Cambridge B2 First Speaking • Examiner Test Pack Test 1 of 5 • Page 1

Cambridge B2 First • Interlocutor Script

TEST 2: Work & Education

Pair Format • 14 Minutes

Examiner Copy

Part 1: Social Interview (2 minutes) 1 min per candidate

To Candidate B: "What subjects do you enjoy studying the most? Why?" • "Do you prefer working alone or in a team?"

To Candidate A: "What kind of job would you like to do in the future?" • "How important is speaking English for your career plans?"

[Backup prompts: "Could you tell us more about that?" / "What challenges might you face?"]

Part 2: Individual Long Turn (4 minutes) 1 min turn + 30s response each

Interlocutor to Candidate A: "Candidate A, here are your photographs (Sheet 2A). They show people learning new skills in different environments. Compare the photographs and say what might be challenging for the people about learning in these ways. You have one minute."

[After 1 min] To Candidate B: "Do you find online courses or face-to-face classes more effective?" (approx. 30s)

Interlocutor to Candidate B: "Candidate B, here are your photographs (Sheet 2B). They show people working in different workplaces. Compare the photographs and say what the benefits are of working in these different environments. You have one minute."

[After 1 min] To Candidate A: "Would you prefer working in an open-plan office or working from home?" (approx. 30s)

Part 3: Collaborative Task (4 minutes) 2m discussion + 1m decision

Interlocutor: "Now, talk together about practical skills. Here are some skills schools could teach students to prepare them for the modern workplace. First, talk to each other about how useful these skills would be for young people starting their careers." [Place Task 2 Sheet between candidates. 2 mins.]

Decision Frame (after 2 mins): "Thank you. Now you have about a minute to decide which two skills are the most essential for future career success."

Part 4: Extended Discussion (4 minutes) Both candidates

• "Do you believe that university degrees are still necessary to get a high-paying job today?"
• "Should companies allow all employees to work remotely if their job allows it?"
• "How might artificial intelligence change the types of jobs available in ten years?"
• "Is it better to stay with one employer for many years or change jobs frequently?"

Cambridge B2 First Speaking • Examiner Test Pack Test 2 of 5 • Page 2

Cambridge B2 First • Interlocutor Script

TEST 3: Travel, Culture & Global Living

Pair Format • 14 Minutes

Examiner Copy

Part 1: Social Interview (2 minutes) 1 min per candidate

To Candidate A: "What is the most interesting place you have ever visited?" • "Do you prefer beach holidays or city breaks?"

To Candidate B: "If you could travel anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go?" • "Do you enjoy trying unfamiliar local food when travelling?"

[Backup prompts: "What makes that place special?" / "Why would that appeal to you?"]

Part 2: Individual Long Turn (4 minutes) 1 min turn + 30s response each

Interlocutor to Candidate A: "Candidate A, here are your photographs (Sheet 3A). They show people travelling on different types of transport. Compare the photographs and say what might be enjoyable or stressful for the people about these journeys. You have one minute."

[After 1 min] To Candidate B: "Which mode of transport do you find the most convenient?" (approx. 30s)

Interlocutor to Candidate B: "Candidate B, here are your photographs (Sheet 3B). They show tourists visiting cultural sites in different ways. Compare the photographs and say why these cultural experiences might be memorable for the visitors. You have one minute."

[After 1 min] To Candidate A: "Do you prefer guided group tours or discovering places independently?" (approx. 30s)

Part 3: Collaborative Task (4 minutes) 2m discussion + 1m decision

Interlocutor: "Now, talk together about tourism. Here are some initiatives a historic town could introduce to promote sustainable and eco-friendly tourism. First, talk to each other about how these initiatives could help protect the town while still attracting visitors." [Place Task 3 Sheet. 2 mins.]

Decision Frame (after 2 mins): "Thank you. Now you have about a minute to decide which two initiatives would make the greatest positive impact on the local community."

Part 4: Extended Discussion (4 minutes) Both candidates

• "Do you think tourism causes more harm or good to local cultures and historical monuments?"
• "Should governments introduce higher taxes on flights to encourage people to travel by train?"
• "In what ways does living or studying abroad broaden an individual's worldview?"
• "Can virtual reality tours ever replace the genuine experience of travelling to another country?"

Cambridge B2 First Speaking • Examiner Test Pack Test 3 of 5 • Page 3

Cambridge B2 First • Interlocutor Script

TEST 4: Health, Sport & Well-Being

Pair Format • 14 Minutes

Examiner Copy

Part 1: Social Interview (2 minutes) 1 min per candidate

To Candidate B: "What do you do to keep fit and healthy?" • "Do you prefer watching sports live or on television?"

To Candidate A: "How do you usually relax when you feel stressed?" • "Do you think getting enough sleep is difficult for students nowadays?"

[Backup prompts: "Why is that?" / "What helps you feel refreshed?"]

Part 2: Individual Long Turn (4 minutes) 1 min turn + 30s response each

Interlocutor to Candidate A: "Candidate A, here are your photographs (Sheet 4A). They show people taking exercise in different environments. Compare the photographs and say what motivates people to exercise in these different settings. You have one minute."

[After 1 min] To Candidate B: "Do you prefer individual sports or team activities?" (approx. 30s)

Interlocutor to Candidate B: "Candidate B, here are your photographs (Sheet 4B). They show people coping with stress and unwinding. Compare the photographs and say how helpful these methods might be for relieving stress. You have one minute."

[After 1 min] To Candidate A: "What is your favourite way to recharge after a busy week?" (approx. 30s)

Part 3: Collaborative Task (4 minutes) 2m discussion + 1m decision

Interlocutor: "Now, talk together about well-being. Here are some initiatives a local community centre could launch to encourage healthier lifestyles among residents. First, talk to each other about how appealing these ideas would be to different groups of people in the community." [Place Task 4 Sheet. 2 mins.]

Decision Frame (after 2 mins): "Thank you. Now you have about a minute to decide which two initiatives would have the longest-lasting benefit for public health."

Part 4: Extended Discussion (4 minutes) Both candidates

• "Should governments ban advertisements for sugary snacks and fast food aimed at children?"
• "Why do so many people find it difficult to maintain regular exercise routines?"
• "Is mental health given enough attention in schools compared to physical fitness?"
• "Do professional sports personalities have a duty to serve as healthy role models?"

Cambridge B2 First Speaking • Examiner Test Pack Test 4 of 5 • Page 4

Cambridge B2 First • Interlocutor Script

TEST 5: Media, Technology & Modern Society

Pair Format • 14 Minutes

Examiner Copy

Part 1: Social Interview (2 minutes) 1 min per candidate

To Candidate A: "How do you usually stay updated with breaking news?" • "Which social media app do you find most useful?"

To Candidate B: "Could you manage a full day without checking your smartphone?" • "What electronic gadget could you not live without?"

[Backup prompts: "Why that one?" / "What would be hardest about that?"]

Part 2: Individual Long Turn (4 minutes) 1 min turn + 30s response each

Interlocutor to Candidate A: "Candidate A, here are your photographs (Sheet 5A). They show people getting news and information in different ways. Compare the photographs and say what the advantages and disadvantages are of getting news in these ways. You have one minute."

[After 1 min] To Candidate B: "Do you trust news found on social media feeds?" (approx. 30s)

Interlocutor to Candidate B: "Candidate B, here are your photographs (Sheet 5B). They show people communicating with loved ones using different methods. Compare the photographs and say why people might choose these different ways to stay in touch. You have one minute."

[After 1 min] To Candidate A: "When was the last time you received a handwritten letter or card?" (approx. 30s)

Part 3: Collaborative Task (4 minutes) 2m discussion + 1m decision

Interlocutor: "Now, talk together about digital safety. Here are some strategies high schools could implement to promote responsible internet and social media use. First, talk to each other about how effective these strategies would be in helping teenagers navigate the online world." [Place Task 5 Sheet. 2 mins.]

Decision Frame (after 2 mins): "Thank you. Now you have about a minute to decide which two strategies would have the most lasting positive influence on students."

Part 4: Extended Discussion (4 minutes) Both candidates

• "Has instant messaging made personal relationships closer or more superficial?"
• "Should there be a legal age limit for owning a smartphone with unrestricted internet access?"
• "How can individuals protect themselves against misinformation and fake news online?"
• "Do you think artificial intelligence will make human communication more efficient or less authentic?"

Cambridge B2 First Speaking • Examiner Test Pack Test 5 of 5 • Page 5

Part 3 • Collaborative Spidergram (Task 2) 2 mins discussion + 1 min decision

What skills are most useful for young people starting their careers?

Financial Budgeting

Foreign Languages

Coding & Tech Tools

Team Collaboration

Problem Solving

Decision Phase: Decide which two skills are the most essential for future career success.

Self & Peer Reflection Checklist Tick observed skills during test

Used linking markers Rephrased ideas naturally Validated partner's opinion Met full 1-min long turn

Candidate Reflection & Partner Feedback Notes:

Cambridge B2 First Speaking • Student Practice Booklet Test 2 of 5 • Page 2

Candidate Prompt Booklet • Cambridge B2 First

TEST 3: Travel, Culture & Global Living

Speaking Paper • 14 Mins

Candidate Copy

Candidate Name:  

Date:  

Assigned Role: [ ] Cand. A   [ ] Cand. B

Part 2 • Long Turn Visual Tasks 1 min uninterrupted + 30s partner reply

Set 3A • Candidate A Modes of travel

What might be enjoyable or stressful for the people about these journeys?

Scenic Train Trip Relaxing views • Slow pace

Airport Gate Crowds • Waiting times

Follow-up for B: Which mode of transport do you find most convenient?

Set 3B • Candidate B Cultural sights

Why might these cultural experiences be memorable for the visitors?

Historical Monument Guided tour • Architecture

Local Street Market Local flavours • Atmosphere

Follow-up for A: Do you prefer guided tours or independent exploring?

Part 3 • Collaborative Spidergram (Task 3) 2 mins discussion + 1 min decision

How can a historic town promote sustainable and eco-friendly tourism?

Cheap Transit & Bikes

Off-Season Travel

Local Artisan Markets

Pedestrian Zones

Plastic Ban in Hotels

Decision Phase: Decide which two initiatives would make the greatest positive impact on the community.

Self & Peer Reflection Checklist Tick observed skills during test

Used comparison contrasts Avoided long pauses Balanced speaking time Justified choices clearly

Candidate Reflection & Partner Feedback Notes:

Cambridge B2 First Speaking • Student Practice Booklet Test 3 of 5 • Page 3

Candidate Prompt Booklet • Cambridge B2 First

TEST 4: Health, Sport & Well-Being

Speaking Paper • 14 Mins

Candidate Copy

Candidate Name:  

Date:  

Assigned Role: [ ] Cand. A   [ ] Cand. B

Part 2 • Long Turn Visual Tasks 1 min uninterrupted + 30s partner reply

Set 4A • Candidate A Exercise settings

What motivates people to exercise in these different settings?

Solitary Beach Jogger Independence • Fresh air

Group Fitness Class Music • Shared energy

Follow-up for B: Do you prefer solitary or group exercise?

Set 4B • Candidate B Stress relief

How helpful might these methods be for relieving stress?

Meditation & Yoga Calm room • Breathing

Talking with Friend Sharing feelings • Cafe

Follow-up for A: What is your favourite way to recharge after a busy week?

Part 3 • Collaborative Spidergram (Task 4) 2 mins discussion + 1 min decision

How could a community centre encourage healthier lifestyles?

Weekend Leagues

Cooking Classes

Wellness Talks

Organic Garden

Walking Clubs

Decision Phase: Decide which two initiatives would have the longest-lasting public benefit.

Self & Peer Reflection Checklist Tick observed skills during test

Used health collocations Clear sentence stress Disagreed politely Kept discussion flowing

Candidate Reflection & Partner Feedback Notes:

Cambridge B2 First Speaking • Student Practice Booklet Test 4 of 5 • Page 4

Candidate Prompt Booklet • Cambridge B2 First

TEST 5: Media, Technology & Modern Society

Speaking Paper • 14 Mins

Candidate Copy

Candidate Name:  

Date:  

Assigned Role: [ ] Cand. A   [ ] Cand. B

Part 2 • Long Turn Visual Tasks 1 min uninterrupted + 30s partner reply

Set 5A • Candidate A Getting the news

What are the advantages and disadvantages of getting news in these ways?

Printed Newspaper In-depth • Paper copy

Smartphone Feed Instant • Short alerts

Follow-up for B: Do you trust news found on social media?

Set 5B • Candidate B Staying in touch

Why might people choose these different ways to stay in touch?

Family Video Call Face-to-face • Real time

Handwritten Letter Thoughtful • Personal keepsake

Follow-up for A: When did you last receive a handwritten note?

Part 3 • Collaborative Spidergram (Task 5) 2 mins discussion + 1 min decision

How can schools help teenagers use the internet responsibly?

Fact-Checking Classes

Cybersecurity Talks

Phone-Free Hours

Peer Safety Workshops

Parent Screen Briefings

Decision Phase: Decide which two strategies would have the most lasting positive influence.

Self & Peer Reflection Checklist Tick observed skills during test

Used formal tech vocab Weighed pros and cons Responded directly to partner Reached clear conclusion

Candidate Reflection & Partner Feedback Notes:

Cambridge B2 First Speaking • Student Practice Booklet Test 5 of 5 • Page 5

Band 5 (High B2 / C1)

Initiates and responds with natural ease. Skilfully guides discussions, develops complex partner points, and negotiates consensus or mutual agreement smoothly.

Global Achievement Scale (Interlocutor awarded): Handles communication on B2 topics with acceptable accuracy, fluency, and coherence across all parts of the test.

Cambridge B2 First Speaking Assessment Guide Official Scales • Page 1 of 2

Speaking Test Administration

Official Mock Mark Sheet & Phrase Bank

Test Assessment Form

Assessor / Peer Grid

Date:  

Test #: [ ] 1   [ ] 2   [ ] 3   [ ] 4   [ ] 5

Examiner:  

Center / Room:  

Candidate A: Key Strengths & Priority Targets

Candidate B: Key Strengths & Priority Targets

Essential B2 First Speaking Phrase Bank

Part 2: Speculating

• "They seem to be enjoying..."
• "It looks as though..."
• "I imagine they must feel..."
• "Unlike the first picture, here..."

Part 3: Interaction

• "Shall we kick off with...?"
• "What’s your take on this?"
• "I see your point, but..."
• "Building on what you said..."

Part 3 Decision & Part 4

• "Which two should we pick?"
• "On the whole, I'd say..."
• "From a broader perspective..."
• "It really depends on whether..."

Cambridge B2 First Speaking Assessment Guide Mock Mark Sheet & Phrases • Page 2 of 2

No commute • Deep focus Remote setup

Cambridge B2 First • Candidate Visual Material Test 2: Part 2 • Page 3 of 10

Part 3 Collaborative Task

TEST 2: Preparing for Future Careers

2 Mins + 1 Min

Central Discussion Question

What skills are most useful for young people starting their careers?

Financial Budgeting

Managing taxes, savings, and contracts

Foreign Languages

Cross-cultural trade and international teams

Coding & Tech Tools

Data analytics, software, and AI fluency

Team Collaboration

Negotiation, active listening, leadership

Critical Problem Solving

Creative solutions under workplace pressure

Phase 2 Decision Prompt (1 Minute)

"Now you have about a minute to decide which two skills are the most essential for future career success."

Cambridge B2 First • Candidate Visual Material Test 2: Part 3 • Page 4 of 10

Part 2 Candidate Visual Material

TEST 3: Travel, Culture & Global Living

1 Min Long Turn

Candidate A • Sheet 3A Modes of travel

What might be enjoyable or stressful for the people about these journeys?

Photo 1

Scenic Cross-Country Train

Panoramic view • Legroom Peaceful transit

Photo 2

Crowded Airport Security Gate

Luggage queues • Flight delays High-stress travel

Candidate B • Sheet 3B Cultural experiences

Why might these cultural experiences be memorable for the visitors?

Photo 1

Guided Tour of Ancient Ruins

Expert guide • Historic awe Monument history

Photo 2

Vibrant Night Market Stalls

Local street food • Energy Sensory immersion

Cambridge B2 First • Candidate Visual Material Test 3: Part 2 • Page 5 of 10

Part 3 Collaborative Task

TEST 3: Promoting Sustainable Tourism

2 Mins + 1 Min

Central Discussion Question

How can a historic town promote sustainable and eco-friendly tourism?

Subsidised Bikes & Electric Buses

Zero-emission transport for visitors

Promoting Off-Season Travel

Spreading tourists across autumn & winter

Supporting Artisan Markets

Keeping revenue inside local community

Pedestrian-Only Zones

Protecting ancient streets from car fumes

Banning Hotel Single-Use Plastics

Mandatory refillable amenities

Phase 2 Decision Prompt (1 Minute)

"Now you have about a minute to decide which two initiatives would make the greatest positive impact on the local community."

Cambridge B2 First • Candidate Visual Material Test 3: Part 3 • Page 6 of 10

Part 2 Candidate Visual Material

TEST 4: Health, Sport & Well-Being

1 Min Long Turn

Candidate A • Sheet 4A Exercise settings

What motivates people to exercise in these different settings?

Photo 1

Solitary Sunrise Beach Runner

Personal target • Open air Self-motivated run

Photo 2

High-Energy Group Spin Class

Pumping music • Instructor Group motivation

Candidate B • Sheet 4B Relieving stress

How helpful might these methods be for relieving stress?

Photo 1

Mindful Yoga & Breathwork

Inner stillness • Relaxation Mind-body calm

Photo 2

Heart-to-Heart Chat at Cafe

Empathy • Unburdening Friendship support

Cambridge B2 First • Candidate Visual Material Test 4: Part 2 • Page 7 of 10

Part 3 Collaborative Task

TEST 4: Healthier Community Lifestyles

2 Mins + 1 Min

Central Discussion Question

How could a community centre encourage healthier lifestyles?

Weekend Sports Leagues

Football, volleyball, and tennis clubs

Free Nutrition & Cooking Classes

Preparing budget-friendly balanced meals

Mental Wellness Workshops

Sleep hygiene, anxiety, and mindfulness

Community Organic Garden

Growing seasonal vegetables together

All-Ages Walking Clubs

Social evening walking & cycling routes

Phase 2 Decision Prompt (1 Minute)

"Now you have about a minute to decide which two initiatives would have the longest-lasting benefit for public health."

Cambridge B2 First • Candidate Visual Material Test 4: Part 3 • Page 8 of 10

Part 2 Candidate Visual Material

TEST 5: Media & Modern Society

1 Min Long Turn

Candidate A • Sheet 5A Getting the news

What are the advantages and disadvantages of getting news in these ways?

Photo 1

Morning Print Newspaper

Deep analysis • No screen glare Traditional broadsheet

Photo 2

Real-Time Mobile News Feed

Instant alerts • Information overload Fast scrolling

Candidate B • Sheet 5B Staying in touch

Why might people choose these different ways to stay in touch?

Photo 1

Overseas Family Video Call

Facial expressions • Immediate Live connection

Photo 2

Handwritten Letter with Fountain Pen

Personal touch • Cherished keepsake Reflective letter

Cambridge B2 First • Candidate Visual Material Test 5: Part 2 • Page 9 of 10

Part 3 Collaborative Task

TEST 5: Educating on Safe Internet Use

2 Mins + 1 Min

Central Discussion Question

How can schools help teenagers use the internet responsibly?

Fact-Checking & Media Literacy

Detecting disinformation, fake news, deepfakes

Cybersecurity Guest Speakers

Data privacy, phishing scams, passwords

Device-Free School Hours

Encouraging offline socialising at breaks

Peer Digital Safety Mentors

Older students counseling on cyberbullying

Parent Screen-Time Briefings

Setting healthy home digital boundaries

Phase 2 Decision Prompt (1 Minute)

"Now you have about a minute to decide which two strategies would have the most lasting positive influence on students."

Cambridge B2 First • Candidate Visual Material Test 5: Part 3 • Page 10 of 10