Explore every episode of the podcast Cambridge English B2 Exam Training
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 86: Can you ban kids from social media? (How do people really talk about this?) | 07 Dec 2025 | 00:14:37 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, we ask: “Can you ban kids from social media?” Australia’s new under-16 ban has already begun — and teenagers are finding creative ways around it. We look at a BBC article reporting how the rollout is going so far (read it here) and explore six natural chunks that show how people really talk about technology and frustration: stuck it in front of the camera, it let me through, zero faith, do anything other than, ample opportunity, and failed at every turn. These are everyday phrases you can use to sound more natural and confident in your own English. Thanks for listening! | |||
| Episode 85: Should you have to pay a tourist tax to visit popular places? | 30 Nov 2025 | 00:19:08 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, we discuss the question: “Should you have to pay a tourist tax to visit popular places?” You’ll hear real examples from the U.S. and London and learn six practical chunks that are perfect for discussions about money, fairness, and public policy: levy, subsidize, deter, modest, redress the balance, and vote with their feet. You’ll also get a short scenario-based task to help you practise using this language naturally in your own answers. Subscribe to the newsletter: Thanks for listening! | |||
| Episode 84: Should children under 16 be banned from social media? | 23 Nov 2025 | 00:20:36 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, we discuss the B2 Speaking question: “Should children under 16 be banned from social media?” You’ll learn how Australia is becoming the first country to introduce this kind of ban — and the key arguments on both sides. We’ll go over essential vocabulary like grooming, harmful content, cyberbullying, get around the rules, invasive, and inaccurate, plus natural phrases to help you express your opinion clearly: in my view, one concern is that…, on the one hand / on the other hand, supporters argue that…, it might lead to…, and there’s a risk that…. You’ll also get a simple “two-side debate” speaking exercise you can do by yourself to practise discussion skills for the B2 exam. P.S. Want 1-1 practice? Subscribe to the newsletter: Thanks for listening! Get in touch: kristian@kristiandegroot.com | |||
| Episode 83: Would you buy from a brand that treats its workers badly? | 16 Nov 2025 | 00:12:55 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, we explore the B2 Speaking question: “Would you buy from a brand that treats its workers badly?” We look at the recent controversy around Shein’s first physical store opening in Paris — and what it says about fast fashion, ethics, and everyday choices. You’ll learn five natural chunks you can use to talk about this topic: convenient / affordable / accessible, treats its workers badly, when money’s tight, demanding better conditions, and being held accountable. You’ll also hear my honest take on where we can draw the line between affordability and responsibility. P.S. Want 1-1 practice? Subscribe to the newsletter: Get in touch: kristian@kristiandegroot.com Thanks for listening! | |||
| Episode 82: Would you agree to be interviewed by an AI system? | 10 Nov 2025 | 00:08:58 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, we discuss the B2 Speaking question: “Would you agree to be interviewed by an AI system?” You’ll hear about a real case where a British writer refused an AI interview — and learn three natural chunks you can use to share your own opinion: it didn’t sit well with me, I can see both sides, and strike the right balance. You’ll also hear my personal take on how AI might change job interviews — and where we still need a human touch. P.S. Want 1-1 practice? Subscribe to the newsletter: You can now also join the podcast on YouTube — share your thoughts, ask questions, and join the conversation in the comments. Thanks for listening! | |||
| Episode 81: Do you think our phones make us more connected, or more lonely? | 04 Nov 2025 | 00:07:29 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, we explore the B2 Speaking question: “Do smartphones make us more connected, or more lonely?” You’ll hear my honest answer — plus two natural chunks you can use to sound fluent when talking about technology or modern life: a double-edged sword and glued to [something]. You’ll learn how to use them naturally in real conversations and get examples you can reuse right away. P.S. Want 1-1 practice? Subscribe to the newsletter: You can now also join the podcast on YouTube — share your thoughts, ask questions, and join the conversation in the comments. Thanks for listening! | |||
| Episode 80: Do you think people should love their jobs, or just see work as a way to earn money? | 30 Oct 2025 | 00:08:04 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, we discuss the question: “Do you think people should love their jobs, or just see work as a way to earn money?” You’ll hear my honest, scripted-natural answer — followed by a breakdown of three useful chunks: pay the bills, figure it out by doing, and get to have. You’ll also review a quick grammar point on using preposition + verb-ing naturally in your own answers. P.S. Want 1-1 practice? Subscribe to the newsletter: Thanks for listening! | |||
| Episode 79: Do you believe motivation is something people are born with or can learn? (5 phrases to discuss motivation like a fluent speaker) | 29 Oct 2025 | 00:11:01 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, we explore the B2 Speaking question: “Do you believe motivation is something people are born with or can learn?” You’ll learn five natural chunks to discuss motivation clearly and confidently: have a natural drive, develop self-discipline, stay motivated, rub off on others, and set achievable goals. These phrases will help you sound fluent and natural when talking about habits, goals, and personal growth. P.S. Want 1-1 practice? Subscribe to the newsletter: Thanks for listening! | |||
| Episode 78: Do you think exams are the best way to test students' knowledge? (3 comparison phrases to give balanced answers) | 27 Oct 2025 | 00:08:01 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer: “Do you think exams are the best way to test students’ knowledge?” You’ll hear a clear model answer and learn 3 natural comparison phrases that help you evaluate and explain ideas clearly — including rather than, better suited for, and depends on. P.S. Want 1-1 practice? Subscribe to the newsletter: Thanks for listening! | |||
| Episode 77: Do you believe people will live longer in the future? (5 natural chunks to sound fluent and impress the listener) | 20 Oct 2025 | 00:06:11 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer: “Do you believe people will live longer in the future?” You’ll discover 5 natural chunks that help you talk fluently and confidently about health, ageing, and the future — including medical advances, take better care of themselves, life expectancy, cope with, and depends on your lifestyle. P.S. Want 1-1 practice? Subscribe to the newsletter: Thanks for listening! | |||
| Episode 76: What qualities make someone a good colleague? (3 natural phrases to sound fluent and confident) | 16 Oct 2025 | 00:09:49 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer: “What qualities make someone a good colleague?” You’ll hear a short model answer and learn 3 natural phrases that help you sound fluent and confident when talking about teamwork — including do their part, feel included, and positive attitude. P.S. Want 1-1 practice? Subscribe to the newsletter: Thanks for listening! | |||
| Episode 75: What are some dangers of sharing personal information online? (5 natural chunks to sound fluent and confident) | 13 Oct 2025 | 00:06:33 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer the question: “What are some dangers of sharing personal information online?” You’ll discover 5 natural chunks that help you sound fluent and confident — including lose control over your information, identity theft, end up in the wrong hands, give away personal details, and keep things private. P.S. Want 1-1 practice? Subscribe to the newsletter: Thanks for listening! | |||
| Episode 74: Do you believe machines will ever replace human creativity? (3 key phrases to sound natural and confident) | 09 Oct 2025 | 00:08:56 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer: “Do you believe machines will ever replace human creativity?” You’ll hear a short model answer and pick up 3 key phrases that make your response sound natural and confident — including machines (can’t) replace human creativity, it feels a bit artificial, and express something unique / bring a personal touch. P.S. Want 1-1 practice? Subscribe to the newsletter: Thanks for listening! | |||
| Episode 73: How should cities deal with increasing levels of tourism? (5 natural chunks to sound fluent and confident) | 06 Oct 2025 | 00:06:23 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer the question: “How should cities deal with increasing levels of tourism?” Instead of giving basic answers like “There are too many tourists,” you’ll discover 5 natural chunks that make you sound fluent and confident — including protecting local businesses, invest in infrastructure, get packed, spread tourism evenly, and feel pushed out. P.S. Want 1-1 practice? I’m opening a few private lesson slots for podcast listeners who want direct speaking practice with me. Subscribe to the newsletter: Thanks for listening! | |||
| Episode 72: Do you think zoos are good or bad? (5 phrases to handle ANY controversial question) | 03 Oct 2025 | 00:08:09 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer the question: “Do you think zoos are good or bad?” You’ll discover five flexible phrases you can use for any controversial topic — including I’m in two minds about this, on the one hand… on the other hand…, it depends on…, there are pros and cons, and in an ideal world… but in reality…. Perfect for Parts 3 & 4 when you need balance and clarity. P.S. Want 1-1 practice? I’m opening a few private lesson slots for podcast listeners who want direct speaking practice with me. Subscribe to the newsletter: Thanks for listening! | |||
| Episode 71: Are clothes important to you? (5 natural collocations to sound confident) | 02 Oct 2025 | 00:06:58 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer the question: “Are clothes important to you?” You’ll discover five natural collocations that make your answer sound fluent and confident — including dress casually, dress up, express yourself, make a good impression, keep up with fashion, and suit someone. P.S. Want 1-1 practice? I’m now opening a few private lesson slots for podcast listeners who want to improve their English speaking directly with me. Subscribe to the newsletter: Thanks for listening! | |||
| Episode 70: Speaking Drill #1: lend me a hand (turn passive vocabulary into confident speaking) | 01 Oct 2025 | 00:08:05 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode — the first Speaking Drill — you’ll learn how to make vocabulary automatic with the phrase lend me a hand. Instead of just recognising it, you’ll practise it in six different ways until it feels natural when you speak. These new drill-style episodes help you turn passive vocabulary into confident speaking. Join my new program — pre-sale €150 until 1 November. The Master the Cambridge B2 Speaking Exam: Audio Course + Live Coaching program combines a complete 3-hour audio course with three private coaching sessions — so you can stop guessing, start practising, and walk into your exam confident. Subscribe to the newsletter: Thanks for listening! | |||
| Episode 69: Why do people need friends? (Build speaking flexibility with idiomatic synonyms) | 30 Sep 2025 | 00:10:38 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer the question: “Why do people need friends?” Instead of repeating basic words like help or support, you’ll discover natural idiomatic expressions to sound fluent and confident — including be there for, lend a hand, and stand by — plus opposites like ignore, neglect, and leave someone high and dry. Join my new program — pre-sale €150 until 1 November. The Master the Cambridge B2 Speaking Exam: Audio Course + Live Coaching program combines a complete 3-hour audio course with three private coaching sessions — so you can stop guessing, start practising, and walk into your exam confident. Subscribe to the newsletter: Thanks for listening! | |||
| Episode 68: Is it useful to listen to podcasts made for language learners? (Build flexibility with synonyms and opposites) | 29 Sep 2025 | 00:08:44 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer the question: “Is it useful to listen to podcasts made for language learners?” Instead of giving simple answers like “Yes, it’s good for practice,” you’ll discover how to build flexibility with synonyms and opposites — using phrases like useful, beneficial, pointless, and a stepping stone — so you can express yourself clearly and naturally at B2 level. Join my new program — pre-sale €150 until 1 November. The Master the Cambridge B2 Speaking Exam: Audio Course + Live Coaching program combines a complete 3-hour audio course with three private coaching sessions — so you can stop guessing, start practising, and walk into your exam confident. Subscribe to the newsletter: Thanks for listening! | |||
| Episode 67: I'll be back | 23 Sep 2025 | 00:00:46 | |
Hey, it’s Kristian here with a quick update. I’ll be back with the regular podcast next week. Last week I released my new course — and over the weekend, thanks to feedback from the very first students, I realized there was a chance to make it even better. So this week I’m putting my full focus on improving the course. And next week, I’ll be back with new podcast episodes. Thanks so much for your patience — and if you’re already in the course, you’ll get the complete upgraded version very soon. Check your inbox for a personal note from me. | |||
| Episode 66: What do you like about your hometown? (3 natural chunks to sound fluent and confident) | 22 Sep 2025 | 00:05:49 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer the common Part 1 question: “What do you like about your hometown?” Instead of giving flat, simple answers like “It’s nice,” you’ll get 3 natural chunks you can use right away to sound more fluent and confident at B2 level. Grab the course here: Join the newsletter here: Thanks for listening! | |||
| Episode 64: Your first speaking drill: environmental collocations (turn passive English into confident speaking) | 18 Sep 2025 | 00:05:18 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll move from knowing vocabulary to actually using it under exam pressure. This is your first speaking drill: two short exercises that help you turn passive collocations into confident speaking. What you get: Don’t just listen — join in, repeat out loud, and feel the difference. This is how you prepare to speak automatically in the exam, without freezing. Want daily B2 practice? Next up: Thanks for listening! | |||
| Episode 63: What are the most serious environmental issues in your country? (5 natural collocations to sound exam-ready) | 17 Sep 2025 | 00:07:35 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer “What are the most serious environmental issues in your country?” using 5 natural collocations that make your answers sound clear, precise, and exam-ready. What you get: Want daily B2 practice? Ready for live speaking practice? Thanks for listening! | |||
| Episode 62: What job would be a dream come true for you? (5 natural adjective combinations to upgrade basic answers) | 16 Sep 2025 | 00:07:25 | |
👉 Tell me what worries you most about the B2 Speaking Exam: Fill in this quick form Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer “What job would be a dream come true for you?” with 5 natural adjective combinations that instantly upgrade your answers beyond basic words like “good” or “nice.” What you get: Want daily B2 practice? Ready for live speaking practice? Thanks for listening! | |||
| Episode 61: What led you to choose your current job or field of study? (5 natural phrases to show enthusiasm in Part 1) | 15 Sep 2025 | 00:07:16 | |
👉 Quick question for you: Tell me what worries you most about the B2 Speaking exam. Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer “What led you to choose your current job or field of study?” using 5 natural phrases to show enthusiasm and sound confident in Part 1. What you get: Want daily B2 practice? Thanks for listening! | |||
| Episode 60: How to manage your time in Part 1 (a simple formula to make every second count) | 12 Sep 2025 | 00:09:09 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll learn a simple formula to manage your time in Part 1 of the B2 Speaking exam so every second counts. What you get: Want daily B2 practice? Ready for live speaking practice? Thanks for listening! | |||
| Episode 59: Do you think AI makes life easier? (OREC: 4 steps to stop rambling and sound clear) | 11 Sep 2025 | 00:06:10 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer “Do you think AI makes life easier?” without rambling by using the OREC method: Opinion, Reason, Example, Conclusion. What you get: Want daily B2 practice? Ready for live speaking practice? Thanks for listening! | |||
| Episode 58: How can employers encourage employees to do more sport? (5 natural collocations to sound accurate and confident) | 10 Sep 2025 | 00:07:29 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer “How can employers encourage employees to do more sport?” using 5 natural collocations that make you sound accurate and confident. What you get: Want daily B2 practice? Ready for live speaking practice? Thanks for listening! | |||
| Episode 57 How important are exams in your country? (5 natural phrases to stop going blank) | 09 Sep 2025 | 00:06:52 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer “How important are exams in your country?” using 5 natural expressions that stop you from going blank and help you sound clear and fluent. What you get: Want daily B2 practice? Ready for live speaking practice? Thanks for listening! | |||
| Episode 56: Why would it be difficult to live without a mobile phone? (5 natural expressions to upgrade basic vocabulary) | 08 Sep 2025 | 00:06:14 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer “Why would it be difficult to live without a mobile phone?” using 5 natural expressions that instantly upgrade your vocabulary. What you get: Want daily B2 practice? Ready for live speaking practice? Thanks for listening! | |||
| Episode 55: Do you think it is important to plan your future? Why or why not? (5 core expressions to help you build your answer) | 05 Sep 2025 | 00:06:50 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer “Do you think it is important to plan your future? Why or why not?” using 5 core expressions that help you shape your ideas and sound more confident. What you get: Want daily B2 practice? Ready for live speaking practice? Thanks for listening! | |||
| Episode 54: What skills are important for effective teamwork? (5 natural expressions to upgrade your answer) | 04 Sep 2025 | 00:05:43 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer “What skills are important for effective teamwork?” using 5 natural expressions that make your English sound more fluent and less basic. What you get: Want daily B2 practice? Ready for live speaking practice? Thanks for listening! | |||
| Episode 53: Should university education be free for everyone? (Argue NO with 5 phrasal verbs) | 03 Sep 2025 | 00:05:49 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer “Should university education be free for everyone?” by arguing NO with 5 sharp phrasal verbs that make your English sound more precise and natural. What you get: Want daily B2 practice? Ready for live speaking practice? Thanks for listening! | |||
| Episode 52: Should university education be free for everyone? (Argue YES with 5 phrasal verbs) | 02 Sep 2025 | 00:07:29 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer “Should university education be free for everyone?” by arguing YES with 5 powerful phrasal verbs that make your English sound more fluent and exam-ready. What you get: Want daily B2 practice? Ready for live speaking practice? Thanks for listening! | |||
| Episode 51: How do you think you'll use English in the future? (How to use conditionals to give better answers) | 01 Sep 2025 | 00:04:04 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer “How do you think you’ll use English in the future?” by combining the first and second conditional to make your English sound more flexible and fluent. What you get: Want daily B2 practice? Ready for live speaking practice? Thanks for listening! | |||
| Episode 50: 3 powerful lessons from my Cambridge C2 exam to boost your B2 Speaking | 29 Aug 2025 | 00:08:21 | |
Download the transcript here. In this special milestone episode, I share 3 powerful lessons I learned from my own Cambridge C2 exam — lessons that will help you boost your confidence and performance in the B2 Speaking test. What you get: Want daily B2 practice? Ready for live speaking practice? Want proof? Thanks for listening! | |||
| Episode 49: Do you ever go to the cinema? (Answer the exact question the examiner asks) | 28 Aug 2025 | 00:05:45 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer “Do you ever go to the cinema?” without making the #1 mistake B2 students make — not listening carefully to what’s being asked. What you get: Want daily B2 practice? Ready for live speaking practice? | |||
| Episode 48: Which famous person would you most like to meet? (Sound natural with 5 phrasal verbs) | 27 Aug 2025 | 00:06:58 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer “Which famous person would you most like to meet?” using 5 natural phrasal verbs to make your English sound more fluent and personal. What you get: Want daily B2 practice? Ready for live speaking practice? | |||
| Episode 47: What things do you usually buy online? (Compare two strong answers — one yes, one no) | 26 Aug 2025 | 00:05:13 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer “What things do you usually buy online?” with two strong but opposite model answers — one yes, one no. What you get: Want daily B2 practice? Ready for live speaking practice? | |||
| Episode 46: Tell us about your last holiday or trip? (Sound natural and detailed with 5 key phrases) | 25 Aug 2025 | 00:07:07 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer “Tell us about your last holiday or trip” with natural, detailed English. What you get: Want daily B2 practice? Ready for live speaking practice? | |||
| Episode 45: Can You Use These 5 Animal Idioms? | 22 Aug 2025 | 00:06:05 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll learn 5 common animal idioms that make your answers more colourful and memorable in the B2 Speaking exam. What you get: Want daily B2 practice? Ready for live speaking practice? | |||
| Episode 44: Why is it important to protect animals and other wildlife? (Learn to give strong reasons instead of vague answers) | 21 Aug 2025 | 00:06:40 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll practise answering: “Why is it important to protect animals and other wildlife?” Learn how to move beyond vague answers and give strong, specific reasons with clear examples. What you get: Want daily B2 practice? Ready for live speaking practice? | |||
| Episode 43: Do you think zoos are still necessary in today's world? (Learn to give clear opinions on controversial topics) | 20 Aug 2025 | 00:06:54 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll practise answering the question: “Do you think zoos are still necessary in today’s world?” Learn how to give clear, confident opinions on controversial topics without overcomplicating your answer. What you get: Want daily B2 practice? Ready for live speaking practice? | |||
| Episode 42: Why do people keep pets? (Learn how to expand short answers into confident ones) | 19 Aug 2025 | 00:05:55 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll practise the classic exam question: “Why do people keep pets?” Learn how to expand short answers into confident ones — with reasons, examples, and even a little speculation. What you get: Want daily B2 practice? Ready for live speaking practice? | |||
| Episode 41: Are animals important in your life? (Sound natural and confident from the very first question) | 18 Aug 2025 | 00:06:41 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll practise a classic Part 1 question: “Are animals important in your life?” Learn how to keep your answers natural, personal, and clear — and make a great first impression on the examiner. What you get: Want daily B2 practice? | |||
| Episode 40: Can you use these 5 health idioms? | 15 Aug 2025 | 00:05:31 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll learn 5 health idioms you can use naturally in the B2 Speaking exam to make your answers sound more fluent and confident. What you get: Want daily B2 practice? Ready for live speaking practice? | |||
| Episode 39: Do you think health services should be free? (Two opposing viewpoints with key vocabulary) | 14 Aug 2025 | 00:07:47 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer “Do you think health services should be free?” — with two complete model answers from opposite viewpoints, plus key phrases for building strong, balanced arguments. What you get: Want daily B2 practice? Ready for live speaking practice? | |||
| Episode 38: Is it easier to live a healthy lifestyle compared to the past? (Structure past vs present answers clearly) | 13 Aug 2025 | 00:07:56 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer “Is it easier to live a healthy lifestyle compared to the past?” — using a simple past–present structure that keeps your ideas clear and organised. What you get: Want daily B2 practice? Ready for live speaking practice? | |||
| Episode 37: How important is it to get regular exercise? (Balanced answers made easy) | 12 Aug 2025 | 00:07:38 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, you’ll learn how to answer “How important is it to get regular exercise?” — with a balanced, confident structure that works for any “How important…” question in the B2 exam. What you get: Want daily B2 practice? Ready for live speaking practice? | |||
| Episode 36: Do you think you have a healthy lifestyle? (Health & fitness vocabulary for confident answers) | 11 Aug 2025 | 00:07:10 | |
Download the transcript here. In this episode, you'll learn how to answer "Do you think you have a healthy lifestyle?" — by focusing on one clear idea and using specific health vocabulary that sounds natural and confident. What you get: Want daily B2 practice? Ready for live speaking practice? | |||