How long is FCE Speaking Part 3?

FCE Speaking Part 3 lasts approximately 3 minutes in total. You and your partner have about 2 minutes to discuss the visual prompts (like pictures, diagrams, or options) provided by the examiner, followed by 1 minute to reach a decision or agreement about the task. This collaborative discussion tests your ability to exchange ideas, express opinions, and negotiate.

What are the examiner's expectations in FCE Speaking Part 3?

In FCE Speaking Part 3, examiners expect you to: 1) Actively engage with your partner through turn-taking and active listening, 2) Discuss all or most of the visual prompts provided, 3) Compare and evaluate the options, not just describe them, 4) Use a range of language to express and justify opinions, 5) Demonstrate good interaction skills by inviting your partner's views and responding to them, and 6) Reach a clear decision or conclusion in the final minute.

What are common mistakes in FCE Speaking Part 3?

Common mistakes in FCE Speaking Part 3 include: 1) Dominating the conversation instead of collaborating, 2) Simply describing the pictures without discussing them, 3) Forgetting to reach a decision in the final minute, 4) Not inviting your partner to speak, 5) Using simple agree/disagree statements without explanations, and 6) Running out of ideas before the time is up. Practice keeping the conversation balanced and structured to avoid these pitfalls.

FCE Speaking Part 3: Master the Collaborative Task with 10 Proven Strategies

May 15, 2025 | Cambridge Exam Preparation | LingoLugo

After covering FCE Speaking Part 1 and FCE Speaking Part 2, we now focus on the collaborative task, Part 3 of the Cambridge B2 First speaking test. This interactive section is where you truly demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with another person—a crucial skill for both the exam and real-world situations.

Looking for useful phrases to use in Part 3? Check our Complete Phrase Bank for FCE Speaking Part 3 with over 40 examiner-approved expressions.

Understanding FCE Speaking Part 3: Why It Matters

In FCE Speaking Part 3 (the collaborative task), you and your partner have about three minutes: two minutes discussing visuals the examiner gives you, followed by one minute trying to reach a decision. This part of the B2 Cambridge speaking exam tests your ability to discuss, express opinions, agree, disagree, speculate and evaluate – essential discourse skills you'll also need for C1 Advanced speaking and written tasks.

The 10 Essential Strategies for Speaking FCE Part 3

What to do	Why it works	Useful language / action
1. Memorise the two-plus-one timing 2 min chat ➜ 1 min decision	Keeps you focused on both instructions so you show full task achievement.	"Let's go through each option quickly, then decide."
2. Start with a mini-plan Sketch a quick order (clockwise, most expensive ➜ cheapest…) before you speak.	Gives structure and prevents rambling – good for the Discourse Management band.	"Shall we begin with public transport and finish with bikes?"
3. Invite your partner in Ask questions instead of monologuing.	Examiners reward real collaboration.	"How about you? What do you think of…?"
4. Listen actively & build Echo key words, react, extend.	Shows you can handle spoken interaction – a core aim of Cambridge Assessment English.	"Really? I hadn't thought of that. Maybe we could…"
5. Disagree diplomatically Use softeners to keep the dialogue friendly.	Demonstrates mature control of the English language.	"I see your point, but don't you think…?"
6. Keep the goal visible Paraphrase the question midway.	Signals to the examiner you're on task.	"Remember, we're choosing the best transport for a week-long tour."
7. Use thinking-time fillers Avoid silence while you organise ideas.	Maintains fluency.	"That's a good question… well, let me think…"
8. Clarify & repair Ask for repetition or definitions when needed.	Shows high-level communication strategy.	"Sorry, could you explain what you mean by car-pooling?"
9. Seal the deal in the last 15 seconds Summarise agreement (or near-agreement).	Proves you followed the collaborative process to the end.	"So, we both agree the bus is cheapest and lets us see more – shall we choose that?"
10. Practise across papers Rotate FCE practice tests with Listening, Reading and Use of English. Include B2 speaking part 3 exercises regularly.	Recycling lexis from one paper enriches another; for example, travel collocations from a Writing B2 Cambridge essay are handy here.	Use an English Practice Test app to "Test Your English" daily.

Language Bank for Quick Wins

Agreeing: That's true / Exactly / I couldn't agree more
Partly agreeing: I see what you mean, but…
Speculating: They might not have enough time / It could be cheaper to…
Decision phrases: All things considered / If we had to choose one…

FCE Speaking Part 3 Practice Routine that Works

Pair up online and simulate the task with timer apps or official FCE practice tests.
Record & transcribe; run the script through an AI writing correction tool (great preparation for a CAE practice test too).
Recycle vocabulary: transfer travel verbs into a formal e-mail, turn your discussion notes into an Essay B2, then upgrade it for an Essay C1.
Finish with a micro-quiz on collocations in a Use of English gap-fill – perfect daily "Test English" habit for any English Test.

FCE Speaking Part 3 Useful Phrases

Here are essential phrases for the collaborative task B2 Cambridge that will help you score higher:

Function	Useful Phrases for FCE Speaking Part 3
Starting the discussion	Shall we start with...? / Let's begin by looking at... / Why don't we discuss...?
Asking for opinions	What do you think about...? / How do you feel about...? / What's your view on...?
Agreeing	I completely agree / That's exactly what I think / You're absolutely right
Partially agreeing	I see your point, but... / Yes, although... / That's partly true, however...
Disagreeing politely	I'm not sure I agree... / Actually, I think... / I see it differently because...
Making suggestions	How about...? / We could consider... / Perhaps we should...
Reaching a decision	So, shall we go with...? / I think we both agree that... / Let's decide on...

Sample Collaborative Task Conversation Structure

Candidate A: "Let's look at these holiday options. Shall we start with the beach holiday?"

Candidate B: "Yes, that looks interesting. I think it would be relaxing, but maybe a bit boring after a few days. What do you think?"

Candidate A: "I see what you mean. Although I like swimming, I prefer more active holidays. How about the city break?"

Candidate B: "That might be more interesting because there are museums and restaurants. However, it could be expensive..."

Candidate A: "Actually, I hadn't thought about the cost. Good point! Remember, we need to decide which would be best for a family with teenagers."

Candidate B: "In that case, I think the adventure holiday would be ideal because it offers activities that would keep teenagers engaged. Would you agree?"

Candidate A: "Yes, I think we both agree the adventure holiday would be best for a family with teenagers because it offers something for everyone and would keep them entertained."

Final Thoughts

Mastering the collaborative task equips you not only for the B2 First exam but for real-world teamwork. These strategies will help you excel in Part 3 of the speaking test. Combine the tips above with regular practice, and you'll be ready to face both the current assessment and future C1 Advanced challenges with confidence.

To complete your FCE speaking preparation, make sure to review our guides on FCE Speaking Part 1 and FCE Speaking Part 2. For written exam preparation, check our essay writing guide.