The six GESE Grade 5 subject areas
Sample questions, useful words and example answers for the Conversation phase.
Based on Trinity's GESE Grade 5 guidance · checked 5 November 2026
How the Conversation phase works
After your topic, the examiner talks with you about two of these six subjects for about 5 minutes. You don't know which two in advance, so prepare all six:
The examiner isn't testing what you know about festivals or music. They're listening to your language: full answers, reasons, your experiences, your preferences and your plans. And remember to ask the examiner at least one question.
Listen for the Grade 5 question patterns. Examiners often ask “Have you ever…?”, “How long have you…?”, “Why do you prefer…?”, “How has… changed?” and “Do you think you'll…?”. Answer in the same tense: “Have you ever…?” → “Yes, I've…” or “No, I've never…”.
Festivals
National, religious and local festivals: what happens, how people celebrate and what you enjoy.
Questions the examiner might ask
- Have you ever been to a festival in the UK?
- Which festival do you enjoy most, and why?
- How do people in your country celebrate the new year?
- Do you think festivals will change in the future?
Useful words
procession, fireworks, national costume, traditional food, decorations, celebrate, crowd
An example answer
“I've been to the Notting Hill Carnival twice. I prefer it to other festivals because the music and the food are amazing, and there are always a lot of people.”
A question you could ask
“Have you ever been to a carnival?”
Means of transport
How you travel, which transport you prefer and why, journeys, and how travel is changing.
Questions the examiner might ask
- How do you usually get to work?
- Do you prefer the bus or the train? Why?
- What's the longest journey you've ever taken?
- How do you think people will travel in twenty years?
Useful words
commute, season ticket, traffic jam, cycle path, delay, public transport, electric car
An example answer
“I usually take the bus because it's cheaper than parking in the city. I've had a season ticket for two years. I think more people will use electric cars in the future.”
A question you could ask
“How do you travel to work?”
Special occasions
Birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, graduations and other celebrations in your life.
Questions the examiner might ask
- What was the last special occasion you celebrated?
- What's the next celebration you're going to?
- How do people celebrate weddings in your culture?
- Do you prefer big parties or small celebrations?
Useful words
wedding, anniversary, reception, guests, invitation, gift, celebrate
An example answer
“We celebrated my daughter's graduation last month. I'd rather have a small party at home than a big event, because it's more relaxing.”
A question you could ask
“How do you usually celebrate your birthday?”
Entertainment
Cinema, television and streaming, clubs, theatre, games and what you do in your free time.
Questions the examiner might ask
- Do you prefer watching films at the cinema or at home?
- What have you watched recently?
- How has television changed in the last ten years?
- How much free time do you have at the weekend?
Useful words
series, streaming, comedy, documentary, theatre, computer games, box set
An example answer
“I prefer watching films at home because I can pause them. I've just finished a great crime series. I don't have much free time, so I usually watch one episode a night.”
A question you could ask
“What's your favourite kind of film?”
Music
The music you like, singers and bands, concerts, playing instruments and how you listen.
Questions the examiner might ask
- What kind of music do you like?
- Have you ever been to a concert?
- How long have you listened to your favourite singer?
- Do you listen to music online or on the radio?
Useful words
band, concert, lyrics, download, playlist, instrument, live music
An example answer
“I like Afrobeats, but I prefer gospel music when I want to relax. I've never played an instrument, but I think I'll learn the keyboard one day.”
A question you could ask
“Do you play a musical instrument?”
Recent personal experiences
Things that have happened to you recently: trips, new activities, courses, achievements and challenges.
Questions the examiner might ask
- Have you done anything interesting recently?
- What's the best thing that has happened to you this year?
- Have you started any new hobbies or courses?
- Tell me about a day out you enjoyed recently.
Useful words
recently, last weekend, this summer, new experience, evening class, day out, achievement
An example answer
“I've recently started an evening class in IT. Last weekend we had a family day out at the seaside. It was the first time my son had seen the sea.”
A question you could ask
“Have you been anywhere nice recently?”
Common questions
What are the six GESE Grade 5 subject areas?
Festivals, means of transport, special occasions, entertainment, music, and recent personal experiences.
How many subject areas does the examiner choose?
Two. You don't know in advance which two, so prepare to talk about all six.
Does the examiner test my knowledge of the subjects?
No. Trinity says the examiner isn't testing your knowledge of the subjects, only your language. Simple, personal answers with reasons are better than facts.
Do I need to ask a question in the Conversation phase?
Yes. Ask the examiner at least one question about the subjects you discuss. The examiner may not invite you to ask, so do it naturally during the conversation.
Haven't chosen your topic yet? Read how to choose your GESE Grade 5 topic.
Practise with a realistic examiner
PrepPass gives you full 10-minute mock exams in the GESE Grade 5 format: your topic, then two subject areas, then a scorecard showing the Grade 5 language you used and what to practise next.
Sources: Trinity College London: GESE Grade 5 Guide and Preparation for Candidates, Trinity College London: Choosing a topic (GESE Grade 5) and Trinity College London: B1 English test (GESE Grade 5). The examples on this page are our own. PrepPass is independent and not affiliated with Trinity College London.
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