Master the Cambridge B2 First for Schools speaking test. Learn how to compare pictures flawlessly and collaborate effectively with your partner to achieve a top score.
Visit Official Cambridge SiteThe B2 First for Schools (formerly FCE for Schools) is an upper-intermediate qualification. It is exactly the same difficulty as the standard B2 First, but the topics are specifically designed to be relevant to the interests and experiences of teenagers.
In Part 2, you must compare two photographs and answer a specific question about them for 1 minute.
The B2 First for Schools speaking test takes 14 minutes. You will take the test with another candidate. There are two examiners: the interlocutor (who speaks to you) and the assessor (who listens and grades).
The examiner will ask you general questions about yourself. Topics usually include your hobbies, your school, your plans for the future, or what you like about your hometown.
The examiner will give you two photographs. You must speak for 1 minute without stopping. You must compare the photographs (say what is similar and different) AND answer the specific question written at the top of the page.
After your 1 minute, the examiner will ask your partner a short question about your pictures (they have 30 seconds to answer). Then, it is your partner's turn to do a 1-minute speech with two new pictures.
The examiner gives you and your partner a mind-map with a central question (e.g., "Why are these activities good for teenagers?") and five surrounding ideas (e.g., team sports, playing music, reading). You must discuss the ideas together for 2 minutes.
After 2 minutes, the examiner stops you and asks you to make a decision together (e.g., "Now decide which activity is the most relaxing"). You have 1 minute to negotiate and decide.
The examiner will ask deeper, abstract questions related to the topic you discussed in Part 3. If Part 3 was about free time, Part 4 might be: "Do you think schools should give students more free time?"
You and your partner are expected to discuss the answers together, expanding on each other's ideas.
Watch an official Cambridge mock test to see how candidates structure their 1-minute picture comparisons and collaborate in Part 3.
At the B2 level, examiners expect you to be able to express opinions clearly, defend them, and use a variety of complex grammar.
You should use complex structures like conditionals ("If I had more time, I would..."), passive voice, and relative clauses naturally. Vocabulary should go beyond basic words (e.g., use "exhausted" instead of "very tired").
This is crucial for Part 2. Can you speak for a full minute without getting lost? You must use linking words like "whereas", "on the other hand", and "furthermore" to organize your thoughts.
Your pronunciation must be clear, and you should use word stress appropriately to emphasize key points in your arguments.
In Parts 3 and 4, you must actively listen to your partner. Do not just wait for your turn to speak. React to what they say ("That's interesting, but I feel...").
No, it is exactly the same level of difficulty. The only difference is the topics. The 'for Schools' version focuses on subjects familiar to teenagers, such as school life, hobbies, and family, rather than adult topics like mortgages or corporate careers.
Absolutely not! This is a very common mistake. You have exactly 1 minute to COMPARE the pictures, not describe them. Focus on the similarities and differences, and make sure you answer the specific question written at the top of the page.
You must take control politely. If your partner is dominating the conversation, interrupt them gently by saying, 'That's a great point, but I also think that...' You are graded on your ability to initiate and maintain a balanced conversation.