First Certificate in English (FCE)
Is FCE for you?
FCE is an exam which shows that you can use everyday written and spoken English at an upper-intermediate level. It is an ideal exam for people who want to use English for work or study purposes.
Can you...
- understand texts from a wide variety of sources?
- use English to make notes while someone is speaking in English?
- talk to people about a wide variety of topics?
- understand people talking in English on radio or television programmes?
If you are working towards acquiring those skills and your level of English currently permits you to do approximately those things, then FCE is probably the right exam for you.
What level is FCE?
FCE is at Level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF). At B2 level, typical users can be expected to:
- understand the main ideas of complex pieces of writing
- keep up a conversation on a fairly wide range of topics, expressing opinions and presenting arguments
- produce clear, detailed writing, expressing opinions and explaining the advantages and disadvantages of different points of view.
Your preparation for FCE will give you these kinds of practical language skills.
• Cambridge English - Preparation courses
What is on the FCE exam?
There are five papers on the FCE exam:
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 demonstrate your understanding of the meaning of a range of spoken material, including news programmes, 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. 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.
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