FCE Speaking Part 2: Compare Photos & Pass the Long Turn
Master FCE Speaking Part 2. Learn how to compare photos, structure your long turn, use useful phrases, and avoid common mistakes in the B2 First speaking test.
FCE Speaking Part 2: Compare Photos & Pass the Long Turn
The complete guide to FCE Speaking Part 2, also called the long turn. Learn the structure, useful phrases, sample answers, and simple techniques to compare photos confidently and pass the B2 First speaking test.
What Is FCE Speaking Part 2?
Part 2 of the B2 First Speaking test is called the long turn. The examiner gives you two colour photographs on the same theme. You have 1 minute to compare the photos and answer a printed question. This part tests your ability to organise your speech, compare ideas, and give opinions without interruption.
Duration
1 minute per candidate
How FCE Speaking Part 2 Works
The examiner gives you a booklet with two colour photographs. Above the photos, a question is written. For example: Why might people choose these places to relax? You must compare the two photos and answer the question. Your partner listens, then answers a short follow-up question from the examiner. Then your partner does the same task with different photos.
The Format at a Glance
- You receive two photos on one page
- A question is printed above the photos
- You have 1 minute to compare and answer
- The examiner does not interrupt you
- Your partner then answers one short question
- Roles swap and your partner does their long turn
What the Examiner Looks For
The examiner marks you on four criteria across the whole speaking test. In Part 2, these are the most important skills:
| Criterion | What They Check in Part 2 |
|---|---|
| Grammar & Vocabulary | Range of comparative structures, descriptive adjectives, topic-specific words |
| Discourse Management | Ability to organise ideas, use linking words, stay on topic for a full minute |
| Pronunciation | Clear individual sounds, sentence stress, intonation to show emphasis |
| Interactive Communication | Not tested directly in Part 2 (no interaction with partner during long turn) |
The Best Structure for Your Long Turn
Use this simple three-part structure to organise your 1 minute. It helps you stay on track and cover everything the examiner wants to hear.
Step 1: Introduce Both Photos Briefly
Start by saying what each photo shows. Do not describe every detail. Give a quick overview of the main subject and situation. This takes about 10 seconds.
Example Opening
"Both photos show people spending time outdoors. In the first photo, a group of friends are hiking in the mountains. The second photo shows a family having a picnic in a park."
Step 2: Compare the Two Photos
This is the main part of your turn. Compare the photos side by side. Talk about similarities and differences. Use comparative language. This section should take about 30 to 35 seconds.
Comparison Phrases to Use
- Similarities: Both photos show..., In both pictures..., Similarly..., The common theme is...
- Differences: In contrast..., On the other hand..., The main difference is..., Unlike the first photo...
- Comparing directly: The people in the first photo seem more..., whereas the people in the second photo look...
- Speculating: They might be..., It looks like they are..., Perhaps they are..., I imagine they feel...
Step 3: Answer the Question and Give Your Opinion
Finish by directly answering the question above the photos. Give your opinion and a reason. This shows the examiner you understood the task. Take about 15 to 20 seconds for this part.
Example Closing
"I think people choose hiking because it gives them exercise and fresh air at the same time. A picnic in the park is more about relaxing and spending quiet time with family. Personally, I would prefer the hiking trip because I enjoy being active outdoors."
Useful Phrases for FCE Speaking Part 2
Learn these phrases to sound natural and fluent during your long turn. Group them by function so you can find them quickly during the exam.
| Function | Useful Phrases |
|---|---|
| Starting your turn | "Both photos show..." "In the first picture I can see..." "The second image shows..." |
| Comparing similarities | "Similarly..." "In the same way..." "Both pictures have..." "Likewise..." |
| Highlighting differences | "In contrast..." "On the other hand..." "The main difference is..." "Unlike the first photo..." |
| Speculating | "They might be..." "It looks like they are..." "Perhaps they are..." "I imagine they feel..." |
| Giving opinion | "In my opinion..." "I believe that..." "From my point of view..." "Personally, I think..." |
| Buying time | "Let me think about that..." "That is an interesting question..." "Well, I suppose that..." |
Common Mistakes in FCE Speaking Part 2
Mistake 1: Describing instead of comparing
Wrong: "In the first photo there is a man. He is wearing a blue shirt. In the second photo there is a woman. She is wearing a red dress."
Better: "Both photos show people dressed casually, but the man in the first photo appears to be at work while the woman in the second seems to be at a social event."
Mistake 2: Ignoring the question
Many candidates describe the photos in detail but never answer the printed question. Read the question carefully and make sure your conclusion directly addresses it. The examiner specifically checks whether you answered the question.
Mistake 3: Speaking too fast
Nervous candidates often rush through their comparison in 30 seconds and then have nothing to say. Practise speaking slowly and deliberately. Use speculation to fill the time: "They might be feeling..." "Perhaps they chose this activity because..."
Mistake 4: Using the same vocabulary repeatedly
Avoid repeating "good" and "bad" throughout your turn. Use varied language: enjoyable, challenging, relaxing, exciting, peaceful, stimulating, overwhelming, refreshing. This demonstrates the range the examiner is looking for.
10 Practice Topics for FCE Speaking Part 2
Practise with these common FCE Speaking Part 2 topics. Find two photos online for each topic and give yourself 1 minute to compare them.
1. Free time activities
Why might people choose these activities?
2. Places to live
What are the advantages of each place?
3. Learning environments
What might be the benefits of each?
4. Work situations
Why might people work in these ways?
5. Travel destinations
Why might people choose these holidays?
6. Sports and exercise
What might be the benefits of each activity?
7. Social events
Why might people enjoy these events?
8. Technology use
What are the advantages of each way of using technology?
9. Food and eating
Why might people choose to eat in these settings?
10. Celebrations
How might people feel during these celebrations?
Need More Speaking Practice?
The best way to prepare for FCE Speaking Part 2 is regular practice with a native speaker. Book a trial lesson and get real feedback on your long turn.
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