Sample answers for each part of the test, with notes on what makes them effective.
"Do you enjoy reading?"
Sample answer: "Yes, I do, quite a lot actually. I mostly read non-fiction — biographies in particular — because I find real stories more engaging than made-up ones. I probably read for about half an hour most evenings before bed; it helps me switch off from work."
Why this works: It directly answers the question, then extends the answer with specific detail (genre, quantity, timing, reason) rather than stopping at "yes." This gives the examiner enough language to assess range and fluency.
Describe a skill you would like to learn. You should say: what the skill is, why you want to learn it, how you would learn it, and explain how it would benefit you.
Sample answer: "I'd really like to learn how to speak Spanish properly. I did a little at school, but I've forgotten almost all of it, so I'd basically be starting from scratch. I want to learn it mainly because I have friends in Mexico I'd love to talk to more naturally, without constantly switching to English, and also because I'm planning a longer trip to South America in the next couple of years. As for how I'd learn it, I think I'd combine an app for daily vocabulary practice with a weekly conversation class, since I've found that just using an app alone doesn't really build confidence in actually speaking. In terms of benefits, beyond just the trip, I think learning another language tends to make you more adaptable generally — you notice things about your own language and culture that you'd never really thought about before. So overall, I think it would be a really rewarding thing to commit to, even if it takes a couple of years to get comfortable."
Why this works: All four bullet points are covered clearly, in a logical order, filling close to the full two minutes. The language includes a range of structures ("I'd basically be starting from scratch," "even if it takes a couple of years") without sounding memorised or overly complex for its own sake.
"Do you think everyone should learn a second language?"
Sample answer: "I'd say it depends a bit on someone's circumstances, but on balance, yes, I think there's real value in it for almost everyone. Obviously if you already speak a language like English, which is used so widely internationally, there's less practical pressure to learn another one compared to, say, someone from a country with a less widely spoken language. That said, I think the benefits go beyond pure usefulness — things like improved memory and a better understanding of other cultures are advantages regardless of your first language. So while I wouldn't say it should necessarily be compulsory for everyone, I do think education systems should make it as accessible and encouraged as possible."
Why this works: Rather than a simple yes/no, the answer explores nuance ("it depends," contrasting circumstances), gives supporting reasoning, and reaches a balanced conclusion — exactly the kind of abstract, developed response Part 3 rewards.