Aiming for C1 in Aptis

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Speaking Lab

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• B2 and C1
• Important differences
• Speaking tasks
• Resources

Common European framework of references for languages (CEFR)

C2	Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
C1
B2
B1
A2
A1

C2	main ideas concrete abstract fluency and spontaneity strain
C1
B2
B1
A2
A1

C2	Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
C1
B2
B1
A2
A1

C2	wide range demanding implicit meaning fluently and spontaneously (flow) flexibly and effectively
C1
B2
B1
A2
A1

Over to you

Compare and what you see in the two pictures, then answer the questions below.

Make a contrast
Make a comparison
Make a comparison
What kinds of things do people do in summer and in winter?
How do you think the climate in a country affects peoples personalities? Why?

Families

What kinds of things do families often do together? Why?
How do you think families will change in the future? Why?
Who should be responsible for the elderly in a country? The family or the government? Why?

Talk about the last time you did something active.

You should mention:

• What you did
• Where you were
• How it made you feel.

The less time we dedicate to relaxing, the less productive we will be. What do you think?

React

Change your opinion

Speculate

Give examples (not about yourself!)

Read the following newspaper articles and comment on the question below.

Top basketball player fined for driving too fast!

Wages for top footballer more than Prime Minister’s!

Fans riot after match and cause damage to historic town centre

To what extent do you think sport and sports players have a negative effect on society?

Speak for 2 minutes about a historic place in your country. Then discuss the questions on the right.

Talk about a historic place. Say:

Where it is

What it is like

Why it is important

How you feel about it

Why do people visit historic places?

How are historic city centres different from modern business districts in cities?

Some people say that many tourists learn nothing about visiting a historic site. What do you think?

Resources for learners

Aptis Candidate Guide
British Council Aptis website
EAQUALS Core Inventory
CEFR Self-assessment
Areas assessed: task fulfilment / topic relevance, grammatical range & accuracy, vocabulary range & accuracy, pronunciation, fluency and cohesion.

EAQUALS Inventory

CEFR self-assessment grid

How to get to C1

• Understand what C1 is and be realistic about getting there
• Practise (with the right type of questions)
• Record yourself and listen back to what you have said.
• Practise with a friend and give each other feedback.

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