B2 Speaking Part 1: how to answer the interview questions
B2 Speaking Part 1 is a two-minute interview in which the examiner asks you and your partner simple questions about yourselves: your home, free time, studies, work and plans. Aim for answers of two or three sentences with a reason or an example. It is the first stage of the test described in our B2 First Speaking guide.
By Eleanor BennettLast updated:
What happens in Part 1
The interlocutor greets you, asks for your names and then asks each of you a few questions in turn. The questions are about familiar, personal topics: where you are from, what you do in your free time, what you enjoy about your studies or job, your holidays, your plans. You do not talk to your partner in this part. You answer the examiner.
The whole part lasts about two minutes, so each of you will get only a handful of questions. That means every answer is a small chance to show your English. It is also a warm-up: the examiners know you are nervous, and the questions are designed to be easy to answer.
What the examiner wants to hear
Part 1 is not a test of ideas. Nobody cares whether your hobby is interesting. The examiners are listening for:
- Natural, relevant answers. Answer the question that was asked, directly, in the first few words.
- A little development. Add a reason, a short example or a contrast. Two or three sentences is ideal.
- Range. A few B2 structures used naturally: a present perfect, a comparative, a conditional, some precise vocabulary.
- Clear pronunciation. Speak at a normal speed and loud enough for both examiners.
If you answer in one word, the examiner has nothing to mark. If you talk for a full minute, you take time away from the rest of the test and you may drift away from the question. Find the middle.
For 50+ practice questions grouped by topic, go to our FCE Speaking Part 1 questions. When you are ready to move on, the next step is Speaking Part 2.
Strategy, step by step
- 1
Answer the question directly
Start with a clear answer: 'Yes, I do', 'Mostly at the weekend', 'I'd probably choose the beach'. This shows you understood.
- 2
Add a reason or detail
Follow with 'because…', 'mainly since…' or a quick fact about your life. This is where you show vocabulary.
- 3
Add one more thing
A short example, a contrast ('although…') or a time comparison ('when I was younger…, but now…'). Then stop.
- 4
Use the right tense
Listen to the tense in the question. 'Did you…?' needs the past; 'Have you ever…?' invites the present perfect; 'Would you like to…?' needs 'would'.
- 5
Stop naturally
Finish with a falling intonation so the examiner knows you are done. You do not need a conclusion like 'So that's my answer'.
Common traps
Trap: One-word answers: 'Yes.' 'Football.' 'Madrid.'
Fix: Always add at least one reason or detail. A short answer looks like you did not understand or cannot say more.
Trap: A memorised introduction about yourself.
Fix: Examiners can hear a script. Answer only the question asked, in your own natural words.
Trap: Repeating the question word for word: 'In my free time, in my free time I like…'
Fix: Repeating a few words is fine; repeating the whole question wastes time. Go straight to your answer.
Trap: Talking for too long.
Fix: Part 1 is short. About 20 to 30 seconds per answer is plenty.
Trap: Saying 'I don't know' and stopping.
Fix: Say 'That's a good question, I've never really thought about it, but I suppose…' and give an answer. There is no wrong opinion.
Worked example: turning a weak answer into a strong one
The task
Question: 'What do you usually do at the weekend?'
- 1.
Weak answer: 'I go out with my friends.' It is correct, but it is only one sentence and it gives the examiner very little to mark.
- 2.
Step 1, answer directly: 'It depends on the weekend, but usually I try to relax.'
- 3.
Step 2, add a reason or detail: 'During the week I'm at university until quite late, so on Saturdays I like to sleep in and then meet my friends for lunch.'
- 4.
Step 3, add one more thing: 'On Sundays I'm a bit more organised: I go for a long bike ride if the weather's good, and in the evening I get ready for the week.'
- 5.
Result: three connected sentences, a variety of tenses and vocabulary ('sleep in', 'organised', 'get ready'), about 25 seconds long.
Answer
It depends on the weekend, but usually I try to relax. During the week I'm at university until quite late, so on Saturdays I like to sleep in and then meet my friends for lunch. On Sundays I'm a bit more organised: I go for a long bike ride if the weather's good, and in the evening I get ready for the week.
Sample answer
Examiner: Would you rather live in a big city or in the countryside? Why?
Honestly, I'd choose a big city, at least for now. I grew up in a small town, and although it was safe and quiet, there wasn't much to do once you were a teenager. In a city you've got concerts, different kinds of food and lots more job opportunities. Maybe when I'm older I'll want somewhere quieter, though.
Why it works
- Answers the question immediately ('I'd choose a big city').
- Gives a personal reason with a contrast ('although it was safe and quiet…').
- Uses a range of tenses: past simple, present perfect form ('you've got'), future.
- Ends with a natural, thoughtful comment instead of a formal conclusion.
Quick practice: eight Part 1 questions
Answer each one aloud in 20 to 30 seconds. For many more, see the full Part 1 question bank.
Mixed topics
- Where do you live, and what do you like about it?
- How do you usually get to school or work?
- What did you do last weekend?
- Do you prefer spending time indoors or outdoors? Why?
- Is there a skill you would like to learn in the future?
- How often do you use your phone to read the news?
- Who do you spend most of your free time with?
- What is your favourite time of year, and why?
Useful phrases for Part 1
| Use it to… | Phrases |
|---|---|
| Answering directly |
|
| Adding a reason |
|
| Contrasting past and present |
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| Buying a little time |
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| Asking for repetition |
|
Frequently asked questions
How long should my answers be in B2 Speaking Part 1?
Around two or three sentences, or 20 to 30 seconds. That is long enough to show your English and short enough to leave time for the other questions.
Are the Part 1 questions the same for both candidates?
Not exactly. The interlocutor asks each candidate different questions, sometimes on the same topic. Listen to your partner's questions anyway, because the same topic might come to you next.
Can I prepare answers for Part 1?
Prepare topics and vocabulary, not full answers. Practise talking about your home, studies, free time and plans, but keep it flexible so you can answer the exact question asked.
What if I don't understand the question?
Ask politely: 'Sorry, could you say that again, please?' Examiners expect this occasionally, and it is much better than guessing.
Do I need to talk to my partner in Part 1?
No. In Part 1 you only answer the interlocutor. You will interact with your partner in Parts 3 and 4.