B1 Preliminary Speaking test - Kenza and Mohammed | Cambridge English

Summary

In this interview-style conversation, two individuals, Kenza and Mohammed, introduce themselves and discuss their backgrounds, including their work, education, and daily life. They express their opinions on the importance of English, share personal hobbies such as football and swimming, and discuss their preferences for gifts from a local football club. The conversation also covers their views on football as a universal sport, with Kenza supporting Algeria's team and Mohammed backing Manchester United. The session touches on various topics such as fan clubs, sports, and leisure activities, highlighting their contrasting perspectives.

Takeaways

• 😀 The conversation involves a formal interview setting where candidates introduce themselves and discuss their backgrounds, including names, origins, and occupations.
• 😀 Kenza is from Algeria and has finished university, now running her own beauty salon, while Mohammed is from Saudi Arabia and works at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• 😀 Both candidates agree on the importance of English, with Kenza stating it is useful for achieving global objectives, while Mohammed emphasizes its value for communication.
• 😀 Kenza and Mohammed discuss their daily routines: Kenza drives to work, while Mohammed spent the previous evening dining with friends at a Middle Eastern restaurant.
• 😀 The test includes a photo description task, where Kenza describes a woman in a library, possibly revising for an exam, while Mohammed describes a man relaxing at home with a guitar, enjoying tea and solitude.
• 😀 A part of the test asks candidates to discuss a scenario involving a football club’s 50th anniversary and potential gift ideas for fans, such as calendars, t-shirts, or albums.
• 😀 Kenza and Mohammed both express preferences for gifts like calendars and t-shirts, agreeing on the t-shirt being a memorable keepsake, although there are some disagreements about practicality.
• 😀 The candidates discuss their favorite sports: Kenza loves swimming, particularly in the ocean, while Mohammed is passionate about football, following the sport from childhood.
• 😀 The conversation explores why football is popular globally, with both candidates agreeing that it brings people together across countries and cultures.
• 😀 While Kenza supports joining a fan club to stay engaged with a team, Mohammed disagrees, citing a lack of time due to his academic commitments.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the conversation in the script?

The main purpose of the conversation is to assess the participants' language proficiency through personal introductions, descriptive tasks, and group discussions on various topics such as football, gifts, and personal preferences.

What information is provided about Kenza’s background?

Kenza is from Algeria, she has finished her university studies, and she currently owns a beauty salon.

How does Kenza describe her opinion about English?

Kenza believes that English is a very useful language worldwide, as it helps achieve goals and enables individuals to progress further than they might have imagined.

What does Mohammed do for a living?

Mohammed works at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Saudi Arabia.

How does Kenza commute to work?

Kenza generally drives a car to get to work.

What gift does Kenza prefer for the football club’s 50th anniversary?

Kenza prefers the calendar or t-shirt, as both would serve as good reminders of the football club. She mentions that a calendar allows one to see the club daily, while a t-shirt can serve as memorabilia.

What does Mohammed think of the t-shirt as a gift for the anniversary?

Mohammed agrees that the t-shirt is a good idea but acknowledges that it may not be practical to wear every day. However, he believes that having it as a keepsake at home is valuable.

Why does Kenza oppose the idea of joining a fan club?

Kenza opposes joining a fan club because she feels it would be a waste of time and she doesn’t have enough time due to her study commitments.

What sports does Kenza and Mohammed prefer, and why?

Kenza loves swimming because it helps her relax, stay fit, and enjoy time on the beach. Mohammed, on the other hand, is passionate about football, which he has followed since childhood. He enjoys both playing and watching the sport.

How does Mohammed describe the man in the photograph he’s asked to talk about?

Mohammed describes the man in the photograph as someone who is relaxing on a sofa, having tea, with a guitar beside him. He believes the man is likely a musician and lives alone, as there are no signs of children or other people in the home.