Conquer FCE Speaking Part 4: 10 Advanced Strategies for the Four-Minute Discussion
Completing our comprehensive guide to the Cambridge B2 First speaking test, after covering Part 1 (the interview), Part 2 (the long turn), and Part 3 (the collaborative task), we now focus on Part 4—the four-minute discussion that completes your speaking assessment. This final section showcases your ability to discuss abstract ideas and express opinions with sophistication.
What Makes Part 4 Special?
After the collaborative task, the examiner joins both candidates for about four minutes of open discussion on the same theme that appeared in Part 3. Typical prompts move from concrete to abstract, for example:
- "Which sports are popular with young people in your country?"
- "Do you think people participate in sport as much as they should?"
This stage tests your ability to express and justify opinions, agree, disagree, and develop ideas—skills you also need for the C1 Exam and in written papers such as a B2 opinion essay.
10 Essential Strategies to Shine
| Strategy | Why it impresses Cambridge Assessment English examiners | Useful language / action |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Remember the goal: explore, don't quiz | Treat it as a radio chat show, not an interrogation. Ask open questions that invite longer answers. | "What are your thoughts on how technology affects learning?" |
| 2. Build on Part 3 vocabulary | Recycling lexis (e.g. active lifestyle, community spirit) shows range and coherence across the whole B2 exam. | "As we mentioned earlier about team sports fostering cooperation..." |
| 3. Avoid 'yes/no' dead ends | Expand every answer with a reason or example, exactly as in earlier tasks. | "Yes, I believe so, because in my experience..." |
| 4. Signal agreement—or polite doubt | Use boosters (Absolutely…), softeners (I see your point, but…) and consensus phrases (Shall we say…). | "I completely agree with you about..., although I wonder if..." |
| 5. Justify with mini-stories | A 10-second anecdote ("Last term our PE teacher…") scores for Grammar & Vocabulary and Discourse Management. | "In my hometown, they recently built a sports complex that..." |
| 6. Keep the ball moving | Paraphrase, summarise, invite: "So we both think team sports build confidence—would you add anything?" | "You mentioned the importance of practice - what else contributes to success?" |
| 7. Listen actively | Nod, echo key words, and respond: this proves interaction skills prized in all Cambridge exams. | "You mentioned sustainable transport—that's a critical point because..." |
| 8. Upgrade to abstract language | Move from facts (people run to stay fit) to concepts (sport fosters social cohesion). Great practice for Essay C1. | "The question touches on broader issues of work-life balance in modern society." |
| 9. Use thinking-time fillers – naturally | "That's an interesting question… well, I suppose…" keeps fluency high when forming ideas. | "Let me think about that for a moment... I'd say that..." |
| 10. Practise under pressure | Record mock FCE practice tests, then run your transcript through an AI writing correction tool—the same habit boosts your Writing B2 Cambridge and CAE practice tests. | Set a timer for exactly 4 minutes to simulate real exam conditions. |
Language Toolbox for Advanced Discussion
- Strong opinion: In my view... I firmly believe... I'm convinced that...
- Balanced view: While it's true that..., on the other hand... To some extent I agree, however...
- Speculation: It could be because... Perhaps teenagers feel... I wonder if this is due to...
- Consensus builders: All in all, we seem to agree that... I think we've reached similar conclusions about...
Sample Discussion Extract
Examiner: "Do you think technology has changed the way people interact with each
other?"
Candidate A: "Absolutely. In my view, social media has completely transformed how
we communicate. For instance, my cousin lives in Australia, and we can have video calls almost
daily, which would have been impossible twenty years ago. However, I think there's a downside too,
because when I go to cafés, I often see friends sitting together but all looking at their phones
instead of talking."
Candidate B: "I see what you mean about the negative side. While it's true that
technology connects people across distances, I believe it sometimes creates barriers between those
physically present. In my experience, family dinners are more meaningful when we have a 'no phones'
rule. Perhaps this is why some restaurants now offer discounts if customers put their phones away
during meals."
Candidate A: "That's an interesting point about restaurants. I think we both agree
that technology has both advantages and disadvantages for communication. Would you say these effects
are different for different age groups?"
Notice how the candidates build on each other's ideas, provide specific examples, express opinions clearly, and move the conversation forward with a question that explores the topic further.
Integrated Training Plan
- Speaking drills – Rotate Parts 2-4 every study session to keep fluency fresh.
- Reading and Use of English – Mine texts for synonyms to recycle in Part 4.
- Listening – Analyse radio debates to copy intonation.
- Writing – Transform today's discussion notes into a formal e-mail or FCE writing task.
This integrated approach ensures your skills development is balanced across all Cambridge B2 First examination components.
Part 4 Question Types to Prepare For
| Question Type | Example | Strategic Response Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Preferences | "Do you prefer learning online or in a traditional classroom?" | State preference + two reasons + one contrasting point |
| Predictions | "How will education change in the next twenty years?" | Use modal verbs (might, could) + technology references + specific example |
| Society questions | "Is enough being done to protect the environment in your country?" | Balance positive/negative + local example + personal suggestion |
| Compare/contrast | "How is learning languages different now compared to the past?" | Use linking expressions (whereas, while) + technological changes + generational example |
Final Thoughts
Part 4 crowns the Speaking paper: it rewards candidates who extend ideas, collaborate, and demonstrate flexible language. Mix the strategies above with regular Cambridge B2 mock exams and you'll carry the confidence straight into every other paper.
For complete FCE Speaking preparation, be sure to review our guides on FCE Speaking Part 1, FCE Speaking Part 2, and FCE Speaking Part 3. And don't forget to check our essay writing guide to excel in the writing section of your Cambridge B2 First exam.