2. Index
-What is it?
- What is level B2?
- How is it divided?
- Sections
- DOs and DON’Ts
3. The FCE is ideal for…?
•Those whose knowledge of English is already good enough for many
everyday situations.
•Those who want to work or study abroad or to develop a career which
requires English.
FCE is an upper-intermediate-level Cambridge ESOL exam, at Level B2 of the
Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for
Languages (CEFR).
Level B2 means that if you pass
FCE, your level of English is good
enough to be of practical use in many
types of jobs. Successful FCE candidates
can deal with everyday letters and
telephone conversations, and can
understand some non-academic
training courses and simple textbooks
and articles.
4. FCE sections
1) Reading
2) Writing
3) Use of English
4) Listening
5) Speaking
5. FCE sections
Marks (% of
Paper Content Time
total)
READING 3 parts/30 questions 1 hour 20%
WRITING 2 parts 1 hour 20 minutes 20%
USE OF ENGLISH 4 parts/42 questions 45 minutes 20%
LISTENING 4 parts/30 questions about 40 minutes 20%
14 minutes per pair of
SPEAKING 4 parts
candidates
20%
6. Dos & Donts for the FCE that will help
you succeed!
1) Reading
2) Writing
3) Use of English
4) Listening
5) Speaking
7. Reading Section – DOs
•Read the sources, titles and subtitles of the texts if they are given; they are there
to help you.
•Read through each text before you answer the questions to get an overall
impression and understanding of it. This includes Part 2, the gapped-text task.
•Remember, the missing word(s) may be part of an idiom, fixed phrase or
collocation, so always check the words around the gap carefully. (Part 2)
•Remember, the missing sentence has to fit the context and the development of
the text, so always check that the completed paragraph makes sense in the text as a
whole. (Part 2)
Read the questions carefully and check each option against the text before rejecting
it. (Part 2)
8. Writing Section – DOs
•Read the whole question thoroughly and underline important parts.
•Make a plan for each answer, including ALL points.
•Expand the points in Part 1 if you can, using relevant ideas and
information.
•Write in paragraphs, whenever appropriate.
•Use a range of vocabulary, even if you are unsure of the correct spelling.
•Check tense endings, plural forms and word order in sentences.
•Check irregular past tenses and question formation.
•Use language that is appropriately formal or informal for the task.
•Choose a Part 2 question that you feel confident you can write about.
Write clearly, so that the examiner can read your answer.
