Speaking

Examiner: "Where are you from?" Candidate: "I'm from a small city in the south of Spain called Málaga. It's on the Mediterranean coast and it's known for its beaches and its food — especially fried fish, which is a local specialty." Examiner: "What do you enjoy doing in your free time?" Candidate: "I really enjoy hiking in the mountains near my city. I usually go with friends at weekends. It's a great way to relax after a busy week, and the views from the top are always worth the effort."

[Photo 1 description: A group of people jogging together in a park on a sunny morning.] [Photo 2 description: A person working out alone in a gym, using weight machines.] Model response: "Both of these photos show people doing physical exercise, but in very different settings. In the first photo, there's a group of people jogging together in what looks like a park, and it seems to be a beautiful morning. They look like they're enjoying themselves — there's a social aspect to it which probably makes the exercise feel less like hard work. In the second photo, on the other hand, there's someone exercising alone in a gym. The atmosphere is quite different — it looks more focused and intense. This person might be feeling determined and motivated, but perhaps it's less enjoyable because they're on their own. I think the people in the park probably feel more relaxed and happy because they have company, whereas the person in the gym might feel more satisfied afterwards because the workout seems more structured and challenging."

Central question: "How could a school encourage students to read more?" Options: • Create a comfortable reading area • Invite authors to give talks • Start a book club • Give prizes for reading • Let students choose their own books Model interaction: Candidate A: "Shall we start with creating a comfortable reading area? I think that could be quite effective because if students have a nice, quiet space with comfortable chairs, they might actually want to spend time there reading." Candidate B: "Yes, I agree. It makes reading feel like something enjoyable rather than just homework. What about inviting authors to give talks?" Candidate A: "That's an interesting idea. I think it could inspire some students, especially if it's an author they know. But it might only work for a few students — not everyone would be interested in the same author." Candidate B: "That's true. I think starting a book club might reach more students because they could discuss books together and recommend things to each other." Candidate A: "Good point. And what about giving prizes? On the one hand, it could motivate some students, but on the other hand, they might just read to win the prize rather than because they actually enjoy it." Candidate B: "I agree — it might not create genuine readers. The last option, letting students choose their own books, seems really important to me. If students can read what interests them, they're much more likely to keep reading." Candidate A: "Absolutely. So if we have to choose two, which would you pick?" Candidate B: "I'd say letting students choose their own books is essential. And I think the reading area would support that — giving them a space to enjoy their books." Candidate A: "I agree. Those two together would probably have the biggest long-term impact."

Examiner: "Do you think young people read less nowadays than in the past?" Model response (Candidate A): "It's a really interesting question. I think it depends on what we mean by 'reading'. If we're talking about books, then yes, I think many young people probably read fewer books than previous generations did, partly because there are so many other forms of entertainment available now — streaming services, social media, video games. However, in another sense, young people actually read more than ever. They read articles online, social media posts, messages, and news constantly throughout the day. The format has changed, but the activity of reading is still very much alive." Examiner: "What do you think?" (to Candidate B) Candidate B: "I agree with what [A] said about the format changing. I'd also add that audiobooks and podcasts have become really popular, which is a different way of engaging with stories and information. So reading in the traditional sense might be declining, but I don't think it means young people are less informed or less interested in stories."