6.2 Speaking Part 2: Picture-Prompt Discussion & Follow-up Questions

6.2 Speaking Part 2: Picture-Prompt Discussion & Follow-up Questions

Following the personal interview in Part 1, the Cambridge A2 Key for Schools speaking paper transitions to Part 2, which shifts the communicative focus from candidate-examiner questioning to authentic peer collaboration and thematic opinion exchange. Part 2 lasts 5 to 6 minutes in total and carries substantial weight in demonstrating interactive competence at CEFR Level A2. OpenExamPrep provides this independent study resource for Cambridge A2 Key for Schools to guide students through the specific conversational techniques and procedural phases required for success in Part 2.

Part 2 is organized into two sequential phases: Phase 1 (Collaborative Discussion), where candidates discuss visual prompts with each other, and Phase 2 (Individual Follow-up Questions), where the interlocutor asks each candidate individual preference and extension questions.

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Phase 1: Collaborative Discussion Mechanics (1–2 Minutes)

In Phase 1, the interlocutor places the Part 2 picture booklet in front of the candidates. It shows five pictures (six for a group of three) of activities, things or places connected to one topic. Cambridge's handbook lists possible topics relating to daily life, school, leisure activities, transport, towns and cities, and holidays.

The interlocutor reads a scripted rubric aloud:

"Now, in this part of the test you are going to talk together. Here are some pictures that show different sports. Do you like these different sports? Say why or why not. I'll say that again. Do you like these different sports? Say why or why not. All right? Now, talk together."

The Golden Rule: Talk to Each Other, Not the Examiners

Once the interlocutor finishes speaking, the candidates have 1 to 2 minutes to talk together. The single most common mistake made by inexperienced candidates is turning their heads toward the interlocutor to deliver their opinions. In Phase 1, candidates must turn towards each other, make friendly eye contact, and engage in genuine conversation. The interlocutor lets you talk together for at least 1 minute and at most 2 minutes before joining in with more questions.

Pacing and Visual Coverage Strategy

Cambridge's handbook advises candidates to aim to talk about all of the activities, things or places in the pictures, saying which they like and dislike, and why. That does not mean rushing: shallow comments ("I like tennis. And you? Yes, I like cycling. And you?") show very little language. Give a reason for each opinion, react to what your partner says, and keep the conversation moving so that every picture gets some attention in the time available. Remember that you are assessed on your language and interaction, not on your ideas.

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Essential Conversational Toolkit for Phase 1

To demonstrate interactive fluency at CEFR A2, candidates must master specific communicative functions: asking opinions, expressing preferences, justifying views with connectors, and responding to their partner's ideas.

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Phase 1 Wrap-Up: Adjective Questions and Overall Choice

After 1 to 2 minutes of peer discussion, the interlocutor joins in with questions about the pictures, while the booklet is still in front of you. It is taken back after the last question of Phase 1:

1. Adjective Evaluation: The interlocutor asks each candidate at least one question such as: "Do you think playing video games is dangerous?" or "Do you think cycling is fun? Why / Why not?" Candidates should answer in one or two clear sentences with a reason.
2. Overall Favorite Selection: The interlocutor asks each candidate: "Which of these sports do you like best?" Candidates must name their preferred option and explain why in two sentences ("I like swimming best because I practice every Tuesday at the local pool and it makes me feel healthy.").

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Phase 2: Individual Follow-up Preference Questions

In Phase 2 (up to about 2 minutes), the pictures are put away, and the interlocutor asks each candidate two follow-up questions on the same topic. While Candidate A answers, Candidate B listens silently, and vice versa. These questions prompt candidates to express personal habits, make comparisons, and explain future choices.

Typical Phase 2 Questions and Response Formula

• "Candidate A, do you prefer doing sports alone or in a team? Why?"
• "Candidate B, do you prefer playing sports inside or outside in the fresh air? Why?"

To achieve Band 5 on Phase 2 follow-up questions, candidates should follow the Preference + Reason + Example/Contrast formula:

"I prefer doing team sports because playing with other people is much more fun than exercising alone. For example, I play basketball on my school team every Friday, and we always support each other during matches."

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Annotated Model Transcript: High-Scoring Collaborative Dialogue

Interlocutor: Now, talk together.

Candidate A: Let's look at this picture of football. Do you like playing football, Marco?
(Score Impact: Strong initiation; directs partner's attention to a specific picture; uses natural vocative).

Candidate B: Yes, I love football because it is very fast and I play with my classmates every afternoon. What about you? Do you enjoy it?
(Score Impact: Answers with preference; provides clear justification using 'because'; passes turn back with an inviting question).

Candidate A: I'm not so sure. In my opinion, football is a bit tiring, but I really like cycling. Riding a bicycle in the park is so peaceful and good for your health. Do you have a bicycle?
(Score Impact: Polite disagreement with reason; shifts topic smoothly to a second picture; asks partner an open question).

Candidate B: Yes, I have a mountain bike. I agree with you that cycling in the park is relaxing, but I think cycling on busy city streets is dangerous because of the traffic.
(Score Impact: Validates partner's point ('I agree with you'); introduces a nuanced qualification and contrast using 'but' and 'because').

Interlocutor: Thank you. Marco, do you think playing computer games is boring?