A problem to solve can be a great way to get your students talking. These 26 scenarios give B2 learners something to discuss, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions, compare ideas and agree what to do next. Remember, both partners need to keep the conversation going.
For more B2 speaking practice, try our information-gap pairwork, discussion questions or gerunds and infinitives conversation practice.
Common mistakes in problem-solving discussions
A useful discussion involves more than giving the first solution that comes to mind. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Not listening carefully to the prompt. Make sure you understand the situation and listen to your partner’s ideas.
- Not asking enough questions. Ask about details that help you form a better picture. Invent extra details together if needed.
- Not maintaining the interaction. Both partners should ask questions and respond to each other.
- Solving the problem too quickly. Compare at least two actions before deciding. Consider a difficulty with your preferred option.
- Not engaging with your partner. Agree or disagree politely, explain your reasons and offer useful suggestions.
26 B2 problem-solving scenarios
Choose a card, invent extra details together, compare at least two actions and agree a next step. Explain one possible difficulty with your decision. Learners can take fictional roles, so the situations do not have to reflect their own lives.
Download a PDF version of 26 B2 problem-solving scenarios:
- My friend is travelling around the world, but I haven’t heard from her recently and I’m starting to get really worried.
- There’s a chance of a promotion at work, but I’m not sure if I want to apply for it.
- Someone in my family is finishing secondary school and wants to take a gap year before university. We are not sure how we feel about it.
- I’m thinking of changing my course and studying art instead.
- My best friend is organising an important celebration, but I don’t get along very well with another guest.
- I have less money available this month and I’m having trouble paying for everything I planned.
- I want to start doing exercise, but a gym membership is really expensive.
- One person in my project group never seems to do their share of the work. I’m thinking about telling the person in charge.
- I’ve been offered an opportunity in another city, but I don’t know if I want to take it because it’s so far from my family.
- My brother wants the family to help with his new business, but his ideas have not always worked out.
- A relative is moving abroad and I want to get something nice for them to remember me by.
- It’s an important family anniversary and I want a big party, but another family member does not agree.
- We are thinking of moving from the city to the countryside, but money might be an issue.
- I got an unexpected message from the person in charge of my course or job. I am not sure how to respond.
- My partner wants to go to Rome on holiday, but I prefer relaxing holidays.
- I watch a lot of news on TV, but I think I might stop. It’s so depressing!
- A child in the family is starting a new school, and we cannot decide which option would suit them best.
- My uncle is a farmer and he loves it, but he’s been having some money issues recently.
- I’ve been thinking about contacting old friends to have a reunion, but I haven’t spoken to them in years.
- One of my neighbours never recycles and I think I should say something.
- There have been strange noises outside at night, and I want to find a practical way to feel more comfortable.
- Sometimes I wish I could be rich and famous, but I never have the opportunity to show off my talents.
- Someone I know has made new friends, but I am worried about some of their choices.
- I feel like I can’t afford basic things nowadays. Everything is so much more expensive than it used to be!
- I’m really worried about the environment, but I don’t know what I can do to help.
- Two relatives are considering moving to another country for a few years, but worry that the change will be too much for them.
