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.
❌ 1. Describing only one photo
Problem:
Candidates talk too long about Photo 1 and forget to compare.
Why it’s bad:
Part 2 is about comparison, not description.
✅ Fix:
- Mention both photos early
- Use a contrast phrase before half the minute has passed.
❌ 2. No speculation (just facts)
Problem:
Only saying what you see.
❌ “The girl is painting. The boy is skateboarding.”
✅ Fix:
- Use speculative vocabulary: seems to / might / could / looks as if / I get the impression/perhaps/maybe/I imagine
❌ 3. Running out of time or too early
Problem:
Stopping after 30–40 seconds.
Why it’s bad:
Shows weak discourse management.
✅ Fix:
Aim for:
- Use the strategy I am about to share below
❌ 4. Overusing simple linkers
Problem:
Every sentence starts with “And… But… So…”
Why it’s bad:
Sounds A2–B1.
✅ Fix:
Mix in:
- Contrast: By contrast/Whereas/On the other hand/While/However
- Similarities: Similarly/Another similarity is/Likewise
❌ 5. Incorrect prepositions
❌ For example: On the second photo
✅ Fix:
- Use In + photo
- Notice the following useful prepositions: by contrast/on the other hand/on the contrary/the picture at the top
❌ 6. Forgetting the question
Problem:
Describing photos but not answering why / how / which.
✅ Fix: Make sure you start dealing with the question soon enough, like in the example.
Model answer
STRUCTURE
1 – Saying something about both, expressing similarity
2- Say something about picture 1 (using speculation and some adjectives) + answer the question
3- Answer the question about picture 2, showing contrast and then say something else (using speculation and some adjectives)
3- Add another similarity or difference as a sort of conclusion if there is time for that.
Both photos show girls engaged in activities that require significant practice to reach a high level of skill.
In the first picture, the girl appears relaxed while painting a cityscape at dusk. I get the impression that she is truly enjoying a moment of calm and creativity. Perhaps, she decided to do this painting because she wants to capture the magic of the sunset light over the rooftops.
By contrast, the girl in the second photograph might have decided to take up skateboarding as a way to release stress from the pressure of schoolwork. She must be quite sporty and determined, as this activity clearly demands repetition and patience, as well as the ability to deal with failure.
I would guess that neither of these girls sees their hobbies as a chore. On the contrary, they both seem enriched and fulfilled by the activities they have chosen.
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Good luck and thanks for reading! 