CEFR B2 · Cambridge English

B2 First (FCE) Practice

B2 First, also known as FCE, is the Cambridge English qualification at CEFR level B2 — upper intermediate. It shows you can read English-language fiction and journalism with confidence, write clear essays and reviews, and take part in extended conversations on a wide range of subjects. FCE is the most popular Cambridge exam worldwide and a recognised entry requirement for many UK and European universities.

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FCE exam structure

The B2 First exam has four papers. Reading, Writing and Listening are taken on the same day; Speaking is scheduled separately and is paired with another candidate.

Reading & Use of English

75 min

7 parts, 52 questions

Writing

80 min

2 parts — compulsory essay + choice

Listening

~40 min

4 parts, 30 questions

Speaking

14 min

4 parts, paired with another candidate

Reading & Use of English — part by part

  1. Part 1 — Multiple Choice Cloze — vocabulary, collocations, phrasal verbs
  2. Part 2 — Open Cloze — one-word grammar gaps
  3. Part 3 — Word Formation — change the root word to fit the sentence
  4. Part 4 — Key Word Transformation — rewrite a sentence using a fixed key word
  5. Part 5 — Multiple Choice Reading — long text, detail and inference
  6. Part 6 — Gapped Text — slot 6 missing sentences back into the article
  7. Part 7 — Multiple Matching — scan multiple short texts for specific information

Writing

Part 1 is a compulsory essay (140–190 words) discussing two of three given prompts. Part 2 lets you choose one of an email/letter, article, review, or report (140–190 words). Both are scored on the four official Cambridge bands: Content, Communicative Achievement, Organisation and Language.

Sample FCE question

A typical Part 1 item from a recent FCE mock exam.

FCE · Part 1 · MC Cloze

The committee failed to _____ a consensus on the proposed reforms after weeks of discussion.

Which word best fits the gap?

A · achieve
✓B · reach
C · gain
D · arrive

How FCE is scored

Scores run from 140 to 190 on the Cambridge English Scale. 160+ = grade C (Pass at B2), 173+ = grade B, 180+ = grade A (Pass at C1 level). 140–159 you receive a B1 Preliminary level certificate.

Practise FCE by paper

Drill into one skill at a time — full part-by-part breakdowns, sample questions and study tips.

Common FCE questions

How is the FCE writing scored?

Each writing task is scored 0–5 on each of four bands: Content (did you address the task?), Communicative Achievement (right register and effect on the reader), Organisation (logical structure with cohesion), and Language (range and accuracy of B2 grammar and vocabulary). Grammar Refined uses the official Cambridge band 1/3/5 rubrics drawn from the Cambridge writing handbooks.

What's a passing FCE score?

You pass the B2 First with 160 or higher on the Cambridge English Scale (grade C). 173–179 earns grade B, and 180+ earns grade A — which Cambridge maps to C1 level. Below 160 you don't fail outright but receive a B1-level certificate.

How long should I study for FCE?

Cambridge estimates roughly 200 guided hours of study to move from B1 to B2 level. With consistent practice (3–5 hours a week) most learners take 6–12 months from a solid B1 to exam-ready FCE. Targeted practice on Use of English and writing tends to give the biggest score gains.

Ready to start practising for FCE?

Free to start. No downloads. Auto-marked Reading, Writing and Listening with detailed per-question explanations.

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