The Speaking section in the ECPE is a dynamic and demanding exam that assesses your ability to communicate fluently, clearly and persuasively. It consists of 5 stages, each of which has different requirements and strategies.
In this article, we will look in detail at:
✅ How the exam is structured
✅ Sample answers for each stage
✅ Tips for better performance
Structure of the Speaking section in the ECPE
The exam lasts 30–35 minutes and candidates are examined in pairs or groups of three. There are two examiners:
- One leads the discussion
- The other assesses the overall performance
📌 Let’s look at each stage in detail with examples!
Stage 1: Introduction and Small Talk (2–5 minutes)
In this stage, the examiners ask simple questions to help you relax and to assess how natural your speech is.
Sample Dialogue
🔹 Examiner: So, tell me a little bit about yourself. What do you do?
🔹 Candidate A: Well, I’m currently a university student studying Business Administration. In my free time, I enjoy reading books, especially about psychology, and I also like hiking on the weekends.
🔹 Candidate B: I work as a software developer. I love technology, and in my free time, I like watching sci‑fi movies and playing the guitar.
Tips
✅ Avoid one‑word answers! Instead of “I’m a student”, say “I’m studying engineering because I love solving problems and designing new things.”
✅ Use natural expressions such as:
- “That’s an interesting question!”
- “Let me think about that for a second…”
✅ Develop your answers a little without becoming overly detailed.
Stage 2: Problem Discussion (5–7 minutes)
In this stage, you and your partner receive a problem or a situation that you have to discuss.
Sample Scenario
💡 “A local library is losing funding, and there is a debate about how to save it. Discuss possible solutions.”
Sample Dialogue
🔹 Candidate A: I think one good solution is organizing fundraising events. The library could hold book sales or workshops where people donate money to participate.
🔹 Candidate B: That’s a good idea! We could also ask local businesses to sponsor the library. In exchange, they could advertise their services inside the library.
🔹 Candidate A: Yes, and another option is to create a membership program where people pay a small fee to get extra services, like access to special collections or online resources.
Tips
✅ Use expressions to introduce ideas and agree/disagree politely:
- “One possible solution could be…”
- “That’s an interesting idea, but I also think…”
- “I completely agree with you. Another thing we could do is…”
✅ Work well with your partner – don’t monopolise the discussion!
Stage 3: Choosing & Developing a Solution (5–7 minutes)
Here you have to agree on a final solution and develop it further.
Sample Dialogue
🔹 Candidate A: So, out of all the ideas we discussed, I think the fundraising events are the most realistic and effective.
🔹 Candidate B: I agree! Book sales and workshops would attract many people, and the library wouldn’t have to rely only on government funding.
🔹 Candidate A: Exactly! We could also involve schools and universities, encouraging students to participate in events.
Tips
✅ Give your discussion a clear structure:
- “After considering all the options, we believe that…”
- “This is the best choice because…”
✅ Use arguments to support your choice.
Stage 4: Presenting the Solution (5–7 minutes)
Now you have to present your solution to the examiners.
Sample Presentation
🔹 Candidate A: After considering different possibilities, we believe that organizing fundraising events is the best solution. These events could include book sales, literary workshops, and charity auctions.
🔹 Candidate B: This idea is effective because it engages the community while raising money. Plus, it promotes reading and education.
Tips
✅ Structure your presentation properly:
- “First, let me explain the problem…”
- “Our proposed solution is…”
- “The main advantages of this solution are…”
✅ Speak with confidence and clarity.
Stage 5: Questions from the Examiners (5 minutes)
The examiners will ask questions to see how you defend your ideas.
Sample Dialogue
🔹 Examiner: What if people don’t participate in the fundraising events?
🔹 Candidate A: That’s a good point. To attract more participants, we could collaborate with local influencers and schools to promote the events through social media.
Tips
✅ If you don’t know the answer, don’t panic! Use phrases like:
- “That’s an interesting question. Let me think about that for a moment…”
✅ Answer logically and with justification.
Assessment & Grading
The Speaking section is graded in four categories:
- Fluency & Coherence
- Grammar & Vocabulary
- Pronunciation & Clarity
- Interactive Communication
To pass, you need at least a Low Pass (LP).
Final Tips for Success 🎯
✅ Speak with confidence – even if you make mistakes!
✅ Work well with your partner.
✅ Use rich vocabulary and appropriate expressions.
✅ Prepare using mock exams.
🎤 With practice and the right strategies, you can succeed! 🚀 Good luck!
