B2 First story writing in a nutshell Mandatory task: no Word count: 140-190 Main characteristics: engaging, interesting, well-structured Register: depending on the story Structure: beginning, main part, ending Language: adjectives/adverbs, past verb forms, direct speech, time expressions Example A day to forget – a day to remember Jerry read the email and decided to go to the…
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Paper-based or computer-based? Many people find out pretty late that there even is a computer-based version of B2 First and it is quite often already too late to make the switch by the time they discover this. I thought it would be a good idea to let my readers know what the similarities and differences…
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My Top 10 books to prepare for B2 First Choosing the perfect book to prepare for Cambridge B2 First is very important, and while there are many different options to develop your language skills as well as exam strategies and techniques it depends on the individual. For me, these are the best options: Objective First…
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Cambridge B2 First Speaking in a nutshell Speaking is one of the five exam papers in Cambridge B2 First, the others being Reading, Use of English, Listening and Writing. It usually takes around 14 minutes and you are tested together with another candidate. In the Speaking test, you need to demonstrate your ability to respond…
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B2 First (FCE) vs. C1 Advanced (CAE) Cambridge B2 First (formerly known as FCE) and C1 Advanced (CAE) are two English language examinations designed and administered by Cambridge Assessment at the University of Cambridge. While passing B2 First is equivalent to CEFR level B2, C1 Advanced indicates a higher level at C1. Both exams can…
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In the FCE Listening paper candidates have to listen to four different parts and they have to do something different in every task. However, there is one thing that often creates a lot of problems – distractors. Here’s what they are: A distractor is a piece of information put in a recording in the FCE…
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Summary Mandatory task: no Word count: 140-190 Main characteristics: typical layout, appropriate register, you need to adapt to the specific task Register: formal or informal depending on the task Structure: Opening formula & paragraph, 2-3 topic paragraphs, closing paragraph & formula Language: typical phrases for opening and closing formula depending on the register of the…
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Summary Mandatory task: no Word count: 140-190 Main characteristics: interesting, engaging, personal opinion / comment Register: semi-informal to informal Structure: Title/introduction, 2-3 topic paragraphs, closing paragraph / conclusion Language: adjectives/adverbs, colloquial expressions, phrasal verbs, idioms, linking words, interesting grammar Example: The most useful thing I’ve ever learned Have you ever learned something that completely changed…
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Introduction A report is usually written for a superior (e.g. a teacher) or a peer group (e.g. members of an English club). Candidates are expected to give some factual information and make suggestions or recommendations. A report should be clearly organised and may include headings. from: Cambridge English First Handbook for Teachers Reports are part…
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Introduction A review is usually written for an English-language magazine, newspaper or website. The main purpose is to describe and express a personal opinion about something which the writer has experienced (e.g. a film, a holiday, a product, a website etc.) and to give the reader a clear impression of what the item discussed is…
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