FCE Speaking Part 2: Complete Photo Comparison Guide for B2 Picture Comparison
Following our guide on FCE Speaking Part 1, we'll now explore Part 2—the photo comparison task. This section of the B2 speaking exam demonstrates your ability to speak at length about visual prompts, a crucial skill for both the current exam and future Cambridge C1 Advanced challenges.
1. Know Exactly What Happens in FCE Photo Comparison
In FCE Speaking Part 2, the examiner hands you two photos and asks you to compare them and answer a second question (e.g. why people enjoy the activities shown). This picture comparison task requires you to speak alone for about 1 minute, then listen while your partner takes their turn and reply to a 30-second follow-up about their photos.
Why it matters: This task measures your ability to describe, compare, contrast and give opinions—skills that reappear in higher-level Cambridge exams such as the C1 Exam.
2. Double-Check the Instructions
If you miss an instruction (e.g. "say why sport is important"), you lose content points. Don't panic—politely ask the examiner to repeat:
"Sorry, could you say that again?"
3. Use the "10-Second Rule" to Organise Your Minute
Break the 60 seconds into six easy chunks:
| Seconds | What to do | Example language |
|---|---|---|
| 0–10 | Give a broad summary | "Both pictures show people involved in a sport." |
| 11–20 | State an obvious similarity | "They're outdoors and focusing hard on what they're doing." |
| 21–30 | Zoom in on a key difference | "The climbers are in nature, whereas the skater is in a man-made park." |
| 31–40 | Add a reason or effect | "Climbing demands teamwork, while skating is more individual." |
| 41–50 | Give a personal reaction | "I admire people who climb because trusting a partner builds confidence." |
| 51–60 | Conclude and link back to the task | "Overall, both sports keep you fit, but climbing also teaches cooperation." |
4. Front-Load with Topic Vocabulary
Prepare lexis for frequent photo themes—travel, education, technology, leisure, etc.—just as you memorise phrasal verbs for Use of English or collocations for an Essay B2 writing task.
5. FCE Comparing Pictures: Compare and Contrast—Don't Just Describe
Markers reward candidates who show relationships: use linkers like whereas, while, in contrast, both, neither.
6. Speculate Smartly
Show off modal verbs and hedging:
"They might be on holiday… It looks as if they've just finished a match."
This lifts your Grammar & Vocabulary score across the B2 Exam and future CAE practice tests.
7. Give Opinions with Reasons
The second instruction often begins "say why…" Use because, since, so, this means to justify ideas—exactly the coherence you need in a formal e-mail or opinion essay.
FCE Speaking Part 2 Useful Phrases for Photo Comparison B2
Here are essential phrases for B2 picture comparison that will help you structure your FCE photo comparison effectively:
| Function | Useful Phrases for FCE Speaking Part 2 Photos |
|---|---|
| Starting your comparison | Both pictures show... / In these photos, I can see... / The two images depict... |
| Describing similarities | Similarly... / In the same way... / Both pictures feature... / They both seem to be... |
| Highlighting differences | However... / On the other hand... / Whereas in the first picture... / In contrast... |
| Speculating | They might be... / It looks as if... / I'd say they're probably... / Perhaps they're... |
| Giving opinions | I think... / In my opinion... / I believe... / It seems to me that... |
| Answering the question | As for why... / Regarding the question about... / The reason might be... / I think they enjoy it because... |
8. Nail Your Partner's Follow-Up Question
Listen actively while your partner speaks; note a quick contrast so you can respond in 30 seconds:
"Rock-climbing appeals to me more because I prefer team challenges, whereas skating feels too solitary."
9. Rehearse with Authentic Timing
Record yourself doing FCE practice tests, then critique fluency the way you'd use writing correction to polish a Writing C1 Cambridge script.
10. Integrate All Four Papers for Faster Gains
Cycle practice: a Listening track one day, a Reading and Use of English text the next, then a Speaking routine. Variety keeps vocabulary fresh and boosts overall performance in any English Test.
Sample Timing Practice Exercise
To get comfortable with the one-minute format, try this exercise with a timer:
- Find two photos of different outdoor activities
- Set a 60-second timer
- Follow the 10-second rule from section 3
- Record yourself and listen back
- Note where you rushed or stalled
Repeat this exercise with different photo pairs until you feel confident with your pacing and structure.
Final Thoughts on B2 Picture Comparison
FCE Speaking Part 2 photo comparison offers you a full minute in the spotlight—use it wisely! These structured strategies will help you excel at comparing pictures in the B2 exam. Master this skill and you'll develop the confidence needed not just for the speaking test, but for your entire Cambridge English journey.
For complete Cambridge exam preparation, don't forget to check our guides on FCE Speaking Part 1, FCE Speaking Part 3, and improve your writing skills with our essay writing guide.