In Oral Expression – the speaking exam – you speak in two parts, usually in pairs with a partner. Here are the structure, useful phrases, topics and examples for each part.
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Key takeaways
Oral Expression – the speaking exam – is the last part of the telc C1 exam. You speak in two parts, usually in pairs with another candidate. The exam lasts around 16 minutes; beforehand you get about 20 minutes of preparation time. In total you can earn 48 points.
It tests whether you can express yourself in a differentiated and almost effortless way at C1 level: present a topic in a structured way, respond to questions, argue in a discussion, address counter-arguments and reach a result together. It’s about fluent, well-structured speaking and genuine interaction with your partner.
The two parts call for two abilities: in Part 1 you give a short presentation (around 5 minutes) on a topic and then answer questions. In Part 2 you discuss a topic or quote with your partner and try to reach a consensus together. Fixed phrases help you speak confidently in both parts.
Very doable with preparation and phrases. Demanding are the structured presentation, differentiated argumentation and genuinely engaging with your partner.
| Part | Task type | Focus | Tasks | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 – Presentation | Presentation | Presenting | 1 | 24 |
| Part 2 – Discussion & consensus | Discussion & consensus | Arguing & negotiating | 1 | 24 |
You have around 20 minutes of preparation. Structure your presentation (Part 1) and note arguments and phrases – but don’t learn a whole text by heart.
Part 1 is a presentation of around 5 minutes. Structure it clearly: introduction, several points with examples, conclusion. A clear structure looks assured.
In Part 2 an opinion isn’t enough – justify it, weigh up (einerseits/andererseits) and engage with your partner’s arguments.
Speak above all with your partner, not with the examiner. Listen, refer to their statements and disagree politely.
In Part 2 you should reach a result. Make suggestions, weigh up and agree on a common position or solution at the end.
If a word escapes you, paraphrase it. What matters is that you speak fluently and coherently and stay in the conversation.
Try this section in the real exam format and find out how confident you are before exam day.
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Learn a fixed set of phrases for the two parts:
The presentation and discussion topics come from society, education and current affairs:
Read this guide and look at an example of the speaking exam: how do the presentation and discussion run?
Practice presentations of around 5 minutes on various topics. Structure clearly and practice answering follow-up questions.
Practice justifying your opinion on a thesis, weighing up and engaging with counter-arguments.
Practice with a partner reaching a common result at the end of a discussion.
Prepare vocabulary and arguments for common topics: education, work, technology, environment.
Run through both parts with a partner – with preparation time and under real conditions.
Have your speaking assessed – by a teacher or via a Prepliq mock that scores speaking automatically.
It has two parts: Part 1 (presentation and questions about it) and Part 2 (discussion with consensus-finding). It lasts around 16 minutes, usually as a paired exam.
Usually in a pair with another candidate (paired exam). In Part 2 you discuss with each other. With an odd number, an individual or three-person exam is also possible.
Yes. Before the speaking exam you have around 20 minutes to structure your presentation and note arguments and phrases – but not to memorize a whole text.
The presentation lasts around 5 minutes. Afterwards you answer questions from your partner about it.
Above all on fluent and coherent speaking, fulfilling the task, arguing and engaging with your partner, and accuracy. There are 48 points in total.
Demanding factual and social topics like education, work, technology or the environment. In Part 2 you often discuss a quote or thesis and look for a consensus.
Practice presentations, gather arguments on many topics and discuss regularly with a partner. At Prepliq you practice speaking with a mock that scores your answers automatically against the official criteria – the PDF answer key doesn’t cover speaking.
Practice this exam section in the official format and see what needs more attention before the real test.
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