Master the Cambridge B1 Preliminary speaking test. Learn how to describe your picture perfectly in Part 2 and confidently discuss options with your partner in Part 3.
Visit Official Cambridge SiteThe B1 Preliminary is an intermediate-level qualification. It shows that you have mastered the basics of English and have practical language skills for everyday use.
In Part 3, you and your partner will discuss a scenario using a page of illustrations. Here is an example scenario.
The B1 Preliminary speaking test takes 10-12 minutes. You will take the test with another candidate (your partner). There are two examiners: the interlocutor (who speaks to you) and the assessor (who grades you).
The examiner will ask you and your partner basic questions about your daily life. They will ask for your name, where you live, and then some questions about your hobbies, studies, or daily routines.
The examiner will give you ONE large colour photograph. You must describe what you can see in the photograph for about 1 minute.
After you finish, the examiner will give your partner a completely different photograph, and they will describe theirs for 1 minute.
You and your partner will be given a scenario and a set of pictures showing different options. You must discuss the options together and try to reach an agreement.
The goal is to show you can make suggestions, respond to your partner's ideas, and negotiate.
The examiner will ask you and your partner questions related to the topic you discussed in Part 3. You should talk about your own likes, dislikes, habits, and opinions.
You can talk directly to the examiner or to your partner during this section.
Watch an official Cambridge mock test to see how candidates describe their pictures in Part 2 and how they interact in Part 3.
The assessor grades you on four categories, while the interlocutor gives you one overall Global Achievement score.
Are you using simple structures correctly? Can you use everyday vocabulary to talk about familiar topics? Minor grammatical errors are acceptable at B1 level, as long as the examiner can understand your meaning.
Can you organize your speech? The examiner wants to see you use basic linking words like "and", "but", "because", and "so" to connect your sentences, especially during your 1-minute picture description.
Your speech must be generally intelligible. You should try to use correct intonation (e.g., your voice going up when asking a question in Part 3).
Can you maintain a simple conversation? In Part 3, you must show you can ask your partner questions ("What do you think?") and respond to their suggestions.
No! At the B1 level, examiners expect you to make some grammatical mistakes. What is more important is that you can communicate your ideas clearly and keep the conversation going.
No. In the B1 Preliminary exam, you are only given ONE picture to talk about. You simply need to describe everything you can see in that single photograph for about 1 minute.
Do not panic! Just describe it using other words. For example, if you forget the word 'microwave', you can say 'a machine in the kitchen used for heating food quickly'. This actually shows excellent communication skills!