Master the Cambridge B2 First speaking test. Learn how to accurately compare photographs, negotiate with your partner, and secure your upper-intermediate certificate.
Visit Official Cambridge SiteThe B2 First is a highly popular exam proving you have the language skills to live and work independently in an English-speaking country or study on courses taught in English.
In Part 3, you and your partner will discuss a central question based on five prompts. Here is what the paper looks like.
The B2 First speaking test takes 14 minutes. You will take the test with another candidate (your partner). There are two examiners: an interlocutor who asks the questions, and a quiet assessor who grades you.
The examiner will ask you and your partner short, simple questions about yourselves (e.g., your family, your studies, your free time, your future plans).
This part is designed to help you relax. You do not need to give very long answers; 2-3 sentences per question is perfect.
You will be given two colour photographs and asked to speak about them continuously for 1 minute. The examiner will ask you to compare the photographs and answer a specific question about them.
After your 1-minute turn, the examiner will ask your partner a short question about your photographs, which they must answer in 30 seconds. Then you swap roles.
You and your partner will be given a 'spidergram' (a diagram with a central question and five prompts). You must discuss the topic together for 2 minutes.
After 2 minutes, the examiner will interrupt you and give you 1 minute to negotiate and reach a decision (e.g., "Now decide which of these ideas is the best").
The examiner will lead a three-way discussion based on the topics you talked about in Part 3. The questions will be more abstract and ask for your broader opinions.
You can (and should) jump in and agree or disagree with your partner's answers during this section.
Watch an official Cambridge mock test to see exactly how candidates handle the 1-minute picture comparison and interact during the collaborative task.
The quiet assessor grades you on four analytical criteria, while the interlocutor gives you one overall Global Achievement score.
Are you using a good range of B2-level grammar (like conditionals, passive forms, and perfect tenses)? Are you using appropriate vocabulary to discuss the topics, rather than basic words?
This means how well you organize your ideas. The examiner wants to see you connect your sentences smoothly using linking words (e.g., "however", "although", "on the other hand") instead of just saying "and... and... and...".
You don't need a perfect British or American accent. The examiner is checking if your pronunciation is clear enough to be easily understood without strain, and if you use correct word stress.
This is vital for Parts 3 and 4. You must show that you can start a conversation, respond to your partner, ask for their opinion, and negotiate effectively.
Yes, absolutely! It is completely fine to politely ask the examiner to repeat a question if you didn't hear it properly (e.g., 'Could you repeat that, please?'). You will not lose marks for doing this.
Your partner's English level does not affect your score at all. You are graded individually. If your partner struggles, try to help the conversation flow by asking them simple questions.
Yes! The biggest mistake candidates make in B2 First is just describing the pictures. You must compare them (e.g., 'In the first picture they are outside, whereas in the second picture...').