Paper 3 Speaking is worth 30% of your total IGCSE Chinese grade. It's also the part where students often feel most nervous—but with the right preparation, it can be your highest-scoring paper.
As a teacher with 18 years of experience preparing students for IGCSE Chinese, I've seen what separates 90+ scorers from the rest. This guide shares exactly what examiners look for and how to deliver it confidently.
Paper 3 Format Breakdown
The speaking exam has three parts, each testing different skills:
Part 1: Role Play (约5分钟)
What it tests: Practical communication in everyday situations
Format: You're given a scenario (e.g., ordering food, asking for directions). You play one role, the examiner plays the other.
Marks: ~30% of speaking score
Part 2: Picture Discussion (约5分钟)
What it tests: Describing, analyzing, and giving opinions
Format: You're shown a picture and asked to describe it, then answer follow-up questions.
Marks: ~35% of speaking score
Part 3: General Conversation (约5分钟)
What it tests: Expressing opinions, discussing topics in depth
Format: Open conversation about familiar topics (school, hobbies, future plans, etc.)
Marks: ~35% of speaking score
⏱️ Total Time:
~15 minutes total (plus 10 minutes preparation time before the exam)
Role Play Success Strategy
Common Scenarios:
- Ordering food at a restaurant
- Shopping for clothes/gifts
- Asking for directions
- Making a hotel reservation
- Visiting a doctor
- Booking tickets (movie, train, etc.)
Essential Phrases You Must Know:
请问... (qǐngwèn...)
Excuse me... / May I ask...
我想... (wǒ xiǎng...)
I would like to...
多少钱? (duōshao qián?)
How much does it cost?
可以...吗? (kěyǐ...ma?)
Can I...? / May I...?
谢谢你的帮助 (xièxie nǐ de bāngzhù)
Thank you for your help
Example Dialogue: Ordering Food
Examiner: 你好,想吃点什么?
You: 你好,我想要一碗牛肉面和一杯绿茶。
Examiner: 要辣的还是不辣的?
You: 请给我不辣的。我不太能吃辣。
Examiner: 好的,一共45块钱。
You: 可以用信用卡付款吗?
Examiner: 当然可以。
You: 谢谢!
💡 Pro Tip:
Don't just give one-word answers. Add a short reason or detail to show natural communication. Instead of just "不辣的", say "请给我不辣的。我不太能吃辣。"
Picture Discussion Tips
How to Describe Pictures:
Follow this structure:
- 1. Overall description - What's the main scene?
- 2. Specific details - Who/what do you see? What are they doing?
- 3. Your opinion - What do you think about it?
Useful Sentence Starters:
这张照片显示... (zhè zhāng zhàopiàn xiǎnshì...)
This photo shows...
在照片的左边/右边/中间... (zài zhàopiàn de zuǒbiān/yòubiān/zhōngjiān...)
On the left/right/center of the photo...
我觉得... (wǒ juéde...)
I think...
看起来... (kàn qǐlái...)
It looks like...
Example: Describing a Family Photo
"这张照片显示一个家庭在公园里。在照片的中间,有一对父母和两个孩子。他们看起来很开心。左边的小女孩正在玩球,右边的男孩在骑自行车。父母坐在长椅上聊天。我觉得这是一个温暖的家庭,他们喜欢一起度过周末。"
General Conversation Mastery
Common Topics:
- 学校生活 (School life)
- 爱好和兴趣 (Hobbies and interests)
- 家庭 (Family)
- 未来计划 (Future plans)
- 旅游经历 (Travel experiences)
- 中国文化 (Chinese culture)
How to Extend Your Answers:
Don't give short answers! Use this formula:
Direct Answer + Reason + Example/Detail
Question: 你喜欢什么运动?
❌ Short answer: 我喜欢篮球。
✅ Extended answer: 我喜欢篮球,因为它很刺激,而且可以和朋友一起玩。我每个周末都会去学校的篮球场打球。
Example Q&A:
Q: 你最喜欢哪个科目?
A: 我最喜欢数学,因为我觉得解决数学问题很有成就感。虽然有时候题目很难,但是当我找到答案的时候,我会很开心。我的数学老师也很好,他总是耐心地帮助我们。
Q: 你将来想做什么工作?
A: 我想当医生,因为我想帮助生病的人。我的祖父去年生病了,医生帮助他康复,这让我很感动。所以我决定以后要学医,成为一名好医生。
Essential Grammar for Speaking
Must-Know Structures:
因为...所以... (yīnwèi...suǒyǐ...)
Because...therefore...
Example: 因为今天下雨,所以我没去公园。
虽然...但是... (suīrán...dànshì...)
Although...but...
Example: 虽然中文很难,但是我很喜欢学。
不但...而且... (búdàn...érqiě...)
Not only...but also...
Example: 他不但会说中文,而且会写汉字。
Using 把 and 被 in Speaking:
把 sentence:
我把作业做完了。(I finished my homework.)
被 sentence:
我的自行车被偷了。(My bicycle was stolen.)
6-Week Practice Plan
Weeks 1-2: Build Vocabulary
Learn essential phrases for each role play scenario. Practice 15 minutes daily.
Weeks 3-4: Practice with Pictures
Find random pictures online and practice describing them. Record yourself.
Weeks 5-6: Mock Exams
Do full mock speaking exams with a teacher or study partner. Get feedback.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Giving one-word answers
- ❌ Speaking too fast and making tone mistakes
- ❌ Memorizing scripts word-for-word (sounds unnatural)
- ❌ Panicking when you don't understand—ask "请再说一遍"
- ❌ Using only simple grammar (show variety!)
What Examiners Look For (Scoring Rubric)
Communication (40%)
Can you convey your message clearly?
Range & Accuracy (30%)
Do you use varied vocabulary and grammar correctly?
Pronunciation & Intonation (30%)
Are your tones and pronunciation clear?
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