Both are UKVI-approved English tests for visa, ILR and citizenship applications, but they have different formats. Choose yours so we show you the right practice tasks.
Not sure which one you're booked for? Check your test confirmation email or ask your visa adviser. You can change this anytime from your B1 home screen.
Trinity College London's Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE) Grade 5 is a B1-level speaking and listening exam. It is approved by the UK Home Office as a Secure English Language Test (SELT) for visa and citizenship applications.
A face-to-face conversation with a Trinity examiner lasting approximately 10 minutes.
๐ฃ๏ธ Speak in full sentences โ never just yes or no.
โฑ๏ธ Prepare your topic in advance โ you choose it yourself.
๐ฌ Ask for clarification โ this shows good language skills.
๐ Use a range of grammar โ especially present perfect, will, and preferences.
๐ฏ Give reasons โ always say why using "because".
The specific communication tasks Trinity tests in Grade 5. You must demonstrate all 8 naturally during your exam.
These are the exact grammar structures you must demonstrate in GESE Grade 5. Use each one naturally throughout your exam.
Vocabulary organised by official Trinity exam themes. Knowing these words helps you speak more fluently and naturally.
You choose a topic before the exam and speak about it for ~2 minutes. The examiner then asks questions for ~3 minutes. You must bring a Topic Form on exam day.
Fill in the sections below. Tap Generate to create a printable topic form ready for your exam day.
Tick each item when you are confident. You should be able to answer yes to all of them before exam day.
Pick a topic you genuinely know and care about. You will speak about it for 5 minutes โ so choose something from your own life experience.
After your topic, the examiner leads a conversation on one of the official Trinity subjects. Practise all of them โ you will not know which one in advance!
Some UK visa speaking tests (such as LanguageCert SELT B1) show you an image and ask you to describe it and exchange information about it. Look at the picture, say what you can see, and answer the question.

The examiner starts by asking you simple questions about yourself โ your life, work, family and routines. Answer naturally and add a little extra detail, not just one word.
The examiner gives you a topic. You get about 30 seconds to think, then speak for around 1.5 minutes without stopping. Try to keep talking โ give reasons and examples.
You are given an everyday situation. Start the conversation or respond appropriately, just as you would in real life.
You will hear a short talk. Listen carefully โ you can play it more than once. Then answer the question about what you heard.
This mock follows the exact structure of the real GESE Grade 5 exam. An AI examiner will guide you through each phase. Speak your answers aloud.
Enter your topic title โ the examiner will ask you questions about it.
B2 speaking tests your ability to discuss complex topics, give opinions, and communicate in professional situations. Practise each task type below.
In the interview section, the examiner asks about your background, work experience, skills and future goals. Answer in full sentences using B2-level language.
Discussion questions ask you to explore both sides of a topic, justify your views and engage with the examiner's perspective. Use linking words and complex sentences.
You must clearly express your opinion, agree or disagree with a statement, and justify your view. Avoid one-word answers โ explain your reasoning.
You will be shown an image and asked to describe what you see, speculate about the context, and discuss related topics. Structure your answer clearly.

You are given a workplace scenario and must respond appropriately. Use professional language, ask clarifying questions where needed, and communicate your point clearly.
B2 listening tests your understanding of spoken English in various contexts. Listen carefully and answer comprehension questions.
Listen to a conversation between two people and answer the comprehension questions. Focus on the main topic, the speakers' opinions, and any key details.
1. What is Sarah's main concern about the new policy?
2. What benefit does Mark see in returning to the office?
3. What does Sarah suggest at the end?
1. Sarah's main concern is the long commute โ nearly two hours each way.
2. Mark believes it will improve team collaboration and communication.
3. Sarah suggests a more flexible arrangement should be possible.
Listen to a public announcement and identify key information such as what is being announced, who it affects and any actions required.
1. Which service is affected?
2. What is the reason for the delay?
3. What are passengers advised to do?
1. The 14:35 service to Birmingham New Street.
2. A signal failure at Coventry.
3. Wait on platform 3 and collect refreshment vouchers from the customer service desk.
Listen to an extract from a lecture or talk and identify the main argument, supporting points and any conclusions drawn.
1. What is the speaker's main argument?
2. What statistic is mentioned?
3. What conclusion does the speaker draw?
1. Employee wellbeing should be central to business strategy.
2. Supported employees are 23% more productive.
3. Wellbeing is not just a moral obligation but a sound business investment.
Listen to a workplace scenario such as a meeting, briefing or set of instructions. Identify the purpose, key information and any actions required.
1. What is the project goal?
2. What is James responsible for?
3. When is the deadline?
1. Deliver a full marketing strategy for the Henderson account.
2. James leads market research with findings due by next Friday.
3. End of next month.
B2 reading tests your ability to understand a range of text types. Read each text carefully and answer the comprehension questions.
From: j.harrison@meridiantech.co.uk
To: all.staff@meridiantech.co.uk
Subject: Updated Office Access Policy
Dear All,
I am writing to inform you of an important update to our office access policy, effective from 1st September.
Following recent security reviews, all staff will be required to use their new electronic key cards to enter the building. Temporary paper passes will no longer be accepted after 31st August. If you have not yet collected your key card, please contact reception before the end of this week.
Additionally, visitors must now be registered in advance using the online portal. Please ensure any expected visitors are logged at least 24 hours before their arrival.
Thank you for your cooperation.
James Harrison
Facilities Manager
Write your answer then tap Check Answer to reveal the model answer.
1. What change is being introduced on 1st September?
Model answer: All staff must use electronic key cards to enter the building. Paper passes will no longer be accepted.
2. What should staff do if they have not collected their key card?
Model answer: Contact reception before the end of the week.
3. What is the new requirement for visitors?
Model answer: Visitors must be registered online at least 24 hours before their arrival.
The Rise of the Four-Day Working Week
An increasing number of companies across the UK and Ireland are experimenting with a four-day working week, and early results are proving encouraging. A recent trial involving 61 companies found that productivity either remained the same or improved in 92% of participating organisations.
Employees reported feeling significantly less stressed and more motivated, while employers noted a sharp reduction in sick days. Critics, however, argue that the model is unsuitable for all industries, particularly those requiring continuous coverage such as healthcare and emergency services.
Despite these concerns, proponents of the scheme argue that flexible working is essential to attracting and retaining talent in a competitive job market. Whether the four-day week becomes mainstream remains to be seen.
Write your answer then tap Check Answer to reveal the model answer.
1. What did 92% of companies in the trial find?
Model answer: Productivity either remained the same or improved.
2. Give one concern raised by critics of the four-day week.
Model answer: The model is unsuitable for industries requiring continuous coverage, such as healthcare and emergency services.
3. Why do supporters say flexible working matters?
Model answer: It is essential to attracting and retaining talent in a competitive job market.
LIBRARY CLOSURE โ IMPORTANT NOTICE
The Central Library will be CLOSED from Monday 15th July to Friday 19th July for essential maintenance work.
During this period, the mobile library service will operate as usual. All overdue fines will be suspended for the closure week. Books due for return during this period may be returned the following Monday without penalty.
We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.
City Library Services
Write your answer then tap Check Answer to reveal the model answer.
1. Why is the library closing?
Model answer: For essential maintenance work.
2. What will happen to overdue fines during the closure?
Model answer: They will be suspended for the closure week.
3. When can books due during the closure be returned?
Model answer: The following Monday without penalty.
INTERNAL MEMO
TO: All Department Heads
FROM: HR Department
RE: Annual Performance Review Process
This memo outlines the updated process for this year's annual performance reviews, which will take place during October.
All managers are required to complete self-assessment forms for their teams by 30th September. These forms should be submitted via the HR portal. Face-to-face reviews must be scheduled and completed before 31st October.
Please note that this year, all reviews must include a section on professional development goals for the coming year. Templates are available on the intranet.
If you have any questions, please contact HR directly.
Write your answer then tap Check Answer to reveal the model answer.
1. When must self-assessment forms be submitted?
Model answer: By 30th September via the HR portal.
2. What new requirement has been added to this year's reviews?
Model answer: Reviews must include a section on professional development goals for the coming year.
3. Where can templates be found?
Model answer: On the intranet.
B2 writing tests your ability to produce clear, well-structured texts. Study the task type, read the model answer, then practise with AI feedback.
Write a formal email to your manager requesting approval to attend a professional training course. Include: what the course is, why you want to attend, the dates and cost, and how it will benefit your work.
Write your answer below then tap Check My Writing.
Write a formal letter of complaint to a company about a faulty product you purchased. Include: what you bought and when, what the problem is, what action you have already taken, and what you expect as a resolution.
Write your answer below then tap Check My Writing.
Write a short report for your manager on the results of a staff survey about workplace facilities. The survey found: 78% happy with IT equipment, 45% unhappy with kitchen facilities, 62% want more meeting rooms, 90% happy with working hours.
Write your answer below then tap Check My Writing.
"Working from home is better for employees than working in an office." Do you agree or disagree? Write an essay giving your opinion with reasons and examples. (150-200 words)
Write your answer below then tap Check My Writing.
Read the following text and write a summary of 60-80 words. Include only the most important points in your own words.
The number of people cycling to work in UK cities has increased dramatically over the past decade, driven by improved infrastructure, rising fuel costs and growing awareness of environmental issues. Local councils have invested heavily in dedicated cycle lanes, and several cities now offer public bike-hire schemes. Studies show that regular cyclists take fewer sick days and report higher levels of job satisfaction. Despite this, safety remains a concern, with many potential cyclists deterred by the perceived danger of sharing roads with motor vehicles. Campaigners argue that further investment in protected cycle routes is essential.
Write your answer below then tap Check My Writing.
B2 builds on all B1 grammar and adds more complex structures. Tap each topic to study it in detail with examples and practice.
The passive voice is used when the action is more important than who does it, or when we do not know who did it. It is very common in formal writing and professional contexts.
Subject + to be + past participle (+ by agent)
Present: The report is written every month.
Past: The decision was made by the board.
Future: The results will be announced tomorrow.
Perfect: The contract has been signed.
โ The report was wrote by James.
โ
The report was written by James.
โ It was been decided yesterday.
โ
It was decided yesterday.
Reported speech is used to tell someone what another person said, without using their exact words. Tenses shift back when reporting past statements.
Direct โ Reported
"I work here." โ She said she worked there.
"I am leaving." โ He said he was leaving.
"I have finished." โ She said she had finished.
"I will call you." โ He said he would call me.
โ He said he will come tomorrow.
โ
He said he would come the next day.
โ She told that she was busy.
โ
She told me that she was busy.
Conditionals express situations that depend on a condition. At B2 you must use all four types accurately.
Zero โ General truths:
If you heat water to 100ยฐC, it boils.
First โ Real future possibility:
If I get the job, I will move to London.
Second โ Hypothetical/unlikely:
If I had more experience, I would apply for that role.
Third โ Impossible past:
If I had known about it, I would have applied.
โ If I would have known, I would have come.
โ
If I had known, I would have come.
โ If she will call me, I will answer.
โ
If she calls me, I will answer.
Relative clauses add information about a noun. They make sentences more sophisticated and are essential for B2 writing and speaking.
Defining โ identifies which one (no commas):
The candidate who applied first was hired.
The job that I applied for was in Leeds.
Non-defining โ adds extra info (use commas):
My manager, who has 20 years of experience, retired last month.
The report, which was submitted yesterday, received excellent feedback.
Modal verbs express ability, possibility, obligation, advice and deduction. Using a range of modals correctly shows B2-level proficiency.
can / could โ ability, possibility
I could handle that project if needed.
should / ought to โ advice, recommendation
You should submit the form before Friday.
must / have to โ obligation
All staff must complete the training.
might / may โ possibility
She might be available on Thursday.
would โ hypothetical, polite requests
I would appreciate your feedback on this.
need not / do not have to โ no obligation
You do not have to attend if you are busy.
โ You must to complete the form.
โ
You must complete the form.
โ She might to call later.
โ
She might call later.
Linking devices connect ideas and show the relationship between them. Using a variety of linking words is essential for B2 writing and structured speaking.
Adding information:
furthermore, in addition, moreover, also, as well as
Contrasting:
however, although, despite, in spite of, on the other hand, whereas, nevertheless
Giving reasons:
because, since, as, due to, owing to
Showing results:
therefore, consequently, as a result, thus
Concluding:
in conclusion, to sum up, overall, in summary
Complex sentences contain a main clause and one or more subordinate clauses. Using varied sentence structures demonstrates B2 proficiency and makes your English sound more natural and sophisticated.
Time clauses:
When I arrived at the office, the meeting had already started.
Reason clauses:
Since the deadline was approaching, we worked overtime.
Concession clauses:
Although the task was difficult, we completed it successfully.
Purpose clauses:
We introduced the new system so that productivity would improve.
Avoid starting every sentence with "I". Try:
๐ Having worked in healthcare for 10 years, I understand the pressures involved.
๐ Despite being new to the role, she quickly proved her abilities.
๐ It was not until the second interview that I felt truly confident.
B2 vocabulary for skilled worker visa applicants. Organised by the professional themes most likely to appear in your exam.
Practise each of the four skills individually. Each section includes B2-level exercises with model answers.
A speaking-focused simulation covering all B2 speaking task types. AI examiner guides you through each part and gives detailed feedback.