B 2.3 Final exam

Cambridge University's First Certificate Examination (FCE) is probably the most widely respected English learning certificate outside of the United States. In fact, the First Certificate is only one of a number of Cambridge examinations aimed at levels from young learners to business English.

the First Certificate Exam involves :

1. Reading
2. Writing
3. Use of English
4. Listening
5. Speaking

What is the First Certificate Examination?

Before beginning to study for the First Certificate, it is a good idea to understand the philosophy and purpose behind this standardized test. The best way to understand the specifics of the FCE is to go straight to the source and visit the introduction to the exam at Cambridge University's EFL site. You can also download the FCE handbook from Cambridge University.

What does FCE involve?

FCE has five papers:

Reading: 1 hour
You will need to be able to understand information in fiction and non-fiction books, journals, newspapers and magazines.

Writing: 1 hour 20 minutes
You will have to show you can produce two different pieces of writing such as a short story, a letter, an article, a report, a review or an essay.

Use of English: 45 minutes
Your use of English will be tested by tasks which show how well you control your grammar and vocabulary.

Listening: 40 minutes
You need to show you can understand the meaning of a range of spoken material, including news programs, speeches, stories and anecdotes and public announcements.

Speaking: 14 minutes
You will take the Speaking test with another candidate or in a group of three, and you will be tested on your ability to take part in different types of interaction: with the examiner, with the other candidates and by yourself.

TAKING AN ENGLISH TEST

PRACTICE READING TESTS

USE OF ENGLISH

LISTENING

a 1 hour reading sample

a 45 min use of English sample

a 1.15 hour reading sample

a 1.3 hour reading sample

a whole lot more for the FCE samples

a whole lot more for the more advanced students