FCE (B2) - EXAM FORMAT

EXAM FORMAT

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USE OF ENGLISH

You read a range of texts and do grammar and vocabulary tasks.

READING

You read a series of texts and answer questions.

B2 - FCE

LISTENING

You have to listen to a recorded text or texts and answer some questions.

SPEAKING

You take it together with another candidate.

WRITING

You have to show that you can write different types of text in English.

FCE (B2) - USE OF ENGLISH

Reading and Use of English is in seven parts - 1h 15 min

Open cloze

A text in which there are some gaps, each of which represents one missing word. You have to think of the correct word for each gap.

2

Word FORMATION

A text containing eight gaps. Each gap represents a word. At the end of the line is a ‘prompt’ word which you have to change in some way to complete the sentence correctly.

3

Key word transformations

Each question consists of a sentence followed by a ‘key’ word and a second sentence with a gap. You have to use this key word to complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence.

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Gapped text

A single text with some gaps which represent missing sentences. After the text there are some sentences which are not in the right order and that you have to decide where they fit best.

Multiple matching

A series of statements followed by a text divided into sections or several short texts. You have to match each statement to the section or text in which you can find the information.

Multiple choice

A text with some multiple-choice questions. For each question, there are four options and you have to choose A, B, C or D.

FCE (B2) - READING

Reading and Use of English is in seven parts - 1h 15 min

1

MULTIPLE CHOICE

A text with some multiple-choice questions. Each question has four options (A, B, C or D) – you have to decide which is the correct answer.

FCE (B2) - LISTENING

You hear each recording twice - 40 min

Multiple choice

Eight short extracts from monologues or conversations between interacting speakers. There is one multiple-choice question for each extract, and you have to choose A, B or C.

1

Sentence completion

A monologue lasting approximately 3 minutes. You have to complete the sentences on the question paper with the missing information which you hear on the recording.

2

Multiple matching

A series of five themed monologues of approximately 30 seconds each. You have to select five correct options from a list of eight possible answers.

3

Multiple choice

A conversation between two or more speakers of approximately 3–4 minutes. You have to answer some multiple-choice questions by choosing the correct answer from three options (A, B or C).

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FCE (B2) - SPEAKING

You take it together with another candidate - 14 min per pair

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4

Interview

The examiner asks questions and you may have to give information about your interests, studies, career, etc.

Long turn

The examiner gives you two photographs and asks you to talk about them.

Collaborative task

The examiner gives you some material and a task to do. You have to talk with the other candidate and make a decision.

Discussion

Further discussion with the other candidate, guided by questions from the examiner.

FCE (B2) - WRITING

You have to show that you can write different types of text - 1 h 20 min

1

ESSAY

You read a text, then write an essay based on points included in the text. You’ll be asked to explain which of the two points is more important, and to give reasons for your opinion.

2

Situationally based

You write a text from a choice of text types – article, email/letter, report or review.

Report

Letter/email

Article

Review

How to prepare for the Cambridge First Reading & Use of English test

• This paper tests your knowledge of reading, vocabulary and grammar.
• Read as much as possible, and use a dictionary to help you learn new words
• Use a grammar book to help you understand sentence structure
• Read the instructions carefully before you start each section
• Correct spelling is necessary. Get into the habit of checking the spelling of words
• Read widely. The texts used in the Cambridge First can be: newspaper and magazine articles, reports, fiction, advertisements, correspondence, informational material (brochures, guides, etc.)
• Read the instructions carefully before you start
• Read all the text before you answer any questions

How to prepare for the First (FCE) Writing test

• Choose a question that you are interested in. You will write better if you know the subject.
• Read the instructions carefully before you start. Make notes. You must include all the points in the instructions
• Make a plan before you start writing. Decide what information to put in each paragraph
• Think about who you are writing to and use an appropriate style of language
• Try to use a range of complex language

How to prepare for the FCE Listening test

• Listen! The more English you listen to the better your will do. Listen to the radio, English language TV, podcasts...
• You will hear the audio twice
• Read the instructions carefully before you start
• You have time to read the questions before you hear the audio