FCE Speaking Part 2: Comparing and contrasting photos

In the second phase of the FCE interview, you have to compare and contrast two pictures. Don’t describe the photographs in detail. Think of each photo as an example of an idea. For example, if one photo is a picture of a nurse, it’s the job you should talk about, not the particular nurse in the picture. The examiner will also ask you to express an opinion by answering a question. Make sure you answer the question you have been asked. Remember that you only have one minute to talk about the two photographs, so don’t spend too long talking about them. Don’t worry if the examiner interrupts you after a minute – it just means you have a lot of ideas!

Have a look at the following example and pay attention to the common expressions used to compare and contrast the pictures:

What activity seems to be more exciting?

Student:  To begin with, both photographs show holidays. The first is a photograph of people on a beach, while/whereas the second is of people riding an elephant. In both pictures, the people seem to be relaxed because they are taking a break from work. The photo of the beach was probably taken in the summer and so was the other one. One main difference is that spending your holiday lying on a beach can be a little boring, in contrast to exotic holidays, which teach you about the other countries and other people. Unlike the one of the beach, riding an elephant is not something you would do often. Compared with beach holidays, exotic holidays are more interesting, so I prefer the second one.

You can also speculate if you’re not sure of something. Remember that you will not lose marks if you say you’re not sure about something. On the contrary, you will impress the examiner with your ability to express your uncertainty.

Judging from the clothes they’re wearing, it must be summer. 

It’s not clear if the people are male or female. 

I imagine/suppose/guess that riding an elephant is quite exciting.  

It could be a beach in the Caribbean.

It’s difficult to tell, but it might/may be somewhere in India. 

Probably the people in the picture are doing a safari. 

It’s quite likely that the two people on the beach are a couple. 

I’m not really/totally sure what’s the best option to take.