How to Talk About Photos in B2 First Speaking Part 2: Compare, Speculate and Answer

Learning how to talk about photos in B2 First Speaking Part 2 is one of the most important skills you need for the Cambridge speaking exam. In this part of the test, the examiner gives you two photographs and asks you to speak about them for one minute.

Many students feel nervous when they hear:

“Here are your photographs. They show people…”

Suddenly, your brain becomes emptier than a fridge on Sunday night. You can see the photos, but you do not know where to start.

The good news is that you do not need to describe everything. You need to compare the photos, speculate about them, and answer the question clearly. Once you learn a simple structure, this part of the exam becomes much easier.

In this lesson, you will learn how to talk about photos in B2 First Speaking Part 2, with useful phrases, model answers, exam tips and practice photo tasks.

What happens in B2 First Speaking Part 2?

In B2 First Speaking Part 2, the examiner gives you two colour photographs. You have to speak about them for about one minute.

You will also see a question written above the photos. This question tells you what to focus on.

For example:

• Why might the people be enjoying these activities?

or:

• What might be difficult about these situations?

Your job is not just to describe the photos. You should:

• compare the two photos
• mention similarities and differences
• speculate about what is happening
• answer the question
• speak clearly for one minute

After you finish, your partner answers a short question about your photos.

The biggest mistake students make

The biggest mistake is describing the photos one by one.

For example:

• In the first photo, there are three people. They are sitting at a table. There is a laptop. In the second photo, there is a woman. She is sitting on a sofa. She has a computer.

This is not terrible, but it is too descriptive.

A better answer would be:

• Both photos show people working, but in very different ways. In the first photo, the people are working together, whereas in the second photo, the woman is working alone. The first situation seems more social and collaborative, while the second one looks quieter and more independent.

This is much better because it compares the photos.

Remember: in B2 First Speaking Part 2, you should not simply say what you can see. You should explain how the photos are similar, how they are different, and what the people might be doing or feeling.

How to Talk About Photos in B2 First: A Simple 4-Step Structure

Use this simple 4-step structure:

1. Start with a general sentence
2. Compare the two photos
3. Speculate about the people or situations
4. Answer the question clearly

This gives your answer a beginning, middle and end.

Think of it like making a cup of tea. First the cup, then the tea, then the milk — unless you want to start a national argument.

Step 1: Start with a general sentence

Begin by saying what both photos show.

Useful phrases:

• Both photos show…
• In both pictures, we can see…
• The two photos are connected with…
• These photos show two different examples of…
• Both pictures seem to show people who are…

Examples:

• Both photos show people studying, but in different places.
• In both pictures, we can see people spending time outdoors.
• The two photos are connected with work and different ways of working.

This first sentence helps you start confidently.

Step 2: Compare the two photos

Now talk about similarities and differences. Try to move between the two photos instead of describing one photo completely and then the other.

Useful phrases:

• In the first photo…, whereas in the second photo…
• While the first picture shows…, the second one shows…
• One clear difference is that…
• A similarity between the two photos is that…
• Compared with the first photo, the second one seems…
• The first situation looks more…, while the second one seems more…

Examples:

• In the first photo, the students are learning in a classroom, whereas in the second photo, the student is studying alone at home.
• One clear difference is that the first situation looks more active and social, while the second one seems quieter and more independent.
• A similarity between the two photos is that both people seem to be concentrating.

This is the most important part when you talk about photos in B2 First Speaking Part 2. You must show the examiner that you can compare, not just describe.

Step 3: Speculate about the photos

Speculation means saying what you think might be happening. You are not 100% sure, so you should use language such as might, could, may, seem, and look as if.

Do not say:

• The woman is stressed.

Say:

• The woman might be stressed because she looks very serious.

Useful phrases:

• He might be…
• She could be…
• They may be…
• It looks as if…
• It seems as though…
• Perhaps…
• Maybe…
• They seem to be…
• The people might be feeling…

Examples:

• The students might be preparing for an exam.
• The man could be working from home because his office is closed.
• It looks as if the people in the first photo are enjoying themselves.
• The woman seems to be concentrating hard, so perhaps she is doing something important.

Speculation makes your English sound more natural and more suitable for the exam.

Step 4: Answer the question

Do not forget the question above the photos. Many students compare the pictures but never answer the actual question.

If the question asks:

• Why might the people enjoy these activities?

You must talk about enjoyment.

If the question asks:

• What might be difficult about these situations?

You must talk about difficulties.

Useful phrases:

• I think…
• In my opinion…
• I’d say that…
• Overall, I think…
• The first situation might be more…
• The second activity could be more…
• Personally, I would say…

Example:

Overall, I think the first situation might be more enjoyable because people can share the experience and have fun together.

This gives your answer a clear ending.

Useful phrases for B2 First Speaking Part 2

Starting your answer

• Both photos show…
• In both pictures, we can see…
• The two photos are about…
• These pictures show two different ways of…
• Both pictures seem to be connected with…

Comparing the photos

• In the first photo…, whereas in the second photo…
• While the first picture shows…, the second one shows…
• One clear difference is that…
• A similarity between the two photos is that…
• The first photo looks more…, while the second one seems more…

Speculating

• They might be…
• He could be…
• She may be…
• It looks as if…
• It seems as though…
• Perhaps they are…
• Maybe he is…
• I think they are probably…

Answering the question

• I think…
• In my opinion…
• I’d say that…
• Overall, I think…
• Personally, I would say…
• The first situation might be better because…
• The second activity could be more enjoyable because…

Model answer 1: Studying

Question: Why might the people choose these ways of studying?

Both photos show people studying, but in very different ways. In the first photo, the students are learning together in a classroom, whereas in the second photo, the student is studying alone at home. One clear difference is that the classroom looks more social and interactive, while studying at home seems quieter and more independent. The students in the first photo might choose this way of studying because they can ask the teacher questions and work with their classmates. The student in the second photo might prefer studying at home because it is more comfortable and peaceful. Overall, I think both ways can be useful, but studying in a classroom might be better if you need support and explanation.

Model answer 2: Free-time activities

Question: Why might these activities be enjoyable?

Both photos show people enjoying their free time, but the activities are quite different. In the first photo, the people are cooking together, whereas in the second photo, the person is reading alone. One obvious difference is that cooking together looks more social and lively, while reading seems more peaceful and private. The people in the kitchen might enjoy cooking because they can talk, laugh and prepare a meal together. On the other hand, the person reading might enjoy escaping into a story and relaxing without noise or interruptions. Overall, I think cooking together might be more enjoyable for people who like company, while reading is better for someone who needs peace and quiet.

Model answer 3: Working

Question: What might be good or difficult about working in these ways?

Both photos show people working, but the working environments are very different. In the first photo, the people seem to be working together in an office, whereas in the second photo, the person is working alone from home. The first situation looks more collaborative because the people can discuss ideas and help each other. However, it might also be noisy or stressful. The second situation seems more comfortable and flexible, but the person might feel lonely or less motivated. Overall, I think working in an office might be better for teamwork, while working from home could be better for people who need quiet and independence.

Model answer 4: Helping others

Question: Why might it be important to help other people?

Both photos show people helping others, but in different situations. In the first photo, the young people seem to be helping their community by cleaning a park, whereas in the second photo, the student appears to be helping an older person with technology. One similarity is that both situations are useful and positive. However, the first activity is more physical and connected with the environment, while the second one is more personal. The young people might feel proud because they are improving a public place. The student might also feel useful because they are helping someone solve a practical problem. Overall, I think helping others is important because it teaches people responsibility and kindness.

Model answer 5: Travelling

Question: What might be stressful about these ways of travelling?

Both photos show people travelling, but they are using different types of transport. In the first photo, the people are waiting at an airport, whereas in the second photo, the family is travelling by car. One clear difference is that travelling by plane is probably faster, while travelling by car may be more flexible. However, both situations can be stressful. The people at the airport might be worried about delays, luggage or missing their flight. The family in the car might feel tired, especially if the journey is long or there is a lot of traffic. Overall, I think travelling by plane might be more stressful because passengers have less control over what happens.

How long should your answer be?

In B2 First Speaking Part 2, you speak for about one minute.

A good answer is usually around 120–150 words. You do not need to speak extremely fast. It is better to speak clearly, organise your ideas, and answer the question.

Do not memorise full answers. Instead, memorise useful phrases and practise using the same structure with different photos.

What grammar should you use?

To talk about photos in B2 First Speaking Part 2, try to use a range of grammar.

Comparatives

The first activity looks more relaxing than the second one.

The second situation seems less stressful than the first.

Whereas and while

The first photo shows people working together, whereas the second photo shows someone working alone.

While the first activity seems exciting, the second one looks more peaceful.

Modal verbs for speculation

They might be preparing for an exam.

She could be working on an important project.

The people may be feeling tired but satisfied.

Look / seem / appear

The people look happy and relaxed.

The situation seems quite stressful.

The man appears to be confused.

Because / so / although

This activity might be enjoyable because the people can spend time together.

The second situation looks peaceful, although it might also be a bit lonely.

Common mistakes in B2 First photo comparison

1. Describing too much

Do not describe every small detail. Choose the most important points and compare them.

Weak:

• There is a table. There are three chairs. One person is wearing a blue shirt.

Better:

• The first photo looks more social because the people are sitting together and discussing something.

2. Forgetting to compare

You should use phrases like:

• whereas
• while
• compared with
• both photos
• one difference is

These phrases help you compare naturally.

3. Forgetting to speculate

Do not sound too certain. Use:

• might
• could
• may
• seems
• looks as if

Weak:

• They are colleagues.

Better:

• They might be colleagues because they seem to be working on the same project.

4. Not answering the question

Always read or listen to the question carefully. Your final sentence should answer it directly.

5. Panicking when you do not know a word

If you do not know a word, explain it in a simple way.

For example, if you forget the word helmet, you can say:

• The person is wearing something on his head for safety.

That is much better than going silent.

Practice tasks

Use these photo ideas to practise at home or in class.

Practice task 1

Question: Why might young people enjoy these activities?

Practice task 2

Question: How might the people be feeling?

Practice task 3

Question: What might be useful about these ways of learning?

Practice task 4

Question: What might be good or bad about these ways of shopping?

Practice task 5

Question: Why might people choose these types of holiday?

Final exam tips

When you talk about photos in B2 First Speaking Part 2, remember these rules:

• Start with a general sentence.
• Compare the photos early.
• Use speculation.
• Answer the question.
• Do not describe every detail.
• Keep speaking until the examiner stops you.
• Do not worry if your answer is not perfect.

The examiner does not expect poetry. They expect clear, organised English.

A good B2 answer is not complicated. It is structured, relevant and confident.

So, next time you see two photos, do not panic. Compare, speculate and answer — and you will already be doing exactly what the exam wants.

Related posts:

Words and Phrases for Speculation 

Modal Verbs of Speculation 

Modal Verbs of Deduction 

Linking Words to Express Opinion 

General Questions for the B2 First Speaking Test with Answers 

B2 First Exam Tips: 10 Common FCE Mistakes to Avoid 

Collocations for B2 First Writing and Speaking 

Functional Language for Speaking Exams

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FAQ: Talking About Photos in B2 First Speaking Part 2

How long do I speak in B2 First Speaking Part 2?

You speak for about one minute. After that, your partner answers a short question about your photos.

Do I need to describe both photos in detail?

No. You should not describe every detail. You should compare the photos and answer the question.

What phrases should I use to compare photos?

Useful phrases include whereas, while, both photos show, one clear difference is, and a similarity between the two photos is.

Should I give my opinion?

Yes. At the end of your answer, you should usually give a short opinion that answers the question.

What should I do if I do not know what is happening in the photo?

Use speculation. Say might, could, perhaps, maybe, it looks as if, or it seems as though.