Honestly, my girlfriend just disappears into the bathroom for hours. Sometimes I hear the hairdryer.
B- Well, maybe. But I think money can be a big problem in relationships. Some men hate it when their girlfriend has a higher salary. It depends on the culture and background a little bit, but I’ve seen it quite a few times. And they argue about who should pay for bills and such things.
A- That connects with the next topic – flatmates. It’s always tricky to decide who should pay which bills. And who should do which chores, too.
B- That’s just what I was thinking. And it’s true for brothers and sisters and boyfriends and girlfriends, too. Everyone argues about money and chores!
A- I feel like parents and teenagers is exactly the same… so let’s skip it for now and talk about work colleagues?
B- Great idea.

Hope you find it useful!