FCE Speaking Part 3 examples: 10 practice tasks and a sample discussion

Below are 10 original FCE Speaking Part 3 examples, each with a central question, five prompts and a decision question, plus one fully worked sample discussion. Discuss each task with a partner for two minutes, then decide in one. For the method, read Speaking Part 3 in our B2 First Speaking guide.

By Eleanor BennettLast updated: 13 October 2026

How to use these tasks

Each task has the same shape as the real Part 3: a central question, five prompts, and a decision question that the examiner asks after two minutes. In the exam the central question and prompts are printed on a sheet; here they are written out in a list.

Read the central question and prompts for about 15 seconds. Do not plan full sentences.
Set a timer for two minutes and discuss with your partner. Remember: react, add, invite, move on.
When the timer stops, read the decision question and set a timer for one minute.
Afterwards, spend two minutes talking about how it went. Who spoke more? Did you both react to each other?

No partner? Record yourself playing both roles, or answer each prompt aloud and then ask yourself a follow-up question. Our partner practice guide has more ideas. When you finish a task, carry on with related questions from our Part 4 question bank, just as the real test does.

Part 3 practice tasks 1–5

Task 1: A better town for teenagers

Central question: How could these things make a town a better place for teenagers?
Prompts: a skate park · free sports clubs · a youth centre · more public transport at night · a cinema
Decision question: Which two would make the biggest difference?

Task 2: Staying healthy

Central question: How important are these things for staying healthy?
Prompts: getting enough sleep · eating fresh food · regular exercise · spending time with friends · avoiding screens before bed
Decision question: Which is the hardest for young people to do?

Task 3: Choosing a university

Central question: How important are these things when choosing where to study?
Prompts: the cost of living · the reputation of the course · distance from home · student social life · job opportunities after graduating
Decision question: Which is the most important?

Task 4: Saving the environment at home

Central question: How effective are these ways of helping the environment at home?
Prompts: recycling · using less water · buying second-hand · eating less meat · turning off devices
Decision question: Which would be easiest to persuade people to do?

Task 5: A school trip

Central question: What would students learn from these different school trips?
Prompts: a science museum · a farm · a theatre performance · a city in another country · a factory
Decision question: Which trip should the school choose this year?

Part 3 practice tasks 6–10

Task 6: Starting a new job

Central question: How might these things help someone in their first week at a new job?
Prompts: having a mentor · a clear timetable · friendly colleagues · training sessions · a welcome lunch
Decision question: Which would be the most helpful?

Task 7: Learning a language

Central question: What are the advantages of these ways of learning a language?
Prompts: using an app · taking classes · living abroad · watching series · having a conversation partner
Decision question: Which would work best for a busy adult?

Task 8: Spending less money

Central question: How can these ideas help people save money?
Prompts: cooking at home · cancelling subscriptions · buying in sales · sharing a car · making a monthly budget
Decision question: Which two ideas would save the most money?

Task 9: A class celebration

Central question: What are the good and bad points of these ways of celebrating the end of the course?
Prompts: a picnic in the park · a meal in a restaurant · a party at school · a day trip · bowling
Decision question: Which should the class choose?

Task 10: Technology in the classroom

Central question: How useful are these things for students in the classroom?
Prompts: laptops · interactive whiteboards · online tests · translation apps · video lessons
Decision question: Which one could schools most easily do without?

Sample discussion: Task 1 (A better town for teenagers)

The task

Central question: How could these things make a town a better place for teenagers? Prompts: a skate park · free sports clubs · a youth centre · more public transport at night · a cinema. Decision question: Which two would make the biggest difference?

1.
A: Shall we start with the skate park? I think it's a good idea because it gives teenagers somewhere to go that's outdoors and free.
2.
B: Yes, but it's only useful for people who actually skate, isn't it? Lots of teenagers wouldn't be interested at all.
3.
A: That's true. Maybe free sports clubs would reach more people, then. There'd be something for everyone, like football, basketball or swimming.
4.
B: Exactly, and because they're free, families who don't have much money could join too. That's really important, I think. What about the youth centre?
5.
A: I like that idea. It's somewhere to meet friends when the weather's bad, and they could also run activities, like music or film clubs.
6.
B: And it's a safe place, which parents would appreciate. Actually, that links to public transport at night. In my town the last bus is at ten, so it's really hard to get home.
7.
A: Same here. If there were more buses, teenagers wouldn't have to rely on their parents for lifts. It would make them more independent.
8.
B: Definitely. And what do you think about a cinema? I'm not sure it's as important as the others now that everyone watches films at home.
9.
A: I partly agree, but going to the cinema is still a social thing. It's not the same as watching on your laptop.
10.
[Interlocutor: Now you have about a minute to decide which two would make the biggest difference.]
11.
B: I'd go for the sports clubs, because they're for everyone and they keep people healthy.
12.
A: I agree with that one. For the second, I'd choose night buses, because they make all the other things easier to reach.
13.
B: Hmm, I was thinking of the youth centre, but you're right, without transport, people can't even get there. OK, sports clubs and night buses.
14.
A: Great, so we agree.

Why this sample works

Short turns. Neither candidate speaks for more than two or three sentences at a time.
Real reactions. Each turn starts by responding to the previous one: 'Yes, but…', 'That's true', 'Exactly', 'I partly agree'.
Linking prompts. B connects the youth centre to public transport ('that links to…'), which is a natural way to move on.
Reasons in the decision. Both candidates explain their choice, and B changes their mind after hearing a good argument, which is a sign of genuine interaction.
Range of language. Second conditional ('If there were more buses…'), question tags ('isn't it?'), and precise vocabulary ('rely on', 'independent', 'appreciate').

They did not discuss every prompt in depth, and they did not need to. The cinema got only a short exchange, and that is fine. Notice also the linking phrases: you can find more on our FCE linking words page and in our speaking phrases collection.

Common problems in practice discussions

Trap: Going through the prompts like a checklist.
Fix: Link prompts: 'That's similar to…', 'That connects with…'. It sounds more natural.
Trap: One partner always starts.
Fix: Take turns starting the task, so both of you practise taking the initiative.
Trap: Running out of things to say about a prompt.
Fix: Think about who it helps, what problems it might cause, and what it costs.
Trap: Rushing the decision with 'Yes, OK.'
Fix: Even if you agree, give a reason for your choice and compare it with another option.

Frequently asked questions

Are these real FCE Speaking Part 3 tasks?

No. They are original tasks written by our teachers. They follow the same structure as the exam: a central question, five prompts and a decision question.

How long should we discuss each task?

Two minutes for the prompts and one minute for the decision question, the same as in the exam. Use a timer so you get used to the pace.

Can I practise Part 3 without a partner?

Yes, though it is harder. Record yourself discussing each prompt, then ask yourself a question as if you were the partner and answer it. You can also practise with a friend online.

What should we do if we finish early?

Go back to a prompt you skipped, or add a new angle to one you discussed: who benefits most, what the disadvantages are, or how things might change in the future.

How can I make my own Part 3 tasks?

Choose a general question about a topic, write five short options around it, and add a decision question beginning 'Which…'. Topics from the news or your own life work well.