General Questions for the B2 First Speaking Test

General Questions for the B2 First Speaking Test

Hello, English learners! Welcome to a new lesson. If you are preparing for the Cambridge B2 First (FCE) Speaking Test, one of the best ways to get ready is to practise general questions. These are the kind of questions that examiners ask at the beginning of the test (Part 1) and sometimes later as warm-ups to different tasks. They are not about difficult academic topics but about your everyday life, interests, and experiences.

In this blog post, we’ll go through the most common themes, examples of questions, and some practical tips to answer them naturally and confidently. At the end of the post, you will also find a list of 50 general questions for the B2 First Speaking Test.

What Is Part 1 of the B2 First Speaking Test?

Duration: about 2 minutes per candidate.

Purpose: to help you relax and start talking.

Focus: familiar topics like your studies, hobbies, family, hometown, or free time.

Format: the examiner asks both candidates individual questions (not a discussion at this point).

So, let’s look at the type of questions you can expect.

Talking about yourself and your life

The examiner will begin with questions to get to know you.

Examples:

• What do you usually do at weekends?
• Can you tell me a little about your family?
• Do you prefer spending time indoors or outdoors? Why?
• What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Tip: Keep answers short but not too short. A good length is two to three sentences. For example:

“At weekends, I usually spend time with my friends. We like going to the cinema or having coffee together. Sometimes I also stay at home to read or watch TV.”

Questions about studies and work

You might be asked about your current situation: school, university, or job.

Examples:

• What subjects are you studying at the moment?
• Which subject do you find the most interesting? Why?
• Do you work? If so, what do you do?
• Would you like to study or work abroad in the future?

Tip: Add a reason or example to your answer to sound more fluent.

“I’m studying economics, and I find it interesting because it helps me understand how society works.”

Hometown and living area

These questions are very common in FCE.

Examples:

• Where are you from?
• What’s the most interesting thing about your hometown?
• Do you enjoy living there? Why or why not?
• Is your town or city a good place for young people?

Tip: Even if your hometown feels boring, find something positive to mention.

“My town is quite small, but I like it because it’s peaceful and people are friendly.”

Free time and hobbies

Examiners often ask about what you do for fun.

Examples:

• What kind of music do you like?
• Do you prefer watching films at home or in the cinema?
• What hobbies would you like to try in the future?
• Do you enjoy sports? Which ones?

Tip: Use a variety of vocabulary (not just “I like” – also “I’m keen on,” “I’m really into,” “I enjoy,” “I prefer”).

Travel and holidays

This is another favourite topic.

Examples:

• Do you enjoy travelling? Why?
• What’s the most interesting place you have ever visited?
• Would you prefer to go on holiday with friends or family?
• Do you think it’s better to travel abroad or stay in your own country?

Tip: Use comparative structures:

“I prefer travelling abroad because I can experience different cultures and try new food.”

Tips for answering general questions

Don’t just say “yes” or “no” – always explain with a reason or example. Use linking words (because, however, also, in addition). Avoid memorised answers – examiners notice! Speak naturally – imagine you are talking to a friendly teacher. Smile and stay relaxed because confidence is part of communication.

Example mini dialogue

Examiner: What do you usually do in the evenings?

Student: “In the evenings, I normally do my homework, but if I have free time, I watch series on Netflix. At the moment, I’m watching a detective drama, and it’s really exciting.”

Examiner: Do you prefer going out with friends or staying at home?

Student: “I prefer going out because I’m quite sociable. I like meeting my friends for a coffee or going for a walk in the park. It helps me relax after a busy week.”

General Questions for the B2 First Speaking Test

50 sample general questions for the B2 First Speaking Test

About yourself & daily life

• Can you tell me a little about yourself?
• What do you usually do at weekends?
• Do you prefer mornings or evenings? Why?
• What’s your favourite day of the week?
• How do you usually spend your evenings?

Studies & work

• What are you studying at the moment?
• Which subject do you find the most interesting? Why?
• Do you enjoy studying English? Why or why not?
• What do you want to do after you finish your studies?
• If you already work, what do you do for a living?

Hometown & living area

• Where are you from?
• What do you like most about your hometown?
• Is there anything you don’t like about living there?
• Do you think your town is a good place for young people? Why/why not?
• What’s the most interesting place to visit near your hometown?

Free time & hobbies

• What do you usually do in your free time?
• Do you prefer reading books or watching films? Why?
• What kind of music do you like listening to?
• Do you enjoy playing or watching sports?
• Is there a hobby you would like to try in the future?

Travel & holidays

• Do you enjoy travelling? Why?
• What’s the most interesting place you have visited?
• Do you prefer going on holiday with friends or family?
• Do you usually plan your holidays in detail or decide things spontaneously?
• Would you like to travel abroad in the future? Where to?

Family & friends

• Can you tell me a little about your family?
• Do you spend a lot of time with your family?
• Do you prefer having a few close friends or many acquaintances? Why?
• What do you usually do when you meet your friends?
• Have you ever made friends while travelling?

Technology & media

• How often do you use the internet?
• Do you prefer using a computer, a tablet, or a phone? Why?
• What social media platforms do you use most?
• Do you think people spend too much time online?
• Do you prefer reading the news in print or online?

Health, sport & lifestyle

• Do you enjoy doing sports or physical exercise?
• What do you usually do to stay healthy?
• Do you prefer eating at home or eating out?
• Is it important for young people to do sport? Why?
• Do you prefer walking, cycling, or using public transport?

Books, films & culture

• Do you like reading? What kind of books?
• What’s your favourite film or series?
• Do you enjoy going to the cinema? Why or why not?
• Have you ever been to a concert or a theatre performance?
• Do you prefer listening to music alone or with friends?

Future plans & opinions

• What are your plans for the future?
• Do you think English will be useful for your career?
• Would you like to live in another country? Why or why not?
• What do you think is the most useful skill for young people today?
• Do you think technology will change our lives in the future? How?

General questions in the B2 First Speaking Test are not difficult, but they are important because they help you make a good first impression. Practise answering them out loud, record yourself, and notice if your answers are clear, natural, and developed. With confidence and a bit of practice, you will be ready to shine from the very first question!

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