General tips for Speaking C1 & C2

Here is the comprehensive strategy guide for the Speaking (Oral) component of the EOI exams (C1 & C2).

The EOI Speaking exam is unique because it is very structured. It is not just a "chat"; it is a performance where you must demonstrate specific skills.

🧠 The "Showcase" Mindset

The most important tip for C1/C2 is this: Do not just "communicate." Show off.

• A B1 student says: "I think pollution is bad." (Communicates the idea).

• A C1 student says: "It goes without saying that pollution is a pressing issue." (Shows vocabulary).

• A C2 student says: "One cannot overstate the detrimental impact of pollution on our urban resilience." (Shows precision and nuance).

You are not being graded on your opinions; you are being graded on your structures.

🗣️ PART 1: The Monologue (Spoken Production)

Duration: 3-4 mins (C1) / 4-5 mins (C2). Preparation: 10-15 minutes (in a separate room).

1. The Preparation Strategy: Mind Mapping You cannot write a script. You are only allowed to write notes (bullet points).

• Don't write sentences. If you read sentences, you lose points for "Fluency."

• Draw a Mind Map. Put the topic in the center. Draw 3 branches (one for each bullet point in the instructions).

• Add "Trigger Words": Next to each branch, write one C1/C2 word you must use (e.g., Ubiquitous, Mitigation, Paradox). When you look at your paper, these words trigger your memory.

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2. The "Photo Trap" You will likely get a photo and a short text.

• Do NOT describe the photo. (e.g., "In the picture, there is a car..."). This is B1 level.

• Use the photo as a springboard. (e.g., "The image depicting the traffic jam serves as a stark reminder of our reliance on fossil fuels...").

• C2 Requirement: At C2, you must often integrate the ideas from the text provided in the prompt. Quote it indirectly: "As the text suggests, we are facing a paradigm shift..."

3. Structure is King EOI examiners love structure. Use "Signposting" language to guide them.

• Intro: Hook the listener. "This is a highly controversial topic that has sparked debate recently..."

• Body: "Moving on to the issue of..." / "Regarding the second point..."

• Conclusion: "To sum up, while there are no easy answers, I believe..."

4. The "Stalling" Technique If you go blank, do not say "Errr..." or use Spanish sounds ("Ehhh"). Use "Filler Phrases" that score points:

• "That is an intriguing question to consider..."

• "Let me gather my thoughts for a moment..."

• "How can I put this precisely?..."

  
  

💬 PART 2: The Dialogue (Spoken Interaction)

Duration: 5-6 mins. Goal: Reaching a consensus (usually).

1. It's a Game of Tennis, not a Debate

• Don't dominate: If you speak for 2 minutes straight, you fail "Interaction."

• Don't be passive: If you just say "Yes, I agree," you fail.

• Pass the ball: Speak for 20-30 seconds, then ask: "How do you see it?" / "Don't you think that might be risky?"

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2. Disagreeing Politely (The C2 Nuance) At C1/C2, you rarely say "I disagree." You use Hedging (softening):

• C1: "I see your point, but don't you think..."

• C2: "I take your point regarding the costs; however, we must also factor in the long-term benefits..."

• C2: "That is a valid argument, yet one could also posit that..."

3. The "Consensus" Trick The instructions usually say "Reach a decision."

• You don't actually have to agree.

• You can agree to disagree, as long as the negotiation was good.

• Ending: "It seems we are at a stalemate regarding the budget, but we definitely agree on the need for green spaces. Shall we settle on that?"

  
  

⚡ Technical Checklist for High Grades

Grammar to "Force" into your speech:

• Inversion: "Never have I seen such..." / "Not only is it expensive, but it is also..."

• Cleft Sentences: "What we really need to focus on is..." / "It is the government that must act."

• Conditionals (Mixed/3rd): "If we hadn't ignored the warnings, we wouldn't be in this mess."

• Passive Voice: "Steps must be taken..." (Sounds more formal/academic).

Vocabulary Tips:

• Avoid "Very" and "Good/Bad":

  • Very important → Crucial / Paramount / Pivotal.

  • Bad problem → Detrimental issue / Catastrophic scenario.

  • Good idea → Viable solution / Feasible proposal.

• Idioms (Use sparingly):

  • C1: "A double-edged sword," "The tip of the iceberg."

  • C2: "To open a Pandora's box," "To pay lip service to."

    
    

📝 Final Minute Advice

• Body Language: Look at your partner and the examiner. Smile. It hides nervousness.

• Self-Correction: If you make a mistake, correct it immediately. "He go... sorry, he went..." Examiners like this; it shows you have "monitor control."

• Time Management: If the examiner signals time is up, finish your sentence and stop. Do not rush to say everything you planned. Quality over quantity.