Paper 3: Speaking
4FR1/03 | 25% of total IGCSE
The speaking exam is 8-10 minutes with 12 minutes preparation for Task A. You need to discuss a picture, then have two conversations on different topics. Three tenses are essential for top marks.
72
Total Marks
3
Tasks
20
Possible Topics
12
Mins Prep Time
Preparation Time
Study your Task A picture card and make notes
What to do in your 12 minutes:
- 1. Study the picture carefully (2 mins)
- 2. Predict the 5 questions and plan answers (5 mins)
- 3. Prepare key vocabulary and tense forms (3 mins)
- 4. Practise saying answers quietly (2 mins)
Task A: Picture-based Discussion
Discuss a picture card with 5 questions. 12 minutes preparation time. Questions progress from description to unpredictable.
~3 mins
Task B: Topic Conversation 1
General conversation on a topic chosen by the examiner. Demonstrate range of tenses, opinions, and spontaneous responses.
~4 mins
Task C: Topic Conversation 2
General conversation on a different topic chosen by the examiner. Must cover a different topic area from Task B.
~4 mins
Mark Distribution
Task A always follows this pattern. Knowing what is coming helps you prepare.
Describe the picture
PresentUse 'il y a', 'je vois', 'on peut voir' + present tense descriptions
Past experience
Past (PC/Imparfait)Use passé composé for actions, imparfait for descriptions/feelings
Opinion / Preference
Present + justificationGive opinion + reason + example. Use 'je pense que', 'je trouve que'
Future plans
Future (proche/simple)Use 'je vais + infinitive' or future simple for variety
Unpredictable
Any tenseStay calm. Listen carefully. Use the tense the question requires.
The Three-Tense Rule
To access the top mark bands, you MUST use at least 3 different tenses accurately. The examiners are specifically listening for this. Without 3 tenses, the maximum band you can reach is Band 3 (out of 5).