C2 PROFICIENCY CAMBRIDGE SPEAKING TEST. Teacher feedback on CPE students' speaking exam. Pass/Fail?

Need more help? Check out my B2 First, C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency online preparation courses here: ttp-exam-academy-ben.thinkifi...
If you're preparing for the C2 Proficiency Cambridge English exam, you've probably seen the official Cambridge English Language Assessment video of two candidates completing the test (Derk and Annick).
The video is very useful for exam preparation because it gives students an idea of the format of the speaking paper and what is expected of the them on exam day.
However, I think it lacks professional feedback and leaves us wondering... did they pass or not?
So, I took it upon myself to give that feedback 🙂
Share your thoughts in the comments!
Ben Gill
English teacher
Website:
ttpenglish.com
Instagram: / to_the_point_english
Facebook Page: / tothepointenglishwithben
#c2proficiency #cpe #cambridgeenglishexams #tothepointenglish

[@tothepointenglishwithben.]

Just to clarify... in the official examiner comments, Derk got a global mark of 3/5 and Annick got 4/5. (My online Cambridge English exam preparation courses: ttp-exam-academy-ben.thinkific.com/)

[@ackjulia6949]

Important = crucial= vital =significant

[@ay-tz7md]

​@@ackjulia6949essential too

[@jpabloradio]

Thanks for the video, it's been very interesting!

[@MATHEW94061]

This test should be one on one. Polite people are at disadvantage because they don’t like to talk over their partners

[@fabiianvergara]

That’s their problem one of the instructions is you need to focus in yourself you don’t need to worry if they talk to much of if they’re nervous they’re going to evaluate only you

[@conorwhite2066]

An irony given English/British culture emphasizes consideration and politeness, while the Dutch are usually straight and direct

[@duyafc]

well then taking up an IELTS instead of CPE

[@jenniferwininger4970]

Polite?? If you don't speak enough, how are they going to assess you? Your speaking is your responsibility.

[@4L74.4]

For anyone who is disagreeing with you, bro, when someone is going on like this and that, on and on, and you don't feel to cut them off, like how are you supposed to speak for yourself??

[@carolinarosinelli]

Thanks, Ben! My B2 test is coming, but I'm already preparing myself to the higher levels, like C1 and even the C2. The work you do here on KZbin in order to help us is extremely useful. Thanks a lot! See you! And Hugs from Brazil =)

[@irmadiaz8072]

Of course Ben, your opinion and guidance are absolutely valid! You are such a great teacher. Thanks for your kind support!

[@LarissaSouza-py7mc]

The best channel to learn and practice! Thank you so much✨️

[@rubenr3810]

Sizeable explanation Ben! Thank you!!

[@Phulanitos]

Thank you so much Ben!!

[@edilsonluizpereira2421]

I always get anxious and a little bit nervous when watching these videos, it just because my exam is coming. Thanks Ben for helping us how to behave during the test. Your tips are extremelly useful.

[@tothepointenglishwithben.]

I'm glad you find my tips useful 🙂

[@mreyeholder]

So how was your exam?

[@edilsonluizpereira2421]

@@mreyeholder I couldn't manage well my time in the reading paper and listening paper, however I got the following marks: writing paper (183 scores), speaking paper (192 scores), use of English (160 scores). I got a little disapointed with myself, but I think I got good grades in speaking and writing which are more relevant for me.

[@edilsonluizpereira2421]

@@mreyeholder Sorry, only to correct the information. I got 196 scores in the Speaking paper.

[@mreyeholder]

@@edilsonluizpereira2421 very good result, gratz!

[@hatsoffschool]

There's no better channel, or at least on the same level as Ben's, to learn so much or get such valuable insights from! I mostly teach beginners and pre-intermediate students, but since I've started to follow Ben, I've been seriously considering to address upper-intermediates as well, due to the higher level of self confidence I've got thanks to this great gentleman. He's simply the best! Thanks, Ben

[@Crisguay]

Thanks for being such a hardworking and conscientious teacher, Ben! I'm hooked on your teachings!! 😄🤓

[@tothepointenglishwithben.]

Thanks, Cristina 🙂

[@mariavictoriaholguin8239]

Dear Ben, I appreciate all your videos. They were very helpful. You motivated me to go for the C2 instead of the C1, and I am happy I did it. Your tips were great. The exam was hard, but I feel it went ok. I will soon get my results. I used many of your recommendations, including vocabulary, speaking, etc.

[@storiesofblue]

Excellent video Ben, thank you! I was impressed by the notion of flair used by Annick. Despite my research, I am not sure I fully understood how to use it in a sentence, could you enlighten me? I am passing the CPE soon and your videos have been of tremendous help!

[@clarehenderson8732]

I know these two passed the Cambridge Proficiency exam as a whole: I was their teacher for 12 weeks and was notified of their results!

[@tothepointenglishwithben.]

Wow! That's great. You obviously did a good job 🙂 Thanks for letting us know they passed!

[@windhime]

Thank you, comments are very helpful

[@exoticlol]

Ben you are so amazing.

[@fitgainsbyrory]

Feeling so nervous whilst watching this because my c2 exam is around the corner, but one thing that helped me quite a lot is to read books in english whilst preparing for the exam. I think that also helps you understand how to interact with other people and how to use the language better in my opinion. As well as watching tv series or british news too. Greetings from Italy!

[@lizz4505]

Thanks Ben!

[@vanghost5106]

I know i lot of words but it all escapes my mind during speaking examinations

[@nastya3280]

Thanks Ben for your feedback on such videos. It really comes in handy for those who prepare to CAE. I'm one of these people, but, unfortunately, my speaking is nowhere near being C1. It's likely to be b2 but has nothing to do with advanced level. So your comments are really welcome and invaluable for us❤

[@akagami3470]

Derek passed because they said that they don’t post videos of people who failed so I think he passed

[@Anny49469]

Great work! Where can we find the examiner’s questions ? They are supposed to provide us with the questions, under their official video.

[@furlockfurli2719]

This was more B2-C1 level, shown by both of the students. Just my two cents.

[@Violetta2509]

I agree.

[@thaizahonorato]

For me, their fluency and pronunciation are awesome, however, their vocabulary isn't so good, they should've used more alternatives to common words as you said, but I have to admit it's hard to put your brain on work when you're feeling nervous.

[@xLostInFirex]

Tbh it's pretty common to do that in your native language as well. At least from my experience as a student, a lot of people get negative points because they're repeating the same words, especially conjunctions and pronouns in essays in our primary language as well. I feel like most of us do that on a daily basis when interacting with friends and etc (especially because of social media and text messages, you tend to get lazy and write as fast and keep the texts as short as possible) and it's hard to shake that habit unless you write a lot or something like that, even though most of us have the necessary vocabulary for it.

[@erikachagas3872]

I passed the FCE, thanks for the tips🎉

[@YanetAbanto]

I NEED MORE VIDEOS LIKE THISSS PLEASE😢😢😢❤❤

[@zapaleniepecherza4594]

I love your videos Ben Gill ❤️❤️ 😁

[@tothepointenglishwithben.]

Thanks 😃

[@julianleft4662]

Derek was 100% not C2. He was B2 at best. The problem with him actually passing C2 like this is that it devalues Cambridge C2 by quite a lot. Like IELTS B9 is way harder than this. Annick is probably C1. Maybe C2 if you really consider she mostly answered quite fast. But not all answers were that detailed nor deep. She knew how to keep it simple and straightforward, which is a plus, but not a C2 plus. I believe this was not a good showcase of a C2 level. Especially given the prestige Cambridge C2 has. Like many would prefer it over IELTS or TOEFL. But I disagree. I think IELTS is 100% the best English test you can take, regardless of it's 2 year validity or whatever. You can use that IELTS B9 result to get the same jobs and even teach english to beginners in foreign countries. You really don't need to take it every single two years. The two year validity is mostly created for students. So it's really irrelevant. Once you took B9, you're good to go.

[@Maria-tl1lm]

Water pollution, deforestation and vocabulary related to the environmental problems is B1 level vocabulary, at least that's what I was taught while doing the b1 and later on the b2 level, so to me, those words don't show a proficient level at all. That's my opinion, anyway. About the interaction I agree it was good but I would have expected more from a C2 level, I mean, using more connectors, modals of speculation and in conclusion, some really 'astonishing' words like the ones you taught in some other videos of yours. They did well but I can't say I am impressed.

[@tothepointenglishwithben.]

Yes, I would expect to hear a wider range of advanced vocabulary at this level. However, there's nothing wrong with using B1 and B2 level words in the C2 exam if they are the most suitable and appropriate in the context.

[@Maria-tl1lm]

@@tothepointenglishwithben. Yes, but that's not what I mean and you know it. 😉

[@ccb1283]

I see your point but words like 'deforesration' and 'pollution' can be used in different levels as they are inextricably linked to the topics discussed in most of these exams.

[@ian5417]

What are you talking about?they did great but you have to speak from your comfortable chair criticism

[@Marina-uw3ll]

@Pablo Hidalgo great words 👍👍👍👍👍

[@vikitoriyaChihuahua]

It's a middle of the video and I'd say it's nice B2 level or weak C1. It's interesting how Ben will assess )

[@nijeuveklako]

both of them have passed

[@antagonistlover]

Ikr? You're telling me this is C2, huh? My ass. That KZbin channel is a joke and the way that institution examines people is just ridiculous.

[@enrica5978]

Agree

[@taniadalleluche3858]

I agree with all your considerations, but don't you think that in task n.2 Annick was interrupting him all the time? I don't know how I would react to such a behaviour. Would it be appropriate to say "please, let me finish..." in these kinds of situations?

[@mariasolasef4736]

how annoying is that she interrupts him every time at part 2!

[@mahr-899]

I thought the lexicon level and grammatical structures for a C2 proficiency level had to be much more specific and sophisticated.

[@just_a_person2717]

Me too! I seated the C1 exam and passed but I didn’t expect such a low score because I have a vast knowledge of vocabulary! My mom said that they penalised me because I was too young (13) but I don’t think so. I plan on taking the C2 exam in 2 years because I have my exams coming up next year

[@Theyoutuberpolyglot]

Not in the oral exam. In fact, the oral exam is the easiest part of the exam. The examiners are stricter in the written part than the oral exam. I used the same words and phrases in the written part and in the oral exam. In the oral exam, I got more points than in the essay. In the oral exam, you only talk for 10 minutes at most.

[@xLostInFirex]

@@Theyoutuberpolyglot That actually sounds reasonable since you don't have much time to think in the oral exam + you're nervous + most people have social anxiety nowadays + native speakers often slip up when speaking (in every language) themselves, which is perfectly normal, I mean just think how many takes and cuts people making KZbin videos or even making movies have to take because they messed something up so it would be unreasonable to expect a non-native speaker talk absolutely perfectly without any mistakes and in a stressful situation, no less.

[@pipolebnene]

I just payed for my proficiency exam on 25.02.2023 and will get as much knowledge from your videos as possible

[@almudenasr7135]

Revise irregular verbs mate!

[@user-wu5rf3fs6w]

That girl won’t stop talking! Under no circumstances should you do that, you have to communicate with the other candidate, no matter what. You shouldn’t forget that your co-speaker also put too much effort in order to be examined. Being competitive results in nothing but minus points.

[@mainesouza9321]

Hello, Ben !! Do you think to launch online advanced english course? I love your videos 😉

[@tothepointenglishwithben.]

I already have 🙂. Here it is; ttp-exam-academy-ben.thinkific.com/courses/complete-c1-advanced-cambridge-exam-preparation-course

[@marylkap6498]

As we could notice here, the so called "interaction" in these oral CAE videos consists mostly of ...nodding 🤔

[@ericahata2162]

At this level one expects the candidates to know, for example, the different onomatopeic sounds you may hear in the jungle (frogs croaking, bees buzzing, birds chirping, and so on).

[@at5713]

Have they shared the rubric of HOW they score? Has an old one ever been leaked by anyone?

[@voskan]

I feel lack of vocabulary here.

[@xLostInFirex]

I think it's the nerves. They spoke freely and well enough (at least the girl), so I assume that she/they probably know much more but afterall, you are put on the spot in a stressful situation.

[@henriettejosephine]

As they are planning to go to uni I assume they had English lessons up to the end exam, that is for 8 or 9 years. They should be able to speak more fluently and without so manymistakes. Annick did not even master the th.

[@MATHEW94061]

In my opinion they are C1. I think C2 level should be reserved for native speakers and experts who have mastered the language

[@lenadesouza]

Some natives won't know how to use plurals accurately when taking a Cambridge test. 😂

[@lf8651]

​@@lenadesouza😂

[@AlexanderFainshtein]

Ben, how you think a native English speaker would do in such exam? A common person, without academic background?

[@richmck007]

‘’That’s an interesting question…’’ ‘’I hadn’t thought of that…’’ I suppose that with the necessary training any well prepared and involved person should be able to obtain a high enough score provided they use the correct language. The dilemma with today’s English speaking Joe Public is that the language has diversified so much that people have broken the first golden rule… To pay attention to what one is being told and to respond accordingly without diverting from what is being mentioned and also to use the correct language and grammar. At this level, there is no reason why any speaker who has been well prepared, should obtain a weak score. At the start of this response I used typical expressions which have become common with candidates in certain areas abroad where I have taught.

[@AlexanderFainshtein]

Ahh, never mind. I did not know what these C1 and C2 Cambridge tests were about. I thought they were to tell whether a person mastered a foreign language, in this case, English. But after watching more clips, I realized there is more to the tests; most native speakers would not pass, and even very intelligent, highly educated native speakers may fail them without preparation. But I enjoyed these videos, not only the content but the tone, voice, demeanor. Thanks!

[@alinacannone1540]

As a native English speaker… Absolutely 100%! 🤦‍♀️ I do not have an iota of doubt that ANY native English speaker with a 12 grade education could and would pass this test with no problem! To be frank, it’s so basic I would say most 8th graders could pass… Considering that there are concepts in 9th grade English that are more advanced and as a whole, far more complex than this. It’s honestly quite asinine to think otherwise. I’m curious in questioning why and how one would come to the conclusion a native English speaker couldn’t pass? 🤷‍♀️

[@Theyoutuberpolyglot]

You have to prepare yourself to this exam, independently if English is your native language or not. You might be fluent in English as a native speaker, but have you had enough experience with sophisticates talks? Have you ever written different styles of essays, letters? Are you able to listen to a dialogue or an university lecture while you are taking notes? Can you read and listen to the same time? As a native speaker it will be easier to prepare for this exam than a non- native speaker. These tests also measure your indirect knowledge and your intelligence. You have to be quick and creative as well. You need to know some strategies to save time. I failed a German exam due to the time and not the lack of the knowledge. The oral exam is much easier than other parts. I know some native speakers who fail a C1 German exam. A native speaker is also someone who grew up in a country which language is spoken. Unfortunately, in some countries you don’t get the nationality in the country you were born if your parents have a different nationality. As a native speaker it will be easier because you have the language feeling on your brain and heart. A non native speaker tends to struggle to sound authentic and natural in hostile and unpleasant situations, especially if he/ she tries to intend to sound like a local.

[@Theyoutuberpolyglot]

@@AlexanderFainshteinI know more grammar points in English than in my native language. It seems to me, I have a good level of English because I studied the language in a grammatical way. I don’t have feelings for the language. I speak it in a rational way. When I speak my native tongue, I am authentic with my speeches. They don’t sound like rehearsal idioms and sentences. My vocabulary might be a bit smaller in my native language. However, I can communicate better in stress situations. Feelings and languages have a lot in common. If you listen to a song in your native language, you will react different than in a foreign language. If you have to speak in a foreign language, you might sound knowledgeable and wordy because you studied the language and not lived the language in many contexts and situations. When you speak your language, you use your intuitive linguistics skills without struggling much to sound correct and precise. You feel yourself, not like an actor who have to play role a speech to sound natural and correct.

[@user-rv9gm5dc2x]

Annick got 4/5. Why not 5/5?

[@sonyastefanova5785]

She's a bit annoying, but she did a great job! Her confidence was the key of her success.

[@BAglamdoll]

she should be respectful and show off her knowledge in her own turn. so rude.

[@maxchiper2888]

I cant help myself noticing how the girl looked at that guy,lol

[@bayasaabattulga7906]

you judge too much old man

[@at5713]

watching this made me think of a question... If someone is writing a resume, is it only appropriate to use the A1-C2 designation if you officially passed these CE exams? Therefore if I never took these tests, then you shouldn't be using these letter designations? I get the feeling this is not the case. I am curious of others responses. @tothepointenglishwithben

[@undyingsoul3949]

This makes me proud I got an "Exceptional" feedback on this part back in 2013. In my case, it was the girl next to me who struggled much more.

[@vanghost5106]

I know i lot of words but it all escapes my mind during speaking examinations

[@vanghost5106]

I know i lot of words but it all escapes my mind during speaking examinations

[@tothepointenglishwithben.]

That's a very common problem. We all have more passive vocabulary than active vocabulary