FCE Exam Introduction.

FCE First Certificate in English

A course for the Cambridge English: First exam.

B2 First for Schools – an overview

Exam formats:

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

Who is the exam for?

B2 First for Schools 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 for Schools 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 sections does the FCE exam cover?

The FCE First Exam covers FOUR main sections:

Paper 3 Listening

Paper 1 Reading & Use of English

40 minutes

1 hour 15 minutes

Paper 4 Speaking

Paper 2 Writing

14 minutes (per pair)

1 hour 20 minutes

The exam lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes

How does the FCE 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

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 ADVICES:

• It's not hard to make it, but it takes time and work.
• Work smart, not hard. The best way to learn a language is to immerse yourself in it.
• You can practice and study in class, but the bulk of the work is outside, on your own.
• Change your devices' language to English, listen as much as you can: podcasts, sitcoms, documentaries, everything!