B2 FIRST
This is a basic overview of the B2 First from Cambridge Exam English. For access to free exam material, click on the buttons below for each part of the exam.
B2 FIRST OVERVIEW
| Parts | Time | Tasks | Points |
| Use of English | 30 | 4 tasks | 36 |
| Reading | 45 | 3 tasks | 34 |
| Writing | 1:20 | 2 tasks | scale |
| Listening | 40 | 4 tasks | 30 |
| Speaking | 12-14 | 4 tasks | scale |
By intercambioidiomasacademy.es
How does the exam work?
The B2 First exam is separated into 4 parts:
- Use of English and reading
- Writing
- Listening
- Speaking
Use of English and reading: (1:15 minutes)
The Use of English and Reading parts of the exam last for 1:15 minutes (75 minutes). In this time the candidates must do 7 tasks and answer 52 different questions.
There are 7 parts in this section; 4 parts are Use of English and 3 are Reading.
The Use of English is basically an evaluation of your grammar and vocabulary. The 4 parts are always the same format and they are worth a total of 36 points.
The Reading assesses your ability to comprehend, scan and skim read, The 3 parts are always the same format and they are worth a total of 34 points.
Take a look at our example exercises and advice in more detail by clicking on the button.
Writing: (1:20)
The writing part of the exam lasts for 1 hour 20 minutes (80 minutes). In this time the candidates need to write two texts of 140-190 words.
There are 4 questions:
The 1st task is obligatory. You must do question 1 and it is always an essay. The topics are varied, but they are usually social issues such as the environment or the advantages/ disadvantages of something.
The 2nd task is a choice; you can answer one question of 2, 3, 4. DO NOT ANSWER ALL OF THE QUESTIONS. The choices include: a letter (formal or informal), an email, a review, an article or a report. My suggestion is to focus on writing a formal or informal letter, a review and an article. The letter and the email are almost identical, so you cover both of them. The report is a little difficult because of the organisation and format.
Take a look at our example exercises and advice in more detail by clicking on the button.
Listening: (30-40 minutes)
There are 4 parts in this section. You can read the questions and listen at the same time.
In the exam you will:
- Multiple choice (8 situations)
- Gaps fill text
- Which speaker?
- Interview task
The listening is basically an evaluation of your ability to comprehend audios, fill in gaps with key information and understand opinions.
Take a look at our example exercises and advice in more detail by clicking on the button.
Speaking: (12-14 minutes)
There are 4 parts in this section. You can will do the exam with a partner and you will be assessed on grammar and vocabulary, pronunciation, discourse management and interactive communication using a rubric scale called the speaking assessment scale.
In the exam you will:
- Answer interview questions
- Do a long turn (monologue) about 2 images
- Do a collaborative task (conversation)
- Discuss some questions
Take a look at our example exercises and advice in more detail by clicking on the button.
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