Exam format

Cambridge English: First (FCE) is a test of all areas of language ability.

The updated exam (for exam sessions from January 2015) is made up of four papers
developed to test your English language skills. You can see exactly whats in each paper
below.
The Speaking test is taken face to face, with two candidates and two examiners. This
creates a more realistic and reliable measure of your ability to use English to communicate.
Sample papers available online
http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams/first/exam-format/

Paper

Content

Purpose

Reading and Use of

7 parts/52question

Shows you can deal confidently with different types of

English(1 hour 15
minutes)

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.

Writing

2 parts

(1 hour 20 minutes)

Listening
(about 40 minutes)

Requires you to be able to produce two different

pieces of writing, such as letters, reports, reviews and
essays.

4 parts/30question
s

Requires you to be able to follow and understand a

range of spoken materials, such as news programmes,
presentations and everyday conversations.

Speaking

4 parts

(14 minutes per pair of

candidates)

Tests your ability to communicate effectively in face to

face situations. You will take the Speaking test with
one or two other candidates.

Whats in the Speaking paper?

The Cambridge English: 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. The other examiner listens to what you say.
Summary

Time allowed:

14 minutes per pair of candidates

Number of parts:

Marks:

20% total

You have to talk:

with the examiner

with the other candidate
on your own

Part 1 (Interview)

What's in Part 1?

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

What do I have to practise?

Giving information about yourself and expressing your opinion about

various topics.

How long do I have to speak?

2 minutes

Part 2 (Long turn)

What's in Part 2?

The examiner gives you two photographs and asks you to talk about
them. You have to speak for 1 minute without interruption and the
interlocutor then asks the other candidate to comment on your
photographs for about 30 seconds.
The other candidate receives a different set of photographs and you

have to listen and comment when they have finished speaking. The
question you have to answer about your photographs is written at the
top of the page to remind you what you should talk about.

What do I have to practise?

Talking on your own about something: comparing, describing,

expressing opinions, speculating.

How long do I have to speak?

1 minute per candidate

Part 3 (Collaborative task)

What's in Part 3?

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

What do I have to practise?

Exchanging ideas, expressing and justifying opinions, agreeing and/or

disagreeing, suggesting, speculating, evaluating, reaching a decision
through negotiation, etc.

How long do we have to speak?

3 minutes (a 2-minute discussion followed by a 1-minute decisionmaking task)

Part 4 (Discussion)

What's in Part 4?

Further discussion with the other candidate, guided by questions from

the examiner, about the topics or issues raised in the task in Part 3.

What do I have to practise?

Expressing and justifying opinions, agreeing and/or disagreeing.

How long do we have to speak?

4 minutes

Cambridge FCE Preparation

http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams/first/preparation/

Virtually anywhere program

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5146C9A4FD908B6D

Watch and Learn these are great!!

Cambridge First Listening

http://www.examenglish.com/FCE/fce_listening.html

Cambridge English: First ( FCE) Listening

Difficulty level: B2 /Upper Intermediate
What is the FCE Listening test like?
The test has four sections and takes about 40 minutes:
1. Part 1 - listen to 8 recordings, each with one question
2. Part 2 - listen and complete gapped sentences
3. Part 3 - multiple matching, 5 speakers
4. Part 4 - a longer recording, with 7 multiple choice questions
Scoring
Score 1 point for each question
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