What questions are asked in FCE Speaking Part 1?

FCE Speaking Part 1 typically includes questions about: 1) Your hometown or city ('Where are you from?', 'What do you like about living there?'), 2) Your studies or work ('What do you study/do?', 'What do you enjoy most about it?'), 3) Your free time ('What do you like to do in your free time?', 'Do you prefer indoor or outdoor activities?'), 4) Your future plans ('What would you like to do in the future?'), and 5) Your preferences ('Do you prefer X or Y?'). These questions are designed to test your ability to talk about familiar topics at B2 level.

How long is FCE Speaking Part 1?

FCE Speaking Part 1 lasts approximately 2 minutes (around 1 minute per candidate in paired exams). During this time, the examiner asks each candidate a series of questions about themselves. This is the 'interview' phase of the test where you're expected to give information about yourself, your life, your interests, and your opinions. Your answers should typically be 2-3 sentences long - not just one-word answers, but also not lengthy monologues.

How should I answer FCE Speaking Part 1 questions?

To answer FCE Speaking Part 1 questions effectively: 1) Give more than yes/no answers (aim for 2-3 sentences), 2) Include a reason, example, or extra detail with each answer, 3) Use a range of vocabulary related to the topic, 4) Show off different tenses where appropriate (past for experiences, present for habits, future for plans), 5) Be honest but positive - avoid complaints or very negative topics, 6) Speak clearly and naturally at a moderate pace, and 7) Use natural linking words ('because', 'however', 'actually'). Remember to sound conversational rather than rehearsed.

FCE Speaking Part 1: Interview Questions & Example Answers

May 18, 2025 | Cambridge Exam Preparation | LingoLugo

Welcome to our comprehensive guide to the Cambridge B2 First (FCE) Speaking Part 1. This initial phase of the exam, sometimes called "the interview," lasts about two minutes and involves answering straightforward questions about yourself, your life, and your opinions.

Though it seems simple, many candidates underestimate this section, focusing instead on the more complex Parts 2-4. However, Part 1 offers a crucial opportunity to make a strong first impression while settling your nerves. Let's explore exactly how to excel in this opening conversation.

What to Expect in FCE Speaking Part 1

The examiner will ask you a series of questions about yourself. Typical topics include:

Your hometown or where you live
Your studies or work
Your free time and interests
Your family and friends
Your preferences and opinions
Your past experiences or future plans

8 Essential Strategies for Success

Strategy	Why It Matters	Example
1. Extend without rambling	Aim for 2-3 sentences per answer—not too short, not too long.	"I've been living in Madrid for about three years now. I moved here for my studies, and I've really grown to love the city."
2. Use the PEEL formula	Point, Explain, Example, Link—creates well-structured answers.	"I enjoy photography [P]. It allows me to be creative [E]. Last weekend, I took some amazing sunset photos at the beach [Ex]. I find it really relaxing after a busy week at work [L]."
3. Showcase vocabulary range	Use interesting adjectives and precise verbs to demonstrate B2-level lexis.	Instead of "I like my job," try "I find my role as a graphic designer incredibly fulfilling because it allows me to express my creativity."
4. Demonstrate grammar flexibility	Incorporate different tenses and structures naturally.	"I've been playing tennis for five years (present perfect), I usually practice twice a week (present simple), and I'm planning to join a tournament next month (future)."
5. Include specific details	Add unique information that makes your answer memorable.	Rather than "I like reading," say "I'm particularly fond of historical fiction, especially novels set in ancient Rome, as I'm fascinated by that period."
6. Be honest but positive	Avoid complaints or very negative topics that might create an awkward atmosphere.	Instead of "I hate my job," try "My current position is quite challenging, but I'm learning valuable skills that will help me in my future career."
7. Maintain natural delivery	Speak at a moderate pace with appropriate intonation.	Practice speaking clearly but conversationally, avoiding both rushed speech and unnaturally slow delivery.
8. Use appropriate fillers	Natural hesitation markers show fluency, but don't overuse them.	"Well, that's an interesting question..." or "Let me think... I'd say that..."

Common FCE Speaking Part 1 Questions with Model Answers

Examiner: Where are you from?

Weak answer: "I'm from Valencia."

Strong answer: "I'm from Valencia, which is on the east coast of Spain. It's a medium-sized city that's famous for its annual Fallas festival and its distinctive paella dishes."

Why it works: Gives geographical context, adds interesting details, and showcases vocabulary (annual, distinctive).

Examiner: What do you do in your free time?

Weak answer: "I watch TV and go out with friends."

Strong answer: "I'm quite passionate about photography, so I often spend my weekends exploring different neighborhoods to capture urban landscapes. I've recently started experimenting with night photography, which has been challenging but really rewarding."

Why it works: Shows enthusiasm with "passionate," uses present perfect to indicate recent activity, and includes specific details about the hobby.

Examiner: What kind of music do you enjoy listening to?

Weak answer: "I like pop music."

Strong answer: "I have quite diverse taste in music, but I particularly enjoy jazz and classical. There's something about the complexity of jazz improvisation that I find fascinating. I've been to several live concerts this year, which is always a completely different experience from listening at home."

Why it works: Uses comparative language, demonstrates vocabulary range with "diverse," "complexity," and "improvisation," and includes personal experience.

Practice Exercise: Transform Basic Answers

Try improving these basic answers using the strategies above:

Question: "Do you prefer living in a house or an apartment?"
Basic answer: "I prefer living in an apartment."
Improved answer: (your practice space)
Question: "What would you like to do in the future?"
Basic answer: "I want to travel more."
Improved answer: (your practice space)

Preparing for Common Topics

While you can't predict exact questions, having some thoughts ready on these common topics will help:

Home/City: Where you live, what you like/dislike about it, how long you've lived there
Work/Study: What you do, aspects you enjoy, challenges, future plans
Free time: Hobbies, sports, entertainment preferences
Travel: Places visited, memorable experiences, dream destinations
Family/Friends: Important relationships, activities you enjoy together
Technology: How you use it, benefits, challenges
Food: Preferences, cooking skills, eating habits

Practice Routine

Follow this 15-minute daily routine to prepare for Part 1:

Select a practice question from a different topic each day.
Record your answer (aim for 20-30 seconds).
Listen back and evaluate: Did you extend naturally? Use interesting vocabulary? Include specific details?
Re-record with improvements.

Final Tips

Remember that Part 1 is designed to help you settle into the exam, not to trick you. The questions are deliberately straightforward so you can showcase your English in a comfortable way. Use this opportunity to:

Make eye contact with the examiner (this shows confidence)
Smile and show enthusiasm where appropriate
Listen carefully to each question (don't anticipate incorrectly)
Be yourself—authentic answers are always more engaging

By mastering Part 1, you'll start the exam with confidence that will carry through to the more challenging sections. For comprehensive FCE Speaking preparation, check out our guides to Part 2 (long turn), Part 3 (collaborative task), and Part 4 (discussion).