English strategy guide · practice answers in Dutch

Staatsexamen NT2 Speaking Practice for B1 and B2

Program I assesses B1 Dutch and Program II assesses B2 Dutch. This guide explains the practice strategy in English, while every task and recorded answer should be completed in Dutch.

Official information is authoritative. Read the current official English explanation and use the official practice environment. This independent guide does not reproduce official exam questions and is not connected to Staatsexamens Nt2, CvTE, or DUO.

Program I B1 or Program II B2?

Program I

B1

Practice clear, independent responses in familiar work, education, and everyday social situations.

Program II

B2

Practice developing a position, connecting arguments, weighing conditions or objections, and reaching a logical conclusion.

Do not guess

Check the requirement

Ask your employer or educational institution which certificate and program it requires.

B1 answer framework

Use direct answer → reason → concrete example → suitable finish.

Original B1 task

Your evening course will start one hour earlier, which conflicts with your work schedule. Explain the problem and suggest a solution.

“De nieuwe begintijd is voor mij moeilijk, omdat ik tot half zes werk. Ik kan niet iedere week eerder vertrekken. Zou de les een halfuur later kunnen beginnen, of kan ik het eerste deel online volgen? Dan kan ik de cursus blijven doen zonder lessen te missen.”

B2 answer framework

Use position → two distinct arguments → condition or objection → conclusion.

Original B2 task

An organisation wants to offer all internal training only online. Advise management and consider access, cost, and learning quality.

“Online opleidingen kunnen kosten verlagen en leren flexibeler maken. Toch heeft niet iedere medewerker een rustige werkplek of voldoende digitale ervaring. Bovendien zijn discussie en praktische feedback bij sommige onderwerpen moeilijker online. Ik adviseer daarom een hybride model: theorie digitaal en interactieve onderdelen op locatie. Zo blijven de kosten beheersbaar zonder de leerkwaliteit te verliezen.”

A focused recording cycle

  1. Identify every action in the task: explain, compare, advise, or weigh.
  2. Write no more than three Dutch keywords.
  3. Record the answer without restarting.
  4. Choose one issue: task completion, coherence, vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, or pace.
  5. Record again and change only that issue.

Six additional original tasks

Program I B1

  1. Your landlord has not repaired the heating. Explain what happened and request a concrete solution.
  2. Your school wants one new weekly activity. Propose an activity and explain who would benefit.
  3. Describe a time when teamwork went well and explain why.

Program II B2

  1. A city wants paid parking in every residential area. State your position and address an objection.
  2. A team reports higher productivity at home but weaker knowledge sharing. Recommend a balanced policy.
  3. Should employers provide paid time for language learning? Define reasonable conditions.

Continue with the 24-task Dutch NT2 question library.

Self-check

  • Did I complete every requested action?
  • Can a listener identify my main message immediately?
  • Did I support reasons with a consequence, example, or condition?
  • Did I avoid translating a long English sentence word for word?
  • Can I continue after a missing word by describing it?

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Program I and II?

Program I assesses B1 Dutch; Program II assesses B2 Dutch. Verify the required program with the institution that needs your certificate.

Where can I find official information in English?

Use the official English Staatsexamens Nt2 page and the current official practice environment.

Should I answer in English?

No. English is only used here to explain the method. Speak and record all answers in Dutch.

Practice Program I or II with recording and feedback

Dutch Speaking Exam Coach provides original NT2 speaking tasks, recordings, and targeted AI coaching feedback. One lesson and three assessments are free.

Start free