What you will find here:
- a reminder of the “Assessment Criteria”
- an exam task taken from the Cambridge website
- an essay sample scoring Band 5
- specific details of why this would reach a Band 5 score
- links for further reading and self-learning
B2 First/ C1 Advanced – Speaking Part 2 Speculation
Today, we’re tackling a challenge many students face: mastering the use of speculative language for the B2 First and C1 Advanced Speaking Exam (specifically, Part 2, the ‘Long Turn‘).
You know the feeling! You’re given two pictures, and you need to compare them and speculate about what’s happening. Simple, right? Well, perhaps not. The key to achieving a truly impressive level isn’t just about fluency; it’s about nuance. It’s about showing the examiner that you can express uncertainty, possibility, and different shades of meaning. In other words, you need to show you can use speculative language. This is your secret weapon for talking about things you’re not entirely sure about, which is exactly what you need to do in this task. Continue reading “B2 First/ C1 Advanced – Speaking Part 2 Speculation”
When Do We Need a Preposition and When Not?
6 Common Word Patterns That Confuse Advanced Learners
6 Common Word Patterns That Confuse Advanced LearnersAt B2–C1 level, grammar mistakes are usually not about tenses — they’re about small words.
Especially prepositions. Some words sometimes need a preposition and sometimes don’t. That’s where even strong learners hesitate. Continue reading “When Do We Need a Preposition and When Not?”
B2 Speaking part 1 – Talking about your daily routine
Here are B2-level phrases and expressions to describe your daily routine. They will be useful to elevate your answers in Speaking part 1.
Continue reading “B2 Speaking part 1 – Talking about your daily routine”
The “Waking” Consonants
Have you ever noticed that English spelling feels like a game of hide-and-seek? Sometimes letters are silent, sometimes not. For high-level English students, mastering aspects like this is a game-changer. It will make you sound more advanced and confident. Today, we’re looking at why certain letters stay silent in short words but are pronounced in longer words from the same family.
Have you ever noticed that English spelling feels like a game of hide-and-seek? Sometimes letters are silent, sometimes not. B2 First Speaking Part 1 – List of questions to practise
Preparing for the B2 First speaking exam can feel like a daunting task, but the key to success lies in consistent practice and self-preparation. By regularly engaging with a wide range of questions, you’ll build confidence, fluency, and a natural speaking style. It’s important to remember that while familiarity with common questions is helpful, memorising answers isn’t the goal. Instead, aim for spontaneous expression. Continue reading “B2 First Speaking Part 1 – List of questions to practise”
10 unnatural sentences frequently used by Spanish B2-First for schools
How would you correct the following mistakes?
Think first, before reading the answers below.
- The council prepares visits to local galleries.
- The meeting will be long, so have something to eat before.
- Make the order online and a few minutes after, you will get a confirmation email.
- They will provide you all the information. (something missing)
- We enjoy a higher level of life than previous generations.
- We are trying to encourage teens to practise more sport.
- The castle is placed on the top of a hill.
- He got into the bathroom to brush his teeth.
- Religion is a theme that often sparks debate.
- Coordination is an important point of dancing.
Click here for the key
B2 First Speaking Part 2: a strategy!
Here are some of the most common mistakes candidates make in B2 First Speaking Part 2, clearly explained, with tips on how to avoid them. Continue reading “B2 First Speaking Part 2: a strategy!”
Structures that elevate your writing: “Not Only … But Also”
If you’re aiming to improve your formal writing or essay skills at B2 or C1 level, one grammar structure you need in your toolkit is “not only … but also.” This phrase is a powerful way to emphasise ideas, making your sentences more sophisticated and persuasive.
This structure is used to highlight two related points, showing that they are both true or important. It is commonly used in essays, reports, and academic writing. Continue reading “Structures that elevate your writing: “Not Only … But Also””