B2 First Speaking Parts 3 & 4

Finding practice materials for Cambridge speaking tests can be difficult, so I compiled these questions for Cambridge B2 First speaking.

The B2 First speaking test from Cambridge, is in 4 parts. Here are practice questions for parts 3 and 4.

Part 1 consists of general questions about yourself, your life and your opinions. This takes about 2 minutes, and you will probably be asked 3 or 4 questions.

In Part 2, you need to describe, compare and contrast two pictures and answer a question. You are only allowed 1 minute to do this, so some practice is essential. Part 2 sample answers are here.

Part 3 is in two parts. The first part is a discussion between you and the other candidate(s) using the topics on a given diagram. It is important in this part to interact with the other candidates well and not speak more than you should. The target language for this part is mainly agreeing, disagreeing, giving your opinion and asking for opinions. You have 2 minutes. The second part is 1 minute for the candidates to come to an agreement which of the options is the best or most important.

Part 4 is general questions which cover the same topic as Part3, but in more depth. You are also expected to agree or disagree with the answers the other candidate(s) give and give your opinion. This part lasts a total of 4 minutes. In these answers, you should sound organised and give examples if you want. Try to talk about people in general rather than yourself, so it is more formal.

Practice Parts 3 and 4 are below, while sample answers are here.

For Sample Answers to Part 3 and Part 4 of this question

• Some people say that we spend too much time checking for updates on social networking websites. Do you agree? (Why? / Why not?)
• Do you think the best way to keep up to date with changes in the world is to watch television? (Why? / Why not?)
• Some people say the world is changing so fast that we can’t keep up to date with everything. Do you agree? (Why? / Why not?)
• How important is it for people to have change in their lives?
• Some people don’t like it when things change. Why do you think that is?
• Do you think people these days are only interested in new things and ignore history and tradition? (Why? / Why not?)

For Sample Answers to Part 3 and Part 4 of this question

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For Sample Answers to Part 3 and Part 4 of this question

• Should schools and colleges organise free time activities for students at weekends? (Why? / Why not?)
• Do you think it’s true that you will always enjoy yourself if you’re with other people? (Why? / Why not?)
• Some people say that it’s important to entertain yourself rather than expect other people to do it all the time. What do you think?
• Is it a good idea to have a lot of different interests or just one or two? (Why? / Why not?)
• Do you think it’s important to be busy all the time? (Why? / Why not?)
• Some people say we don’t have enough free time these days. What do you think?

For Sample Answers to Part 3 and Part 4 of this question

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For Sample Answers to Part 3 and Part 4 of this question

• Are you interested in the cultures of other countries, for example their music or food? (Why? / Why not?)
• Can we learn a lot about the culture of a country when we’re on holiday there? (Why? / Why not?)
• Should students spend more time learning about other cultures when they are at school? (Why? / Why not?)
• Some students have the opportunity to study in another country. Is this a good thing to do? (Why? / Why not?)
• Do you think it’s true that the internet has helped us understand people in other countries? (Why? / Why not?)
• Some people say that these days that there aren’t many big cultural differences between countries. Do you agree? (Why? / Why not?)

For Sample Answers to Part 3 and Part 4 of this question

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For Sample Answers to Part 3 and Part 4 of this question

• Sometimes, people don’t like having to concentrate. Why do you think this is?
• Do you think young people find it easier to concentrate on things than older people? (Why / Why not?)
• Do you think that learning languages requires a lot of effort and concentration? (Why/Why not?)
• How important is it for people to have time to relax and forget the pressure of work or studies?
• What do young people do to relax in (candidate’s country)?
• How easy do you think it is to work when there is background noise?

For Sample Answers to Part 3 and Part 4 of this question

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For Sample Answers to Part 3 and Part 4 of this question

• Tell us about something you’ve done which you are proud of.
• Do you think winning is important In sport or is taking part enough?
• What would you most like to achieve in the future?
• Would you like to be rich or famous? (Why/Why not?)
• Which person do you most admire? (Why?)
• Do you think it is Important to be ambitious in life?

For Sample Answers to Part 3 and Part 4 of this question

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• Tell us about animals you like or dislike.
• Do you think animals should be kept in zoos? (Why/Why not?
• How important do you think it is to protect wildlife?
• Which do you prefer, working outdoors or working in an office? (Why?)
• Do you think it is a good idea to do volunteer work? (Why/Why not?)
• Do you think it is important to finish your studies before you get a job? (Why/Why not?)

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Are young people in your country taught to save energy or protect the local environment? (How?)
Do you think it is easier to learn about the environment when you are a child or when you are older?
If you were asked to give a talk to young children, what subject would you choose?
Have you seen a television programme about the natural world lately? Tell me about it.
Do you think people should be encouraged to use public transport more?
How easy do you think it is to help your local environment?

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• Who would you turn to for advice If you had a problem?
• How important is it to have good friends who can give advice?
• Do you think young people are better able to deal with problems than older people?

• How much do you think parents can do to help their children 
• Do you think young people may worry too much about their appearance?
• Do you think it is possible to enjoy life and not worry about anything?

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How difficult do you think it is to work and study at the same time?
Do you think it is a good idea for teenagers to do work experience?
How easy do you think it is for young people to find a job nowadays?
Is it better to try different jobs or to stay in the same job for a long time?
How enjoyable is it to shop in large department stores?
Some people say TV ads make us buy things we don’t need. What do you think?

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Why did you choose the school where you are studying?
Do you think it is better to have language lessons in a group or individually?
How much can you learn by using the Internet?
What is the best age to start learning a foreign language?
How important is it to enjoy the experience of learning?
Do you think that people are influenced by advertisements they see?

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What would you do if you wanted to raise money for a good cause?

Do you think teenagers are responsible enough to organise events like these?

Many young people do volunteer work in their free time. Do you think it is a good idea?
How important do you think it is to raise money for good causes?
When organising a big event, how important is it to plan ahead?
How can parents encourage their children to be generous and help other people?

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The speaking assessment for B2 First speaking is available here and here.

the marking rubric for B2 First Speaking is here and here.