Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) Speaking Exam
Master Advanced English Speaking with AI-Powered CAE Practice
Exam Format
Part 1: Interview
2 minutes
In-depth personal questions requiring extended responses
Focus Areas:
- • Social issues
- • Personal philosophy
- • Career aspirations
- • Global perspectives
Part 2: Long Turn
4 minutes
Analyse and compare three photographs with abstract concepts
Advanced Skills:
- • Synthesis
- • Speculation
- • Evaluation
- • Abstraction
Part 3: Collaborative Task
3 minutes
Complex negotiation and decision-making with partner
Collaboration:
- • Strategic planning
- • Consensus building
- • Critical analysis
- • Prioritisation
Part 4: Discussion
5 minutes
Sophisticated discussion on abstract and social issues
Discussion:
- • Philosophical debate
- • Ethical reasoning
- • Hypothetical scenarios
- • Societal implications
Advanced Speaking Techniques
Hedging & Modality
Use modal verbs and hedging language to express nuanced opinions
Discourse Markers
Structure complex arguments with sophisticated connectors
Reformulation
Paraphrase and clarify complex ideas effectively
Cultural References
Include appropriate cultural and contextual references
Scoring Criteria
C1 Level Descriptors
What examiners look for at advanced level
Grammatical Resource
Consistent control of complex structures, rare errors
Lexical Resource
Wide range including idiomatic language, precise word choice
Discourse Management
Sophisticated organisation, natural flow, complex ideas
Pronunciation
Subtle features, effective use of stress and intonation
Interactive Communication
Sophisticated interaction, topic development, sensitivity
CAE Grade Boundaries
Cambridge English Scale scores
Grade A (200-210)
C2 level achieved
Grade B (193-199)
Strong C1 pass
Grade C (180-192)
C1 level pass
160-179
B2 certificate
Advanced Sample Questions
Advanced Interview Questions
Complex personal and societal topics (2 minutes)
How has globalisation affected your local community?
What role should governments play in addressing climate change?
To what extent do you think social media has changed human relationships?
How important is work-life balance in modern society?
What are the implications of artificial intelligence for employment?
Common Mistakes at C1 Level
Over-complicating language
Balance sophistication with clarity and natural flow
Insufficient abstract thinking
Move beyond concrete examples to discuss implications and concepts
Weak turn management
Master subtle interruption and floor-holding techniques
Limited register flexibility
Adapt formality level to match different parts of the exam
Poor synthesis in Part 2
Connect all three photos thematically, not just describe separately
Universities & Employers
Oxford University
UK
Harvard Extension School
USA
McKinsey & Company
Global
European Central Bank
EU
University of Melbourne
Australia
INSEAD Business School
France
CAE vs CPE
| Aspect | CAE (C1 Advanced) | CPE (C2 Proficiency) |
|---|---|---|
| CEFR Level | C1 (Advanced) | C2 (Proficiency) |
| Speaking Duration | 15 minutes | 16 minutes |
| Photo Task | 3 photos to synthesise | 3 photos, more abstract |
| Discussion Depth | Abstract concepts | Philosophical depth |
| Language Range | Wide, sophisticated | Near-native breadth |
| Error Tolerance | Occasional slips acceptable | Minimal errors expected |
| Typical Use | University, professional | Academic research, executive |
| Pass Score | 180-192 (Grade C) | 200-212 (Grade C) |
12-Week CAE Preparation Timeline
Foundation Building
- ✓ Assess current C1 level
- ✓ Master exam format
- ✓ Build advanced vocabulary
- ✓ Practice photo description
- ✓ Record baseline speaking
Skill Development
- ✓ Advanced grammar structures
- ✓ Abstract thinking exercises
- ✓ Collaborative practice
- ✓ Discourse management
- ✓ Mock exam attempts
Exam Refinement
- ✓ Full exam simulations
- ✓ Time management
- ✓ Stress management
- ✓ Final vocabulary review
- ✓ Confidence building
What examiners look for in C1 Advanced Speaking
You’re assessed on advanced lexis and grammar, discourse management, pronunciation, interactive communication and global achievement. Marks rise when you structure complex ideas clearly, adapt register, and manage turn‑taking while developing your partner’s ideas.
Practice photo analysis (comparison/speculation), collaborative decision‑making and abstract discussion. Our AI flags quick gains like reformulation, hedging and higher‑band discourse markers.
Related practice
Achieve C1 Advanced Proficiency
Practice with our AI examiner calibrated to CAE standards and assessment criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CAE harder than IELTS?
CAE C1 level is comparable to IELTS 7.0-8.0. CAE focuses more on academic and professional English with greater emphasis on abstract thinking and collaborative skills. The paired format and synthesis tasks make it uniquely challenging.
Should I take CAE or CPE?
CAE (C1) is suitable for university admission and most professional roles. CPE (C2) is for near-native proficiency, typically needed for language teaching, translation, or executive positions requiring exceptional English.
How long does CAE remain valid?
Cambridge certificates have no expiry date. However, some institutions may require recent results (typically within 2-3 years). The certificate shows the test date, allowing institutions to judge currency.
What if I score below 180?
Scores between 160-179 receive a B2 First (FCE) certificate instead. This still demonstrates upper-intermediate proficiency and may meet requirements for some programs and positions.