The B2 First Speaking Test Part 2, also known as the Long Turn, involves candidates taking turns to speak on their own. B2 First was previously known as Cambridge English: First (FCE). In Part 2, the examiner gives each candidate a pair of photographs and a question. Each candidate compares the photographs and speaks for one minute without interruption.
After the first candidate finishes, the examiner asks the other candidate one short question about the same photographs. This response should last about 30 seconds. The process is then repeated: the second candidate speaks for one minute about a different pair of photographs, and the first candidate gives a 30-second response.
The Interaction Design of B2 First (FCE) Speaking Test Part 2
In Part 2, candidates do not discuss the task with each other. Each candidate speaks alone during the long turn, and the other candidate only gives a brief response afterward. The examiner conducts the test and asks the questions, while the second examiner listens and assesses the candidates.
For instance, you may need to compare two images showing different types of transportation. Then, you might explain why the people in the pictures may have chosen those forms of transportation, or which situation seems more enjoyable or practical.
Compare the Pictures, Not Describe Them
Many candidates spend too much time describing the images separately, but the main objective of B2 First Speaking Part 2 is to compare the photographs and answer the question. A brief description is useful, but you should focus on similarities, differences, opinions, and possible reasons. For instance, if you receive a picture of a man riding a motorbike and another image of a person riding a bike, you should compare the two situations instead of simply listing what you can see. Don’t worry if you make small mistakes or forget a word. Keep talking and stay focused on the comparison.
Practice Makes Perfect
Part 2 of the B2 First speaking test becomes much easier if you practice regularly. You can search for pairs of exam-style images online that have a similar theme. Choose photographs that show clear situations, actions, or contrasts so that you have enough ideas to compare. For instance, if you have two images of people spending their vacation, you can explain the advantages and disadvantages of each type of vacation. You can also speculate about why the people chose to spend their vacation that way.
Aside from practicing how to compare photographs, you should also prepare for the examiner’s short follow-up question about the other candidate’s images. For instance, if the other candidate receives pictures of people vacationing in another country, the examiner may ask which vacation you would prefer. You can answer in about 30 seconds, which is usually around three or four sentences.
In B2 First Speaking Part 2, it helps to practice with many different pairs of photographs so that you feel more confident during the test. Even if you know English well, you may feel nervous under exam conditions. Prepare a range of phrases and sentence structures that you can use naturally during the speaking test. Avoid copying your partner’s exact phrases too closely; instead, build your own bank of useful expressions.
During practice sessions, be strict with timing. It is easy to talk too much and lose track of the one-minute limit. In the real test, the examiner will stop you when your time is over. Try to use precise and varied vocabulary because B2 First is an upper-intermediate English qualification, but do not use difficult words unnaturally just to impress the examiner.
Useful Phrases to Use for Part 2 of B2 First (FCE) Speaking Test
Vocabulary to Use When Indicating the Photo You’re Referring to
- In the first photo, in the second picture, in both images
- The photo above/below
- The picture on the right/left
Words to Use in Comparing the Photos
- And, so, but
- On the other hand
- Whereas
- In contrast
- However
- The other photo is different because
- While
Phrases to Use While Speculating
- Probably, possibly
- Maybe, might be, could be
- It may be that
- It’s likely that
- I suppose, I imagine, I guess
- Perhaps, maybe
- It looks like
- It seems that
Expressions for the Follow-up Question
- The way I see it
- If I had to choose one of the two photos, I would choose
- As far as I’m concerned
- In my case
- In my experience
- I prefer
- I believe that
More Helpful Tips in Taking Part 2 of the FCE Speaking Exam
Tip 1: Don’t spend time describing the images separately. You should compare the two pictures and answer the question.
Tip 2: Don’t overuse the connector “and.” Use it to add ideas, but use words such as “whereas,” “while,” “however,” and “on the other hand” to show contrast.
Tip 3: Focus on the main ideas in both pictures. Don’t spend too much time talking about only one image.
Tip 4: Make sure you answer the examiner’s question. Some candidates describe the photos but forget to respond directly to the task.
Tip 5: Concentrate on what you want to say and direct your answer to the interlocutor.
Tip 6: Don’t stop in the middle of a sentence because you regret saying something. Finish your sentence and express your idea clearly.
Tip 7: Compare both pictures and focus on the examiner’s question. Only talk about your personal experience if it helps you answer the task.
Tip 8: If you don’t understand the question, politely ask the examiner to repeat it.
Tip 9: Use a range of precise, relevant vocabulary. You are taking a B2-level exam, so try to show that you can use upper-intermediate English naturally and accurately.
Tip 10: Don’t forget to smile and keep a calm, positive attitude.
You can do well in B2 First Speaking Part 2 if you prepare carefully. Spend time practicing how to compare two photographs before you take the exam. Widen your vocabulary by reading English materials that include useful B2-level words and phrases. If you don’t understand a word, look it up in a dictionary and practice using it in context.
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