Upskill from Cambridge
Speaking Practice Bank
Parts 1, 2 & 5 — B1 Level Model Answers
Prepared by Queen’s & Queen’s · CEFR A1–B1
| HOW TO USE THIS PRACTICE BANK
Part 1 (50 questions) — 10 seconds per answer. Practise giving clear, complete sentences. Read the question aloud, start your timer, then speak your answer before time is up. Part 2 (50 questions) — 20 seconds per answer. Aim for 3–4 full sentences. Use linking words: because, however, so, although, which means that. |
PART 1 — Listen and Answer
| Format: Short personal questions | Time: 10 seconds per answer | Questions: 4 per set
B1 Strategy: Speak in full sentences. Add ONE extra detail (a reason, example, or time reference). Never give a one-word answer. |
| # | Question | B1 Model Answer |
| 1 | What is your name? | My name is Priya Sharma. I am happy to introduce myself today. |
| 2 | Where are you from? | I am from Pokhara, Nepal. It is a beautiful city near the Himalayas. |
| 3 | Where do you live now? | I live in Kathmandu now. I moved here two years ago for work. |
| 4 | What is your job? | I work as an office administrator. I manage documents and schedules for my team. |
| 5 | How do you travel to work? | I travel to work by bus every day. It takes about thirty minutes. |
| 6 | What time do you start work? | I start work at nine o’clock in the morning. My office opens at that time. |
| 7 | Do you enjoy your job? Why? | Yes, I enjoy my job very much. I like working with people and solving problems. |
| 8 | What do you usually eat for breakfast? | I usually eat rice and dal for breakfast. It gives me energy for the whole day. |
| 9 | Do you live alone or with family? | I live with my family. We have a small house in Lalitpur. |
| 10 | What language do you speak at home? | I speak Nepali at home with my family. I also practice English with my colleagues. |
| 11 | What is your favourite day of the week? | My favourite day is Saturday. I can relax and spend time with my family. |
| 12 | Do you have any brothers or sisters? | Yes, I have one older brother and one younger sister. We are very close. |
| 13 | What do you do after work? | After work, I usually cook dinner and watch the news. Sometimes I read a book. |
| 14 | Do you drink tea or coffee? | I prefer tea, especially milk tea. I have two cups every day. |
| 15 | What is the weather like today? | Today the weather is warm and sunny. It is a nice day to be outside. |
| 16 | How many hours do you work each day? | I work eight hours each day. I start at nine and finish at five o’clock. |
| 17 | Do you use the internet every day? | Yes, I use the internet every day. I need it for my work and to stay connected. |
| 18 | What is your favourite food? | My favourite food is momos. I love them because they are tasty and affordable. |
| 19 | Are you married? | No, I am not married yet. I am focused on my career at the moment. |
| 20 | Do you have any pets? | No, I do not have any pets. However, I would like to have a dog someday. |
| 21 | What is your hobby? | My hobby is photography. I take pictures of people and landscapes on weekends. |
| 22 | Can you cook? What do you make? | Yes, I can cook. I often make dal bhat and vegetable curry for my family. |
| 23 | Do you exercise regularly? | Yes, I go for a walk every morning for about thirty minutes. It keeps me healthy. |
| 24 | What kind of music do you like? | I enjoy listening to folk music and classical Nepali songs. They make me feel calm. |
| 25 | Do you prefer the city or the countryside? | I prefer the city because there are more job opportunities and facilities here. |
| 26 | What did you have for lunch today? | I had rice, lentils, and vegetables for lunch today. It was very filling and delicious. |
| 27 | How often do you visit your hometown? | I visit my hometown twice a year, usually during festivals like Dashain and Tihar. |
| 28 | Do you prefer reading books or watching films? | I prefer watching films because I can relax and still learn something interesting. |
| 29 | What sport do you like? | I enjoy watching cricket. Nepal has a great national team and I support them proudly. |
| 30 | Are you good at English? | I am improving my English every day. I think it is an important skill for my career. |
| 31 | Do you have a smartphone? | Yes, I have a smartphone. I use it for communication, emails, and online banking. |
| 32 | What time do you wake up? | I wake up at six o’clock every morning. I need time to prepare before work. |
| 33 | Do you like shopping? | I enjoy shopping for books and clothes. I usually go to the market on weekends. |
| 34 | What is your biggest goal this year? | My biggest goal this year is to improve my English and get a promotion at work. |
| 35 | Do you prefer hot or cold weather? | I prefer cool weather. I find it more comfortable for working and going outside. |
| 36 | What subject did you like most at school? | I liked English and Science most at school. Both subjects helped me in my career. |
| 37 | Do you like cooking at home or eating out? | I prefer cooking at home because it is healthier and less expensive than eating out. |
| 38 | What is your favourite festival? | My favourite festival is Dashain. Our whole family comes together and celebrates. |
| 39 | How do you usually spend your evenings? | I usually spend my evenings studying English and helping my younger sister with homework. |
| 40 | Do you find your work stressful? | Sometimes my work is stressful, but I manage it by planning my tasks carefully. |
| 41 | What technology do you use at work? | I use a computer, email, and spreadsheets every day. Technology makes my work faster. |
| 42 | Do you prefer working alone or in a team? | I prefer working in a team because we can share ideas and solve problems together. |
| 43 | What do you like about your neighbourhood? | I like my neighbourhood because it is quiet, safe, and close to the market. |
| 44 | Are you currently studying anything? | Yes, I am studying English and business communication to improve my skills for work. |
| 45 | What was your first job? | My first job was as a cashier in a supermarket. I learned to work hard and be polite. |
| 46 | Do you have a favourite restaurant? | Yes, I have a favourite restaurant near my office. They serve excellent momos and noodles. |
| 47 | How do you stay healthy? | I stay healthy by eating fresh food, walking every day, and sleeping eight hours a night. |
| 48 | What kind of films do you like? | I enjoy action and documentary films. They are entertaining and I can learn from them. |
| 49 | Do you prefer mornings or evenings? | I am definitely a morning person. I feel more focused and productive early in the day. |
| 50 | What makes you happy? | Spending time with my family and doing well at work makes me feel happy and proud. |
PART 2 — Listen and Answer (Extended)
| Format: Describe / Tell me about questions | Time: 20 seconds per answer | Aim: 3–4 sentences
B1 Strategy: Use linking words (because, however, although, which is why, so). Include an opinion or personal feeling. Aim for 3–5 sentences total. |
| # | Question | B1 Model Answer |
| 1 | Tell me about your daily routine. | I wake up at six every morning and have breakfast with my family. Then I travel to work by bus, which takes about thirty minutes. After work, I usually cook dinner, study English, and go to bed by ten. I try to follow this routine every day because it helps me feel organised and productive. |
| 2 | Describe your hometown. | My hometown is Pokhara, which is in the western part of Nepal. It is famous for its beautiful lakes, especially Fewa Lake, and its stunning views of the Annapurna mountains. The city is quite peaceful and the people are very friendly. However, it is smaller than Kathmandu and has fewer job opportunities, which is why I moved to the capital. |
| 3 | Tell me about your job. | I work as an office administrator for a small company in Kathmandu. My main responsibilities include managing files, scheduling meetings, and responding to emails. I also help my colleagues with daily tasks. I have been working there for two years and I really enjoy the environment because everyone is supportive and helpful. |
| 4 | Describe your home. | I live in a rented apartment in Lalitpur with my family. The apartment has two bedrooms, a small kitchen, and a sitting room. I share a bedroom with my younger sister. Our neighbourhood is quiet and there is a small park nearby. I feel comfortable there, but I hope to have a bigger home in the future. |
| 5 | Tell me about a typical weekend. | On weekends, I usually sleep a little later than usual and have a relaxed breakfast. In the morning, I often go to the market or help my mother with household chores. In the afternoon, I meet friends or go for a walk near the park. In the evening, my family usually watches a film together. I really enjoy weekends because I have time to rest. |
| 6 | Describe your best friend. | My best friend is called Sushila. We have known each other since school and now we both live in Kathmandu. She is a very kind and funny person who always knows how to cheer me up. She works as a teacher. We usually meet on weekends to have lunch and catch up on each other’s lives. I am very grateful to have her as my friend. |
| 7 | Tell me about your family. | I have a close and supportive family. My parents live in Pokhara and I visit them twice a year. I have one older brother who is a doctor, and one younger sister who is still studying at university. We are very close and we talk on the phone almost every day. Family is the most important thing in my life. |
| 8 | Describe your workplace. | My workplace is a medium-sized office in the centre of Kathmandu. We have about thirty employees working on two floors. The office is modern, with good computers and air conditioning. There is also a small canteen where we have lunch. The atmosphere is professional but friendly, which makes it a pleasant place to work every day. |
| 9 | Tell me about something you enjoy doing in your free time. | In my free time, I really enjoy photography. I take my camera to parks, temples, and markets to photograph everyday life. I am particularly interested in portraits and street photography. I started this hobby about three years ago and since then I have taken thousands of pictures. It helps me relax and see the beauty in ordinary things. |
| 10 | Describe a recent trip or journey you made. | Last month, I travelled to Chitwan with my colleagues for a two-day work trip. We stayed in a small guesthouse and visited the national park. I saw rhinos and elephants for the first time, which was absolutely amazing. We also took a canoe ride on the river. It was a tiring journey, but one of the most memorable experiences I have had. |
| 11 | Tell me about a festival you celebrate. | My favourite festival is Dashain, which is the biggest Hindu festival in Nepal. It usually takes place in October. During Dashain, our whole family comes together, we receive blessings from elders, and we eat special food. We also fly kites and play cards. It is a wonderful time because we get ten days off work and spend quality time with loved ones. |
| 12 | Describe someone you admire. | I admire my mother very much. She raised four children while also working as a seamstress to support our family. She is an incredibly hardworking and patient person who never complained even during difficult times. She also encouraged us to study hard and pursue our goals. I hope to have her strength and determination in my own life. |
| 13 | Tell me about your education. | I studied at a government school in Pokhara until I was sixteen. Then I completed my higher secondary education and after that I enrolled in a business management course in Kathmandu. I graduated three years ago. The course taught me important skills such as communication, accounting, and computer use, all of which I use in my current job. |
| 14 | Describe a skill you would like to learn. | I would like to learn how to use design software such as Canva and Adobe Photoshop professionally. Right now, I only know the basics, but I believe that learning these tools would make me much more valuable in my workplace. I plan to enroll in an online course next month so that I can start developing this skill. |
| 15 | Tell me about your plans for the future. | In the next two years, I plan to improve my English and apply for a more senior role at my company. I would also like to start saving money so that I can take a short trip abroad, possibly to Thailand or Singapore. In the longer term, I hope to start my own small business. I am working hard to make these goals a reality. |
| 16 | Describe a challenge you have faced at work. | One challenge I faced at work was when I had to organise a large company event with very little time. I had only three days to arrange the venue, catering, and invitations. It was stressful, but I made a detailed checklist and worked very systematically. In the end, the event was a success and my manager was very pleased with my work. |
| 17 | Tell me about the food in your country. | Nepali food is very flavourful and varied. The most common dish is dal bhat, which is rice with lentil soup and vegetables. Momos are also extremely popular across all age groups. In Nepal, we use a lot of spices such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Food is very important in our culture and we often share meals with guests as a sign of respect. |
| 18 | Describe a time when you helped someone. | A few months ago, I helped a new colleague who had just joined our office. She was struggling to understand the company systems and felt quite nervous. I spent time after work explaining the procedures and showing her how to use the software. She was very grateful and now she is one of the most efficient members of our team. Helping her made me feel proud. |
| 19 | Tell me about the transport in your city. | In Kathmandu, the most common forms of transport are buses, microbuses, and auto-rickshaws. There is also a new electric bus service which is clean and affordable. However, traffic jams are a serious problem, especially in the morning. Many people prefer to walk or cycle for short distances. I usually take the bus to work, although sometimes I walk if the weather is nice. |
| 20 | Describe your favourite season. | My favourite season is autumn in Nepal, which is from October to November. The weather is cool and clear, and the sky is usually bright blue. This is also the time of the big festivals, Dashain and Tihar, so there is a wonderful atmosphere everywhere. The mountains are also clearly visible in autumn, which makes the landscape absolutely breathtaking. |
| 21 | Tell me about a book or film you enjoyed recently. | I recently watched a documentary about wildlife in Nepal, focusing on snow leopards in the Himalayas. I found it absolutely fascinating because I did not realise how rare and endangered these animals are. The photography was stunning and I learned a great deal about the importance of conservation. It inspired me to read more about Nepalese wildlife and environmental issues. |
| 22 | Describe your neighbourhood. | I live in a busy but friendly neighbourhood in south Kathmandu. There are several shops, a market, and a small temple nearby. Most of my neighbours have lived there for many years and everyone knows each other. The main disadvantage is the traffic noise, especially in the mornings. However, I feel safe there and I enjoy the strong sense of community. |
| 23 | Tell me about a goal you have achieved. | One goal I achieved was passing my business management exams with distinction. I worked very hard for three months, studying every evening after work and giving up most of my social activities. When I got my results, I felt incredibly happy and proud. It taught me that with discipline and consistency, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. |
| 24 | Describe a place you would like to visit. | I would love to visit Japan someday. I am fascinated by its mix of ancient tradition and modern technology. I would like to see the temples in Kyoto, try authentic Japanese food, and experience the famous bullet trains. Japan also has beautiful nature, especially the cherry blossoms in spring. I believe it would be a truly unforgettable experience. |
| 25 | Tell me about your experience with technology. | I use technology every day, both at work and at home. At the office, I rely on computers, email, and spreadsheet programs to do my job. At home, I use my smartphone for communication, banking, and entertainment. I have also recently started using online learning platforms to improve my English. I think technology has made life much more convenient and efficient. |
| 26 | Describe a time you felt proud of yourself. | I felt very proud when I was selected to represent my department in a company presentation. I had to speak in front of thirty people, which was very nerve-wracking. I prepared carefully, practised several times, and on the day I delivered the presentation clearly and confidently. My manager complimented me afterwards, and that moment really boosted my self-confidence at work. |
| 27 | Tell me about the shops or markets near you. | Near my home there is a local market where I can buy fresh vegetables, fruit, and everyday items. It opens early in the morning and is always very lively. There are also a few small supermarkets nearby where I buy packaged goods. I prefer the local market because the food is fresher and the prices are more affordable than in the supermarkets. |
| 28 | Describe a time you learned something new. | Last year, I learned how to use a new accounting software at work. At first, it seemed very complicated and I made many mistakes. However, I watched tutorial videos online and asked my colleagues for guidance. After two weeks of practice, I became quite confident with it. Now I use it every day with no problems. It reminded me that patience is essential when learning new things. |
| 29 | Tell me about someone important in your community. | In my neighbourhood, there is a woman called Sunita who runs a small literacy class for adults in the evenings. Many people in our community did not finish school, and she helps them learn to read and write for free. She does this in addition to her regular job. She is a truly inspiring person and is greatly respected by everyone in the community. |
| 30 | Describe your ideal job. | My ideal job would be working as a training manager for a company. I enjoy helping others develop their skills, and I believe I am a good communicator. I would love a role where I could design training programmes, organise workshops, and support new employees. I think such a job would allow me to use both my organisational skills and my passion for helping people grow professionally. |
| 31 | Tell me about an important decision you made. | One of the most important decisions I made was to move from Pokhara to Kathmandu three years ago. It was difficult to leave my family, but I knew that there were far more career opportunities in the capital. Looking back, it was absolutely the right decision. I have gained professional experience, made new friends, and grown a great deal as a person. |
| 32 | Describe a problem in your city and a possible solution. | One major problem in Kathmandu is air pollution, mainly caused by traffic and old vehicles. The air quality is often very poor, especially in winter, which causes health problems for many people. I believe the government should promote electric vehicles and improve the public transport system. If more people used buses or bicycles instead of private cars, the air quality would improve significantly. |
| 33 | Tell me about your experience learning English. | I have been learning English since I was in school, but I started studying it more seriously two years ago. I practise every day by reading articles, watching English films, and using language learning apps. The hardest part for me was speaking without making mistakes, but I have gradually gained more confidence. I believe consistent daily practice is the key to improving any language. |
| 34 | Describe a tradition in your family. | One tradition in my family is gathering every Sunday evening for a shared meal. No matter how busy we are during the week, we all make an effort to sit together, share food, and talk about what has happened. My mother always cooks a special dish. This tradition brings us closer together and I think it is one of the reasons why our family bond is so strong. |
| 35 | Tell me about a time you worked as part of a team. | Last year, I was part of a team that organised the company’s annual staff event. We had five people in the team, each with different responsibilities. My role was to manage the guest list and communicate with the venue. We had regular meetings to check progress and support each other. The event went very smoothly and we received excellent feedback from our colleagues and management. |
| 36 | Describe your morning routine. | Every morning, I wake up at six o’clock and do fifteen minutes of stretching exercises. Then I take a shower and have breakfast with my family, usually rice or bread with tea. I leave the house at eight o’clock to catch the bus. I try to use the journey to read or listen to English podcasts. By the time I arrive at work, I feel awake, prepared, and ready for the day. |
| 37 | Tell me about something you find difficult. | I find it difficult to manage my time effectively when I have many tasks to do at once. I sometimes feel overwhelmed and do not know where to start. To deal with this, I have started using a daily planner where I list and prioritise my tasks. This has helped me feel much more organised and productive. I am working hard to make time management a natural habit. |
| 38 | Describe the most interesting place you have visited in Nepal. | The most interesting place I have visited in Nepal is Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha. I went there two years ago and was deeply moved by the peaceful atmosphere and the beautiful monasteries from different countries. Walking around the sacred garden was a truly special experience. I also learned a great deal about the history and importance of Lumbini as a world heritage site. |
| 39 | Tell me about your experience of social media. | I use social media every day, mainly Facebook and Instagram. I use Facebook to stay in touch with family members who live outside Kathmandu, and Instagram to share my photography. However, I try to limit my time on social media to about one hour a day because I find it can be distracting. I think social media can be very useful, but it is important to use it responsibly. |
| 40 | Describe a change you would make to your daily routine. | If I could change one thing about my daily routine, I would start waking up thirty minutes earlier so that I could spend more time studying English in the morning. At the moment, I only study in the evenings when I am sometimes tired. I believe that studying in the morning when my mind is fresh would help me progress faster and make better use of my time. |
| 41 | Tell me about the education system in Nepal. | In Nepal, children start school at around five years old and study until they are seventeen or eighteen. Education is divided into basic and secondary levels. After school, students can attend college or university. The government provides free education, but the quality varies between urban and rural areas. Many families also send their children to private schools if they can afford it, as these often have better resources. |
| 42 | Describe a meal you can cook well. | I am quite good at making dal bhat, which is the traditional Nepali meal of rice, lentil soup, and vegetables. First, I cook the rice and then prepare the dal by boiling lentils with onion, garlic, tomatoes, and spices. I also fry seasonal vegetables with mustard seeds and turmeric. It takes about forty-five minutes in total. It is a nutritious, delicious, and filling meal that I am very proud of. |
| 43 | Tell me about a news story that interested you recently. | Recently, I read about Nepal’s growing tourism industry and how the number of visitors has been increasing each year. I found it very encouraging because tourism brings important income and creates jobs across the country. The article also discussed the need to develop sustainable tourism that protects our natural environment and local communities. I think this is a very important issue for Nepal’s future development. |
| 44 | Describe what you do to relax. | To relax, I usually make a cup of tea and sit quietly for a few minutes without looking at my phone. I also enjoy going for a slow evening walk around my neighbourhood. Sometimes I listen to calming music or read a chapter of a book before bed. These simple activities help me switch off from work stress and sleep much better. I think everyone needs their own way of relaxing. |
| 45 | Tell me about an important skill you have. | One important skill I have is communication. I am good at listening carefully to others, explaining things clearly, and remaining calm in difficult situations. This skill is extremely useful in my job as an administrator because I deal with many different people every day. I developed this skill through my studies and also through working in customer-facing roles in my previous jobs. |
| 46 | Describe your experience with public speaking. | Public speaking used to make me very nervous. I would forget what I wanted to say and speak too fast. However, at my current job I often have to present information in team meetings, which has helped me improve a great deal. I have learned to prepare well, speak slowly, and make eye contact. Now I feel much more confident, although I still get a little nervous before I begin speaking. |
| 47 | Tell me about a subject you find interesting. | I find environmental science very interesting, especially the topic of climate change. I enjoy reading about how human activities affect the planet and what individuals and governments can do to reduce damage. Nepal is particularly vulnerable to climate change because of its glaciers and rivers. I believe it is important for everyone to understand this issue and take small steps to live in a more sustainable way. |
| 48 | Describe a time you received helpful feedback. | Last year, my manager gave me feedback after a presentation I gave to the team. She told me that my content was well-researched but that I needed to speak more slowly and make more eye contact with the audience. At first I felt a little embarrassed, but I quickly realised that the feedback was very constructive and honest. I worked on those areas and my next presentation went much better as a result. |
| 49 | Tell me about your plans for this weekend. | This weekend, I plan to visit my cousin who lives in Bhaktapur. We have not seen each other for about three months, so I am looking forward to catching up. In the evening, we might go for dinner at a local restaurant. On Sunday, I plan to study English for a couple of hours and then relax at home. I think it will be a good balance of socialising and personal development. |
| 50 | Describe what makes a good colleague. | In my opinion, a good colleague is someone who is reliable, respectful, and willing to help others. They should communicate clearly and honestly, even when there is a problem. I also think it is important to be positive and bring energy to the team. In my experience, when colleagues trust and support each other, the whole team becomes more productive and the workplace becomes a much more enjoyable place to be. |