FCE Exam Overview.

B2 First (First Certificate in English)

Cambridge English Test

B2 FIRST

A B2 First qualification proves that a candidate is becoming skilled in English and now has practical language skills for everyday written and spoken situations.

B2 First – an overview

Exam formats:

• B2 First can be taken as either a paper-based or a computer-based exam.

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.

About the exam:

• B2 First is a rigorous and thorough test of English at Level B2. It covers all four language skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking – and includes a fifth element focusing on the candidate’s understanding of the structure of the language.

What seccions does the exam cover?

The FCE First Exam covers FOUR main seccions:

Paper 3 Listening

Paper 1 Reading & Use of English

40 minutes duration

1 hour 15 minutes duration

Paper 4 Speaking

Paper 2 Writing

14 minutes duration (per pair or in groups of 3)

1 hour 20 minutes duration

The exam lasts for 3 hours and 48 minutes.

How does the First scale work?

Grade A

Score of 180-190

Grade B

Score of 173-179

Grade C

Score of 160-172

You need to get at least 160 points or 60% of the marks.

Quick Review

Remember key Information

Read each question and answer accordingly.

start

Question 1/4

How many papers in the B2 First exam do we have?

2 papers

4 papers

3 papers

Question 2/4

A B2 First certificate proves that a candidate...

has practical language skills for everyday written and spoken situations.

is ready to take the next level exam of Cambridge English C1.

doesn't need to study english ever again.

Question 3/4

How many points do you need to achieve the B2 certification?

160 - 179

140 - 159

120 - 139

Question 4/4

How long does the exam takes?

Three and a half hours

Two hours

One hour

Paper 1: Reading & Use of English.

Candidates need to be able to understand texts from publications such as fiction and non-fiction books, journals, newspapers, and magazines.

Marks: 40% of the total.

Paper 2: Writing.

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.

Marks: 20% of the total.

Part 3: Listening

Candidates need to show they can understand the meaning of a range of spoken material, including lectures, radio broadcasts, speeches and talks.

Marks: 20% of the total.

Paper 4: Speaking.

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.

Marks: 20% of the total.

GENERAL ADVICE:

• This exam tests how proficient you are in English (NOT the contents of your textbook), and it takes time and work.
• Work smart. The best way to learn a language is to do it CONSISTENTLY. You can't cram before the FIRST exam and expect to pass it. You need to get to B2 level first.
• You can practice and study in class, but you also need to study on your own!
• Change your devices' language to English, use apps (e.g. Duolingo), and listen as much as you can: podcasts, sitcoms, documentaries, everything!

Thanks for watching!