The six subjects, and what the examiner asks
The examiner chooses two. Each gets about two and a half minutes. The questions below are the kind Trinity's own preparation materials use; the grammar notes show where the Grade 5 items fit.
Festivals
- Which festival is the most important in your country? What do people do?
- Have you ever been to a festival in the UK?
- How long does the festival last? Who do you celebrate with?
- Will you celebrate it this year? How?
- Do you prefer festivals at home or here? Why?
Have you ever…, for and since, will, I prefer… because…
Means of transport
- How do you usually travel around where you live?
- Do you prefer travelling by bus or by train? Why?
- Have you ever travelled by plane? Where to?
- How long does it take you to get to work?
- Do you think people will use cars less in the future?
I'd rather… because…, present perfect, will, not very much, a lot of.
Special occasions
- How do you celebrate birthdays in your family?
- What was the last special occasion you went to?
- Have you been to a wedding in the UK? Was it different?
- What will you do for your next birthday?
- Which is more important to you, a birthday or a religious festival? Why?
Have you been…, past simple for the event, will, preference with a reason.
Entertainment
- What do you like to watch on television?
- Have you been to the cinema recently? What did you see?
- Do you prefer watching films at home or in the cinema? Why?
- How often do you go out in the evening?
- How long have you had a television in your home here?
Have you… recently, just, how often, for/since.
Music
- What kind of music do you like?
- Have you ever been to a concert?
- Who is your favourite singer, and why?
- Do you prefer music from your country or British music?
- Will you learn to play an instrument one day?
Have you ever, because, I prefer, will.
Recent personal experiences
- Have you done anything interesting recently?
- Tell me about something good that has happened to you this year.
- Have you just started a new job or a course?
- How long have you lived in this town?
- What will you do next weekend?
This subject is built for the present perfect: I've just…, I've… since…, I haven't… yet.
A B1 answer that passes
Examiner Have you ever been to a concert?
Candidate Yes, I have. I went to a Bollywood concert in Birmingham two years ago with my sister. It was very loud but I loved it, because the singer was my favourite from when I was a child. I've lived in Birmingham for six years and that was the best night. I'd like to go again, but tickets are not very cheap. I'll probably go next year if he comes back.
Present perfect (have you ever, I've lived… for), past simple for the event, because, not very, will, a preference. Thirty seconds, no advanced words, a clear B.
Practise it
Each subject is in the free practice at B1: the examiner asks the same kind of questions for four minutes and the report tells you which Grade 5 items you used.