How many parts are in the Cambridge Flyers speaking test?

The Cambridge Flyers speaking test has 4 parts and lasts 7-9 minutes. It includes finding the differences between two pictures, arranging picture cards to tell a story, an odd-one-out task, and personal questions about the child's own life.

How is the Cambridge Flyers speaking test scored?

The speaking test is worth a maximum of 5 shields. Examiners assess pronunciation, range of vocabulary, grammatical accuracy, and how naturally the child interacts with the examiner.

What should a child say in the Cambridge Flyers speaking test?

Children should speak clearly, use full sentences, describe what they see in the pictures, and answer personal questions with details and examples rather than just yes or no. Using time connectors like first, then, after that, and finally when telling the story also helps.

How can children practise for the Cambridge Flyers speaking test at home?

Ask simple English questions every day, look at pictures together and ask the child to describe them in complete sentences, and read picture books pausing to ask what happens next. Building vocabulary through games like Vocabulary Tower and Listen & Choose on Flyers English also strengthens the word range needed for Speaking.

Cambridge Flyers Speaking Test: 4 Parts Explained 2026

Overview of the Cambridge Flyers Speaking Test

The Speaking test is worth a maximum of 5 shields out of the total 15 shields in Cambridge Flyers. There is no fixed script — the examiner uses Cambridge-provided materials and adapts to each child's responses. Cambridge assesses across four areas: pronunciation, vocabulary range, grammatical accuracy, and natural interaction with the examiner.

Part 1: Find the Differences Between Two Pictures

The examiner and candidate each hold a different version of the same picture — with small details changed. The child's task is to describe their picture and identify the differences. Skills tested: Describing location, colour and quantity; using comparative language; asking and responding in dialogue. Useful phrases: • "In my picture, the boy is wearing a red hat. What about in yours?" • "There are two cats in my picture. How many are in yours?" • "The girl is sitting next to the tree in my picture. Is she in yours too?" Common mistakes: Only describing their own picture without asking questions; stopping after 1–2 differences.

Part 2: Arrange Picture Cards and Tell the Story

The examiner gives the child a set of picture cards showing a story sequence (usually 4–5 cards). The child arranges them in the correct order and then narrates the story. Skills tested: Time connectors, past simple and past continuous tense, coherent storytelling. Useful phrases: • "First, Tom woke up and saw the sun shining." • "Then, he decided to go to the park with his dog." • "After that, it started to rain so they ran home." • "Finally, they sat inside and drank hot chocolate." Common mistakes: Describing each picture separately; overusing "and then"; using present tense when narrating.

Part 3: Odd One Out — Identify and Explain

The examiner points to a group of 4–5 images and asks the child which item doesn't belong — and why. Children must explain in a complete sentence. Useful phrases: • "The banana doesn't belong because the others are all vegetables." • "I think the guitar is different because it's a musical instrument, not a sport." • "The whale doesn't fit because all the others live on land."

Part 4: Personal Questions

The examiner asks questions about the child's own life, preferences and experiences. Children still need to answer in full sentences, not just "yes" or "no". Useful phrases: • "Do you enjoy visiting parks?" → "Yes, I love it. I usually go there with my family at weekends." • "Have you ever tried cooking?" → "Yes, I have. I helped my mum make soup last week." Common mistakes: One-word answers; not expanding answers with details or examples.

How to Support Speaking Practice Between Lessons

Ask simple English questions daily — "What did you do today?" "Have you ever...?"
Look at pictures together and ask children to describe what they see in complete sentences
Read picture books and pause to ask children what happens next
Remind children to always give a full answer — not "Yes" but "Yes, I do, because..."
Vocabulary practice through Vocabulary Tower and Listen & Choose on Flyers English builds the word range needed for Speaking

Summary

The Cambridge Flyers Speaking test does not reward perfection — it rewards natural interaction, appropriate vocabulary and a willingness to communicate. A child who speaks confidently, answers in full sentences and uses time connectors will consistently outperform a child who is technically accurate but passive.