The Setup: Strength in Numbers
The oral exam is designed to last approximately 10 to 15 minutes per pair. Whenever possible, the assessment is conducted with two candidates and two examiners present. This format is intentional; the exam aims to evaluate your ability to engage in genuine interaction with another person, rather than just answering a list of questions from an official.
Task 1: The Self-Introduction
The first task is a brief exchange regarding your personal identification. You will be asked to provide basic information about your background, your occupation, and your current life in Portugal.
Strategic Tip: Because this task is highly predictable, you should prepare a simple "script" in advance. Practise stating your name, where you are from, what you do for a living, and your reasons for residing in Portugal until these responses feel natural. This sets a positive tone for the rest of the interview.
Task 2: Discussing a Scenario
In the second phase, each candidate is presented with a photograph or image depicting a common, everyday scene. You might see a busy market, a family dinner, or people on holiday. After a brief moment of reflection, you will need to describe the scene for about two minutes. Focus on describing who is in the picture, what they are doing (using the present continuous), and their physical characteristics or surroundings.
Task 3: Thematic Interaction
The final task is a simulated dialogue with your partner candidate. You will be given a scenario or a specific topic, such as planning a weekend trip or deciding where to eat. You must interact with each other to reach a decision or exchange opinions, demonstrating that you can ask and answer simple questions on familiar topics. This is not a competition; examiners are looking for cooperative communication and turn-taking.
Communication over Perfection
The most important "secret" to the Speaking section is that examiners look for function over perfection. At the A2 level, you are considered a "basic user," which means you only need to be understood in predictable, routine situations.
Do not let a forgotten verb conjugation or a stutter stop you. Examiners are trained to prioritize your ability to successfully convey information over flawless grammar. If you make a mistake, simply correct yourself and keep going.
The Prep2go Hack: Practise with a Purpose
At prep2go.study, we remove the friction of "not knowing what to say." Our preparation system provides a comprehensive list of the most common speaking prompts found in real CAPLE exams.
We offer speaking 'cheat sheets' and interaction templates designed to build your confidence for every task. By practising these specific real-world scenarios, you ensure that you meet the 25% minimum threshold required for this section and move closer to your 55% "Suficiente" grade.
Stop being afraid to speak. Practise your responses with our Speaking Guide and simulated exam tasks at prep2go.study.
Source: CAPLE - Camรตes Institute for Portuguese Language Certification