Download a concise B1 speaking exam summary for NT2 Programma I with the two-part format, 20-second and 30-second timing, scoring notes, answer frames, repair phrases, and example answers.
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Spreken B1 is the practical half of NT2 Programma I: 16 tasks split between 20-second short responses and 30-second longer ones, all spoken to a screen. The exam does not test whether your answer is true — it tests whether you do the right language action (request, describe, choose, advise, explain, give an opinion) clearly enough to be useful. The points below set the format; the rest of this guide turns it into a method for each task type.
A short practical situation (calling a school, asking a colleague, instructing a neighbour) asks you to make a polite request or give a quick instruction in 20 seconds. The common slip is over-explaining the background and running out of time before the actual request lands. Open with a polite frame (Kunt u ..., Wilt u ..., Mag ik ...), say the action plainly, then add at most one detail.
You see one picture and describe what happened, what someone looks like, or what someone must do — usually for a colleague or friend who was not there. The classic mistake is naming objects without doing the language action the task asks for (a description of damage is not the same as a report of what happened). Name the main person or object first, add two visible details, and use past tense only when the prompt asks what happened.
Two options are offered (a morning course or an evening one, this route or that one) and you pick one with a single short reason. The common slip is comparing both options and never landing on a clear choice. Start with Ik kies ... or Ik wil liever ..., add one reason with want or omdat, then stop — the task does not reward a balanced essay.
A friend, colleague, or family member faces a small dilemma and you advise them in 30 seconds — or you try to convince them to act. The frequent mistake is giving one reason and stopping; the rubric rewards two clear reasons even if they are simple. State the advice directly (Ik zou ...), give two reasons, and close with dus or daarom so the conclusion is obvious.
Two or three pictures show a sequence, differences, or steps and you explain them in 30 seconds. The classic slip is describing one picture in detail and forgetting the rest, which loses content points. Cover every required picture with at least one clear sentence and use order words (eerst, daarna, vervolgens, ten slotte) so the sequence is easy to follow.
You hear a general statement (a rule, a school decision, a workplace idea) and give your opinion with reasons in 30 seconds. The common mistake is hedging for so long that no clear position appears. Open with Ik vind het goed/slecht/belangrijk, add one or two reasons, and ground them with an example from work, school, family, or daily life.
| Time | What you do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Before part 1 | Ask yourself: do I need to request, describe, advise, choose, or explain? | Identifying the task prevents off-topic answers. |
| 5 sec | If there is a picture, choose the two details you will use. Do not try to describe everything. | Selective detail is more useful than exhaustive description. |
| 20 sec | Say the key response first. One clear sentence plus one reason is usually enough. | Short tasks reward directness. |
| 15 sec | Make a tiny plan: answer, reason 1, reason 2 or picture 1, picture 2, picture 3. | Preparation time prevents running out of ideas mid-answer. |
| 30 sec | Use three connected sentences. Keep speaking until the answer is complete, but do not rush. | Longer tasks need content, not filler. |
| Last seconds | Add a short conclusion: Daarom kies ik dit, Dat is mijn advies, or Zo moet je het doen. | A conclusion makes the answer feel complete. |
Each answer is scored on a small set of criteria — precondition, content (short or long), and language/pronunciation/tempo — with longer tasks carrying more content points. Precondition is the gatekeeper: if the first sentence does not fit the situation, the rest of the answer is not scored, so anchor the opening line to the task before worrying about polish.
| Score | Description |
|---|---|
| 0 | The response is not understandable Dutch or does not fit the situation at all. |
| 1 | The response is understandable Dutch and has at least some connection to the situation. |
| Score | Description |
|---|---|
| 0 | The requested language action is missing or unclear. |
| 1 | The request, description, choice, advice, or explanation is clear enough for the situation. |
| Score | Description |
|---|---|
| 0 | The answer refers to the situation but is almost impossible to follow. |
| 1 | The answer partly responds to the task, but the language action or required details are incomplete. |
| 2 | The answer gives the requested response with one missing detail, one unclear point, or limited use of the speaking time. |
| 3 | The answer clearly does what the task asks, with enough reasons, steps, examples, or picture details. |
| Score | Description |
|---|---|
| 0 | Many mistakes, unclear pronunciation, or very slow tempo make the answer hard to understand. |
| 1 | The answer is partly understandable but has many grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, or tempo problems. |
| 2 | The answer is generally understandable with some mistakes or pauses. |
| 3 | The answer is clear, connected, and easy to follow for B1, even if it is not perfect. |
If the response is completely outside the task, the rest of the answer is not scored. Always make the first sentence fit the situation.
U belt een sportschool omdat u een proefles wilt volgen.
Answer plan
Self-check
Example answer
Goedemorgen, ik wil graag vragen of ik volgende week een proefles kan volgen. Kunt u mij vertellen wanneer dat mogelijk is?
U ziet dat een collega koffie over documenten heeft gemorst. Vertel wat er is gebeurd.
Answer plan
Self-check
Example answer
Mijn collega heeft per ongeluk koffie over de papieren gemorst. De papieren zijn nat, dus we moeten ze opnieuw printen.
U kiest tussen een ochtendcursus en een avondcursus.
Answer plan
Self-check
Example answer
Ik kies voor de avondcursus, omdat ik overdag werk. In de avond heb ik meer rust om te leren.
Een vriend wil stoppen met zijn stage omdat het zwaar is. Geef advies.
Answer plan
Self-check
Example answer
Ik zou nog niet meteen stoppen. Praat eerst met je stagebegeleider, want misschien kun je andere taken krijgen. Bovendien staat deze stage goed op je cv. Als het daarna nog steeds niet lukt, kun je samen naar een oplossing zoeken.
Leg uit hoe iemand een fiets huurt met drie plaatjes.
Answer plan
Self-check
Example answer
Eerst kiest hij een fiets bij het station. Daarna scant hij zijn pas bij het apparaat en controleert hij of het slot open is. Ten slotte fietst hij weg en brengt hij de fiets later weer terug.
Sommige scholen willen telefoons in de les verbieden. Wat vindt u?
Answer plan
Self-check
Example answer
Ik vind dat een goed idee. Studenten kunnen zich dan beter concentreren en praten meer met elkaar. Natuurlijk moet er een uitzondering zijn als iemand bereikbaar moet zijn voor familie.
