Telc B1 Talking about a topic

Information about the speaking part "Talking about a topic"

In the telc B1 exam, the part "Talking about a topic" is the second phase of the oral exam. In this task, candidates are expected to demonstrate that they can give a short, coherent statement about a familiar everyday topic. The focus is not on perfect grammar, but rather on clarity, structure, and expressing a clear opinion.

How does this part of the exam work?

Candidates are given two different topics to choose from. Once they have made their choice, they have about 30 seconds to think. Then, they speak freely for about one to one and a half minutes on the chosen topic. Afterward, their partner asks a short follow-up question, which should also be answered.

What are typical topics?

The topics come from everyday life and do not require any special knowledge. Common examples include:

• Sports – important or not?
• Vacation in the city or in the countryside?
• Shopping online or in stores?
• Pets – yes or no?
• Mobile phones in school – useful?
• Meeting friends or relaxing alone?

What is assessed?

The examiners focus on several aspects at the same time:

• Whether the topic was presented clearly and logically
• Whether a personal opinion was expressed
• How well vocabulary and sentence structure were used
• Whether the statements were clear, understandable, and coherent

Example of a possible answer

I think sport is very important. If you exercise regularly, you stay healthy and have more energy. I go jogging twice a week myself because it helps me reduce stress. Also, sport is good for your mood. Especially after a working day, physical activity is very helpful. That’s why I think everyone should include some sport in their daily life.

Useful phrases for this part

• I would like to talk about the topic ...
• In my opinion ...
• I think that ...
• An example from my life is ...
• To sum up, one can say that ...

Experiences from test participants

Many participants report that this part is easier for them if they have practiced speaking aloud at home. “I was afraid I wouldn’t know what to say, but with a lot of practice I was able to speak fluently,” says Anna from Cologne. Murat from Nuremberg also says: “I wrote down useful phrases beforehand and said them aloud over and over again. That really helped me in the exam.”

Our recommendations

• Choose a topic and speak freely for one minute – a different one each day
• Use set phrases for introduction, opinion, and conclusion
• Practice with a partner who asks follow-up questions
• Record yourself to check speaking speed and clarity
• Avoid memorizing – practice free speaking with keywords

Expert opinion

Olena Bazalukova, exam coach and founder of deutsch-vorbereitung.com, explains: “This part of the exam shows whether someone can actively use the language. It's not about being perfect, but about expressing an opinion clearly. Those who regularly practice with real topics have an advantage.”

The part "Talking about a topic" is a great opportunity to show language skills without too much pressure. The topics are familiar and can be prepared well. Those who practice a few minutes every day will approach the oral exam more confidently and relaxed.