B2 English test questions and answers

Question Develop the point: How AI is used at work today

Sample answer AI is used for translation, customer service chatbots, medical scans and even writing emails. Many companies use it to save time on routine tasks. Most of us use AI daily without noticing, for example in a phone's map.

Question Develop the point: Jobs that may change

Sample answer Jobs involving repeated tasks, such as data entry, may be replaced by machines. On the other hand, jobs that need empathy, like nursing and teaching, are likely to remain. New jobs will probably appear that we can't imagine yet.

Question Develop the point: Advantages

Sample answer AI can work faster and more accurately than humans in some areas, and it can help doctors to find illnesses earlier. It can also make services cheaper. If it is used responsibly, it may give people more time for creative work.

Question Develop the point: Risks and fears

Sample answer The main fears are unemployment, loss of privacy and unfair decisions made by algorithms. If a system were trained on biased data, it might treat people unfairly. Some people also worry that we will depend on it too much.

Question Develop the point: How people can prepare

Sample answer People can prepare by learning new skills and by staying curious. Training courses should be available to everyone, not only to young graduates. In my view, the ability to learn quickly will be the most valuable skill.

Question (Examiner challenge) Won't AI just take everybody's jobs?

Sample answer I doubt it, because history shows that technology changes jobs rather than ending work completely. However, the change could be painful for some workers. How would you feel if your own job changed?

Question (Examiner challenge) Surely machines can't be creative.

Sample answer They can imitate, but I'm not sure they can feel. That's why I think the human element will still be important.

Question (Candidate's turn) Invite the examiner into the discussion

Sample answer Do you use any AI tools in your work? Do you think they make your job easier or harder?

Question Develop the point: Why it is difficult

Sample answer It is difficult because many couples both work full time, and there isn't enough time left for the home and for the children. Commuting, shifts and housework use up every spare minute. Many parents say they feel guilty about missing events.

Question Develop the point: How families share responsibilities

Sample answer In my family we make a weekly plan: one person cooks, the other helps with homework. When both are tired, we try to be flexible and ask for help. I believe that sharing tasks fairly avoids arguments.

Question Develop the point: Childcare and support

Sample answer Childcare is expensive, so many families depend on grandparents or friends. After-school clubs can also help. If childcare were cheaper, more parents would be able to work.

Question Develop the point: Flexible working

Sample answer Flexible hours, working from home and part-time contracts make life easier for parents. Employers who offer these benefits usually keep their staff longer. In my view, productivity does not suffer.

Question Develop the point: Advice to people who feel overwhelmed

Sample answer I would advise people to be realistic, to set priorities and to accept that the house won't always be perfect. They should also ask for help without feeling ashamed. Taking a few minutes for yourself may improve everything else.

Question (Examiner challenge) Why do people have children if they don't have time for them?

Sample answer That's a harsh way to put it. Most parents want children and work hard to give them a good life. The problem is the system, not the parents. What do you think?

Question (Examiner challenge) Shouldn't one parent stay at home?

Sample answer That would be ideal for some families, but financially it is often impossible. And many parents want to have careers.

Question (Candidate's turn) Invite the examiner into the discussion

Sample answer How do you manage to balance work and home life? Is there anything that helps you?

Question A strong opening sequence from the candidate

Sample answer I see. How important is the match for your son? Has your colleague helped you in the past? Could the match be moved to another day? What do you feel like doing?

Question A strong opening sequence from the candidate

Sample answer It's kind of you to want to help. How far is the walk, and could she walk slowly with you? Is there another way to support the charity? What do you think you'll say to her?

Question A strong opening sequence from the candidate

Sample answer Happy birthday to your son! How many children would you invite, and what's your budget? Is there a park nearby? What kind of activities does he like?

Question Which British customs were most surprising to you when you arrived?

Sample answer I was surprised that people queue so patiently and say 'sorry' all the time. I have adopted that habit myself, and now I say it even when it isn't my fault! However, I still find it hard to understand why people talk about the weather so much. A visitor to my country should know that it is polite to remove your shoes before you enter a home.

Question Was anything else surprising?

Sample answer I was also surprised that people don't visit each other without calling first. In my country neighbours come at any time. I think each approach has advantages, because the British custom protects privacy, whereas ours creates a sense of community.

Question Did you grow up in a village or a city?

Sample answer I grew up in a village of about three thousand people, and everybody knew everybody. We used to play in the fields and swim in the river after school. It was a simple life, but we were very happy. Now the village has changed because many young people have left for the cities.

Question Is it different now?

Sample answer In my free time I used to help my father on the farm and play cricket with the other boys. The village has electricity and a mobile network now, which would have been unthinkable when I was a child. I sometimes feel nostalgic for the old days.

Question (Candidate's turn) Ask the examiner a question about village and city life

Sample answer Where did you grow up?

Question Who influenced you most as a child?

Sample answer My mother influenced me most. She worked very hard and she taught me to be honest, whatever the situation. If she could see me now, I think she'd be proud, although she'd probably tell me to rest more. I have tried to teach my children the same values.

Question Have you passed anything on to your own children?

Sample answer I hope so. My father taught me patience too, because he used to repair radios and never gave up. I've passed on his habit of fixing things to my son, so we rarely throw anything away.

Question What do you do in daily life to protect the environment?

Sample answer I switch off lights, use public transport and avoid wasting food. What I find hardest to give up is the car for long trips, because the train is expensive. I think people will change their habits only if it saves them money. If energy prices fell, I would probably use more heating, which isn't good for the planet.

Question Do you think people will change their habits?

Sample answer Rules and rewards are important. If recycling were rewarded with lower council tax, I'm sure more people would do it. I'm also in favour of cheaper electric cars, but they should be available to everybody.

Question (Candidate's turn) Ask the examiner a question about pollution and recycling

Sample answer What do you do to help the environment?

Question Who has more influence on a child's education, teachers or parents?

Sample answer I think parents have more influence because children spend most of their time at home. They learn habits like reading and respect from their parents. Teachers, however, can inspire a child to love a subject. In my view, both must cooperate, and the school should keep parents informed.

Question What makes a good teacher?

Sample answer A good teacher is patient, fair and passionate about the subject. If a child is struggling, parents ought to talk to the teacher first rather than blame the child. Homework can be useful in moderation, but too much can make children hate studying.

Question Are you optimistic about the environment?

Sample answer I'm cautiously optimistic, because more people are aware of the problem than ten years ago. What gives me hope is the way young people are speaking out. What worries me most is that governments sometimes act too slowly. I would like my children's world to have clean air, quiet cities and plenty of green spaces.

Question What gives you hope?

Sample answer Technology may help us, for instance with solar power and better batteries. Even so, nothing will change unless people are willing to give up some comforts.

Question (Candidate's turn) Ask the examiner a question about pollution and recycling

Sample answer Are you hopeful about the future?