B2 FIRST- INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE

B2 FIRST

CAMBRIDGE ASSESSMENT ENGLISH

INTRO

Who is the exam for? B2 First is aimed at learners who need to show they can: • start working in an English-speaking environment • study at an upper-intermediate level, such as foundation or pathway courses • live independently in an English-speaking country.

WHAT IS THE FCE?

INDEX

ABOUT THE EXAM

TOP QUESTIONS

CERTIFICATES

PAPER 1: READING AND USE OF ENGLISH

PAPER 2: WRITING

PAPER 3: LISTENING

PAPER 4: SPEAKING

ABOUT THE EXAM

Reading and Use of English: 1 hour 15 minutes Candidates need to be able to understand texts from publications such as fiction and non-fiction books, journals, newspapers and magazines. Writing: 1 hour 20 minutes Candidates have to show that they can produce two different pieces of writing: a compulsory essay in Part 1, and one from a choice of three tasks in Part 2. Listening: 40 minutes (approximately) Candidates need to show they can understand the meaning of a range of spoken material, including lectures, radio broadcasts, speeches and talks. Speaking: 14 minutes Candidates take the Speaking test with another candidate or in a group of three, and are tested on their ability to take part in different types of interaction: with the examiner, with the other candidate and by themselves

CERTIFICATES

All candidates receive a Statement of Results. Candidates whose performance ranges between CEFR Levels B1 and C1 (Cambridge English Scale scores of 140–190) also receive a certificate.Grade A: Cambridge English Scale scores of 180–190. Candidates sometimes show ability beyond Level B2. If a candidate achieves a Grade A in their exam, they will receive the B2 First Certificate in English stating that they demonstrated ability at Level C1. Grade B and Grade C: Cambridge English Scale scores of 160–179. If a candidate achieves Grade B or C in their exam, they will be awarded the B2 First Certificate in English at Level B2. CEFR Level B1: Cambridge English Scale scores of 140–159. If a candidate’s performance is below Level B2, but falls within Level B1, they will receive a Cambridge English certificate stating that they demonstrated ability at Level B1.

READING AND USE OF ENGLISH

The paper contains seven parts: * For Parts 1 to 3, the test contains texts with accompanying grammar and vocabulary tasks. *Part 4 consists of separate items with a grammar and vocabulary focus. *For Parts 5 to 7, the test contains a range of texts and accompanying reading comprehension tasks.

WRITING

The paper contains two parts. Candidates are required to complete two tasks: a compulsory one in Part 1 and one from a choice of three in Part 2. The questions are in a booklet. The answers are written in a separate booklet with lined pages.

LISTENING

The paper contains four parts. Each part contains a recorded text or texts and corresponding comprehension tasks. Each part is heard twice.Candidates are advised to write their answers in the spaces provided on the question paper while listening. There will be 5 minutes at the end of the test to copy the answers onto a separate answer sheet. Candidates indicate their answers by shading the correct lozenges or writing the required word or words in capital letters in a box on the answer sheet. The instructions for each task are given in the question paper, and are also heard on the recording. These instructions include the announcement of pauses of specified lengths, during which candidates can familiarise themselves with the task and, for some items, predict some of the things they are likely to hear. A variety of voices, styles of delivery and accents will be heard in each Listening paper to reflect the various contexts presented in the recordings, as appropriate to the international contexts of the test takers.

SPEAKING

The Speaking test contains four parts. There are two candidates and two examiners. One examiner acts as both interlocutor and assessor and manages the interaction either by asking questions or providing cues for the candidates. The other acts as assessor and does not join in the conversation.

CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH: FIRST: TOP QUESTIONS

1- How many marks are needed to pass the exam? To pass the exam with a grade C, you need around 60 percent of the total marks. 2- Do I have to pass each paper in order to pass the exam? No. Papers don´t have individual pass and fail marks. The final grade (A,B , C, D or E) is arrived at by adding the weighted marks from all the papers together. 3-Are marks deducted for wrong answers? No. If you´re not sure, make a guess- you may be right. 4- Am I allowed to use a dictionary? No. 5- In Paper 2 (Writing), what happens if I write too many or too few words? The word count is given as a guide only. Don´t waste your time counting: the examiners don´t, they are more interested in your English! It is unlikely that answers under 140 words will contain enough information or ideas to fulfil the task. Over-long answers are more likely to cointain mistakes. Plan your time so that you write about the right amount and have time to check what you have written.

Remember: if you believe in yourself, anything is possible!

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