How it works
You listen to a discussion between three people about everyday life in a university setting. It lasts up to 3 minutes. Then you get 10 seconds to prepare and 2 minutes to speak. You can take notes while you listen.
Pearson says the best answers start with the main topic, then cover each speaker's points, including who said what and how their views relate, all in your own words. Just repeating the discussion word for word scores poorly.
How to take notes
Draw three columns, one per speaker (A, B, C). Under each, write just 2–3 keywords per point. Add arrows for agreement or disagreement. Don't try to write sentences.
A two-minute structure
- Topic (10–15 seconds): The discussion was about whether the library should open later during exams.
- Speaker by speaker (about 80 seconds): The first speaker argued that… The second speaker agreed, but pointed out that… The third speaker suggested…
- Outcome (15–20 seconds): In the end, they seemed to agree that… / They didn't reach agreement, but…
Reporting phrases
argued that · pointed out that · raised a concern about · agreed with · disagreed, saying that · suggested · proposed a compromise · concluded that
Practise now
Open the speaking recorder, choose Summarize Group Discussion and press "Play the discussion". Take notes, then speak for up to two minutes. Listen back and check:
- Did you mention all three speakers?
- Did you say how their views connected?
- Did you keep talking smoothly, without long pauses?