True or False - You can do the exam on a computer or on paper.
True
In part 2 of the Writing section, how many choices of questions do you have?
4 (an article, an essay, a letter, a report, a review, or a story) and you choose one.
How long will the exam take?
3 hours and 48 minutes
How much time does it take to do the Listening section of the exam?
40 minutes
How many parts does the Speaking section of the exam have?
4
What is the purpose of the Use of English aspect of the Reading & Use of English section?
It tests your use of English with tasks that show how well you can control your grammar and vocabulary.
What is the purpose of the Reading aspect of the Reading & Use of English section?
It shows you can deal confidently with different types of text, such as fiction, newspapers and magazines.
What scale score do you need to get to pass the exam?
160 to 179
What is the purpose of the Writing section?
It requires you to be able to produce two different pieces of writing, such as letters, reports, reviews and essays.
How many questions are there in the Reading & Use of English section of the exam?
52
What is the language difficulty level of the exam?
B2
What mark will the Speaking section contribute to the total mark?
20%
In part 1 of the Writing section, what is the task?
You’re given an essay title and two ideas clearly linked to the title. You then write an essay giving your opinions and using the ideas given.
How many parts does the Reading & Use of English have?
7
Can you fail one of the exam sections and still pass the exam?
Yes (but you need an overall mark of 60% to pass)
What is the purpose of the Listening section?
Requires you to be able to follow and understand a range of spoken materials, such as news programmes, presentations and everyday conversations.
How many parts does the Writing section of the exam have?
2
What is the old name for the B2 First exam?
Cambridge English: First Certificate Exam(FCE)
How many parts does the Listening section of the exam have?
4
What happens in part 1 of the Speaking exam?
A conversation with the examiner. The examiner asks questions and you may have to give information about your interests, studies, career, etc.
How much time does it take to do the Reading & Use of English section?
75 minutes
How much time does it take to do the speaking section of the exam?
14 minutes for two candidates
How much does it cost to take the exam?
Around €160 euros
What is the purpose of the Speaking section?
Tests your ability to communicate effectively in face to face situations.
In part 2 of the Writing section, what is the task?
You write from a choice of – an article, email/letter, report or review. You are given information about context, topic purpose and target reader.
How many writing tasks are there to do in the Writing section of the exam?
2 (part 1 is a single compulsory task and part 2 you have 4 choices and do one)
How many questions are there in the Listening section of the exam?
30
What happens in part 4 of the Speaking exam?
A further discussion with your partner, guided by questions from the examiner, about the topics or issues raised in the Part 3 task.
In the Writing section of the exam, how much do I need to write?
140 - 190 words in each part 1 and part 2.
What mark will the Listening section contribute to the total mark?
20%
How many different sections are there to the exam?
4 (Reading & Use of English, Writing, Listening, Speaking)
What happens in part 3 of the Speaking exam?
The examiner gives you some material and a task to do. You have to talk with your partner and, when the examiner asks you to, make a decision.
What happens in part 2 of the Speaking exam?
You talk about 2 photographs for 1 minute and comment for about 30 seconds after your partner has talked about 2 different photographs.
What mark will the Speaking section contribute to the total mark?
20%
What mark will the Reading & Use of English section contribute to the total mark?
40%
How much time does it take to do the Writing section of the exam?
80 minutes
In which months can you take the B2 First?
The paper-based test can be taken in March, May, June, August and December.
The computer-based test can be taken in February, April, July, August and November.