Hi, guys! Want to know how to pass your First Certificate Exam with flying colors? B2 First, formerly known as Cambridge English, is one of the Cambridge English Qualifications that proves you have the language skills to live and work independently in an English-speaking country or study on courses taught in English. Before jumping into the details of the exam and show you how to pass your FCE exam with flying colors, read this post:
The updated exam (for exam sessions from January 2015) is made up of four papers developed to test your English language skills. In other words, you have to take the following tests:
1. Reading and Use of English (1 hour 15 minutes) 7 parts/52 questions MARKS: 40%
2. Writing (1 hour 20 minutes) 2 parts MARKS: 20%
3. Listening (about 40 minutes) 4 parts/30 questions MARKS: 20%
4. Speaking (14 minutes per pair of candidates) 4 parts MARKS: 20%
Shows you can deal confidently with different types of text, such as fiction, newspapers and magazines. Tests your use of English with tasks that show how well you can control your grammar and vocabulary.
What’s in the Reading and Use of English paper?
The B2 First Reading and Use of English paper is in seven parts and has a mix of text types and questions.
For Parts 1 to 4, you read a range of texts and do grammar and vocabulary tasks.
For Parts 5 to 7, you read a series of texts and answer questions that test your reading ability. Therefore, this shows that you can deal with a variety of different types of texts.
TIPS FOR THE READING AND USE OF ENGLISH SECTION
Structure of the FCE Reading and Use of English section
Top tips for the Reading and Use of English FCE exam
Cloze tests: most common expressions
Requires you to be able to produce two different pieces of writing, such as letters, reports, reviews, and essays.
What’s in the Writing paper?
In the two parts of the B2 First Writing paper, you have to show that you can write different types of text in English.
TIPS FOR THE WRITING SECTION
Writing Sample – An opinion essay
Requires you to be able to follow and understand a range of spoken materials, such as news programs, presentations, and everyday conversations.
What’s in the Listening paper?
The B2 First Listening paper has four parts. For each part, you have to listen to a recorded text or texts and answer some questions. Consequently, you hear each recording twice.
TIPS FOR THE FCE LISTENING SECTION
Top tips for the FCE Listening Section
Tests your ability to communicate effectively in face-to-face situations. So you will take the Speaking test with one or two other candidates.
What’s in the Speaking paper?
The B2 First Speaking test has four parts and you take it together with another candidate.
There are two examiners. One of the examiners asks you questions and gives you the booklet with things to talk about. On the other hand, the other examiner listens to what you say.
TIPS FOR THE SPEAKING SECTION
How does the FCE Speaking Exam Part 3 work?
Hope this article has helped you to have a general vision of this exam!
Hope this post helps you to reach your objective of passing your FCE Exam and enjoy yourself in the process. Go on learning about the Use of English and about Effective Words to Use instead of “very”
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