FCE EXAM TIPS

READING & USE OF ENGLISH PAPER

Reading Part 1: The Task

• In Part 1 you choose from words A, B, C or D to fill in each gap in a text. Options A, B, C and D are
always the same kind of word (e.g. verbs).
• Part 1 mainly tests vocabulary but you may also need to understand grammatical links between
words, or the text as a whole.
• Words that often go together, called ‘collocations’, are frequently tested and so are words followed
by a preposition (e.g. aware of).

Reading Part 1: Exam Tips

• Look at the title and the example.

• Without filling in any gaps, quickly read the text to get an idea of what it’s about.
• For each gap, decide what kind of word (e.g. nouns, adverbs) the four options are.
• Study the words either side of the gap, underlining any possible collocations.
• Try each answer in the gap, checking whether it fits grammatically.
• Check that the word you choose fits the overall meaning of the sentence.
• Read through the completed sentence, checking that everything makes sense.

Use of English Part 2: The Task

• In Part 2 there is a text with eight gaps. There are no sets of words from which to choose.
• Part 2 mainly tests ‘grammar words’ like articles (e.g. the, an), auxiliary verbs (e.g. will, has), pronouns
(e.g. they, who), prepositions (e.g. on, during), linking expressions (e.g. despite) and verb forms (e.g.
would do), as well as words in phrasal verbs (e.g. set off) and fixed phrases (e.g. in favour of).
• You must only use one word in each gap and your spelling must be correct.

Use of English Part 2: Exam Tips

• Look at the title and the example.

• Without trying to fill in any answers, quickly read the text to see what it’s about.
• For each gap, look at the context and decide what kind of word (e.g. relative pronoun) is needed.
• Study the words either side of the gap for more clues.
• Think of words that might fi t and try each one.
• When you have filled in all the gaps, read your text to check it makes sense.

Use of English Part 3: The Task

• In Part 3 you read a text containing eight gaps. At the end of some lines there is a word in capital
letters for you to form one appropriate word to fill each gap.
• Part 3 mainly tests your ability to form new words and different parts of speech. You may, for example,
need to form adverbs by adding -ly to adjectives, make nouns plural by adding -s/-es, change
verb/adjective forms by adding -ed/-ing, or form comparative/superlative forms by adding -er/-est.
• You may also have to make spelling changes (e.g. long to length). You must always get the spelling
correct to get a point!
FCE EXAM TIPS

Use of English Part 3: Exam Tips

• Quickly read the title and the text. What’s it about?

• Look at each word in CAPITALS and the words before and after the gap. Is the missing word likely to
be a noun, a verb, or another part of speech?
• If it’s a noun, is it countable or uncountable?
• If it’s an adjective, is it positive or negative?
• Does the word in CAPITALS need more than one change?
• Check the word you have chosen fits the context and is spelt correctly.

Use of English Part 4: The Task

• In Part 4 there are six questions – each with a lead-in sentence, a key word, and a second gapped
sentence for you to complete.
• Part 4 tests grammar and vocabulary by asking you to use different structures and words to express
the same idea.
• You have to write your answer in two, three, four or five words. This includes the word in capitals,
which you have to use and mustn’t change. You lose marks if you ignore any of these instructions.
• Each correct answer gets two marks, with one mark for each part of the answer. So Part 4 has more
possible marks than Parts 1, 2 or 3.

Use of English Part 4: Exam Tips

• Read the instructions and the example. This will remind you exactly what you have to do.
• For each question, study both sentences and the key word in CAPITALS. What differences are there
between the two sentences?
• Decide what kind of word (e.g. noun) the key word is, and what often follows it (e.g. preposition).
• Begin by thinking about what the question is testing (e.g. conditionals or phrasal verbs).
• Think about whether you need to make a grammatical change (e.g. from active to passive) or a
vocabulary change (e.g. change escape to the phrasal verb get away or change a linking expression
like because to on account of).
• Check whether you need to make any other changes (e.g. a noun to an adjective, an affirmative to a
negative).
• Check you have included all the information from the first sentence and that you haven’t added
anything.
• Check that the completed sentence makes sense.

Reading Part 5: The Task

• In Part 5 you read a text followed by six questions with four options: A, B, C or D.
• Questions may test your ability to understand overall meaning, main ideas or details, as well as
attitudes or opinions.
• You may need to infer meaning (use clues to understand things that aren’t actually said).
• The first line can be a question or an unfinished statement.
• Questions follow the order of information in the text.

Reading Part 5: Exam Tips

• Read the instructions and the title, if there is one. What kind of text (e.g. magazine article) is it?
• Quickly read the text without trying to answer any of the questions. What is it about?
• Look at the stem of the first question, underlining the key words (i.e. the most important words).
FCE EXAM TIPS

• Find the relevant part of the text. Draw a vertical line next to it and write down the question number.
• Read what the text says about the question and try to answer it in your own words.
• Look at options A, B, C and D. Which is closest to your understanding of what the text says?
• If you really aren’t sure, cross out any options that you think are wrong and then make a guess.
• Repeat steps 1–7 for each question.

Reading Part 6: The Task

• In Part 6 there is a text with six gaps (37–42). Each gap is for a missing sentence. These sentences are
in a list (A–G), but in the wrong order. You have to put the sentences into the correct gaps.
• There is also a sentence that doesn’t fit anywhere. This can be any of A–G.
• You can use each sentence A–G once only.
• Part 6 tests your understanding of the overall structure of the text, and the development of ideas,
opinions and events.
• The instructions tell you what kind of text it is and what it is about.
• The text has a title, and often some background information below it.

Reading Part 6: Exam Tips

• Read the instructions, the title and any background information. What kind of text is it? What’s the
topic?
• Quickly read through the main text. What is each paragraph about?
• Look quickly at sentences A–G. Do any of them obviously fit particular gaps?
• For each gap 37–42, study the ideas and words that come before and after it.
• Look for similar or contrasting ideas in the list of sentences.
• In both the main text and sentences A–G, underline vocabulary links, reference words such as this or
her, and linking expressions like also, even though, one, do and so.
• When you have chosen your answers, read the complete text. Does it make sense?

Reading Part 7: The Task

• In Part 7 there may be one long text divided into sections or a number of shorter texts.
• There are 10 questions which you match with the sections or short texts (A, B, C, etc.), according to
the question at the top, e.g. Which person…
• Part 7 tests your ability to find particular information in a text. You need to understand detail, attitudes
and opinions in the questions, and find the part(s) of the text which express the same idea.
• The instructions tell you what kind of text it is and what it’s about. It always has a title.
• The information you need may not be in the same order as the questions.
• There may be evidence for a particular answer in more than one sentence or part of a sentence.

Reading Part 7: Exam Tips

• Read the instructions and the title to find out what kind of text it is and the topic.
• Quickly read the questions and underline the key words.
• Go quickly through the first section to see which questions it answers.
• When you find information that seems to answer a question, read the question again and study the
evidence in the text carefully.
• Different texts or parts of the text may contain similar ideas, but you have to read carefully to decide
which say exactly the same thing as the questions.
• You will need to use the same option for more than one question, e.g. four answers might all be A.
FCE EXAM TIPS

WRITING PAPER

Writing Part 1: Essays

• The essay task in Part 1 tests your ability to write an ‘opinion’ essay for the teacher of an English class.
• There is a question or statement to discuss and you are also given some notes to guide your writing.
• You should write between 140 and 190 words.
• You should allow about 40 minutes for this task, including time to plan your work and check for
mistakes at the end.
• Your essay must be well organised into paragraphs, with good linking expressions.
• As your reader will be a teacher, you should use fairly formal language.
• You should write full sentences with correct grammar and punctuation, using a good range of language
with accurate spelling.

Writing Part 1: Essay Tips

• Read the instructions, the question or statement, and the two notes you are given.
• Decide whether to write for or against, or whether to give arguments both for and against.
• Think of a third idea to add to the notes you are given. Write this down, then make a plan.
• Write a short introductory paragraph, commenting generally on the topic, e.g. The climate is changing,
so many people are saying… You can give your own opinion here and/or in your last paragraph.
• Write in a fairly formal style, including linking expressions.
• Write at least two sentences about each main point, giving reasons and possibly also examples.
• Give your opinion by summarising your main points in a concluding paragraph.
• Check your essay for mistakes – and that you have written at least 140 words.

Writing Part 2: Emails

• The email task often tests your ability to write to an English-speaking friend or colleague.
• You are asked to respond to a situation described in the question. In your email of 140–190 words you
must include all the information asked for.
• You have about 40 minutes for this task, including time at the end to check your work.
• You have to organise your text into paragraphs, with a suitable beginning and ending.
• You must use an appropriate style and tone, depending on who your text is for.
• You need to write grammatically correct sentences with correct punctuation and spelling and use a
good range of language.

Writing Part 2: Email Tips

• Read the instructions and any text that is included in the question.
• Who do you have to write to? Why? Which points must you include? Decide whether to use formal or
informal language.
• Think about the topic and your reader and note down ideas. How many paragraphs will you need?
• Make a plan and put your best ideas under short paragraph headings. Do they cover all the points in
the question?
• Note down some words or phrases for each paragraph.
• Write your text. Keep to the topic and to your plan.
• Use a wide range of vocabulary and grammar, and make sure your handwriting is easy to read.
• Check your completed text. Have you made any careless mistakes? Is it at least 140 words? If not, you
will lose marks.
FCE EXAM TIPS

Writing Part 2: Articles

• The article task in Part 2 tests your ability to write an interesting text for a magazine or newsletter.
• You may need to write descriptions, give examples, make comments or give your opinions.
• You are writing for readers who are already interested in the topic.
• You should write 140–190 words.

Writing Part 2: Article Tips

• Read the instructions. Do you know enough about the topic to write an article?
• Think about who your readers are and what they would like to read about.
• Spend a few minutes making a plan based on all parts of the task, noting down points and language
for each paragraph.
• Think of a good title to attract your readers’ attention, and an interesting introduction to make them
want to keep reading.
• Write your text in a lively way that will hold readers’ interest. You can describe your own experiences
and give your own opinions.
• Use language that is fairly informal. Try to include some interesting expressions, e.g. it’s well worth it,
and perhaps questions like I wonder what would happen if…
• Make the ending interesting by encouraging readers to think about what they have read.
• Check your article for mistakes – and that you have written at least 140 words.

Writing Part 2: Reports

• The report task tests your ability to give factual information and make recommendations or
suggestions.
• The instructions include a description of a situation. You have to write a report of between 140–190
words.
• Allow about 40 minutes for this task, including time at the end to check your work.
• The report may be for a teacher or school director, or classmates, members of the same club, etc. You
therefore have to write in an appropriate style.
• Organise your text into report format and use headings if needed.
• Write full sentences and try to use correct grammar and punctuation, with a good range of language
with accurate spelling.

Writing Part 2: Report Tips

• Read the instructions. Do you know enough facts about the topic to write a report on it?
• Decide who will read your report and what they will want to know.
• Think about any knowledge and/or personal experience you could mention and note down some
ideas.
• Decide if you will use headings and think of a good title that indicates the content of the report.
• Spend a few minutes making a plan based on all parts of the task, including recommendations or
suggestions.
• Write your text in a style that is appropriate for your readers. Try to make it interesting; if possible,
include some facts that may be new to them.
FCE EXAM TIPS

LISTENING PAPER

Listening Part 1: The Task

• In Part 1 you hear eight short unrelated extracts from monologues or exchanges. There is one multiple-
choice question per extract, each with three options. You hear each extract twice.
• Part 1 tests your understanding of: gist, detail, opinion, attitude, function, purpose, relationship, topic,
place, situation, agreement, etc.
• The question includes information about the situation (e.g. a phone call, a radio programme, an
extract from a play, etc.) followed by a direct question (e.g. How does she feel?).

Listening Part 1: Exam Tips

• For each question, quickly read the first line. What’s the situation? Will you hear one person or two?
Female or male?
• Look at the direct question and stem (e.g. Who is the woman?) and underline the key words.
• When you first hear the recording, try to think of an answer to each question in your own words. Then
choose (from A, B or C) the option most like your answer.
• Check your answer the second time you listen, making sure that you have not made a mistake -
speakers may use words connected with more than one option.
• If you’re still not sure which the correct answer is, cross out any you are sure are wrong and guess.
• When the recording has finished and you have chosen your answer, forget about that question and
concentrate on the next one.

Listening Part 2: The Task

• In Part 2 you will hear a monologue lasting three to four minutes. Part 2 tests your understanding of
detail, stated opinion and specific information. You have to listen for particular words, phrases or
numbers to complete ten sentences. You should write these down exactly as you hear them.
• The 1–3 words you have to write will not be above First level.
• Sometimes words or names may be spelt out. If so, you must spell them correctly.
• All the questions follow the order of the information in the recording, and for each one you will hear
a ‘cue’ that indicates an answer is coming.

Listening Part 2: Exam Tips

• Read the instructions to get an idea of the situation.

• Quickly go through the incomplete sentences, including the words after the gaps. This Will help you
get an idea of what the text is about.
• For each gap, decide what kind of information (e.g. object, number) you need to listen for.
• The first time you listen, write your answer in pencil, in case you want to change it on the second
listening.
• When the recording has finished, check the sentences all make sense – and check your spelling, too.

Listening Part 3: The Task

• In Part 3 you hear five short related monologues.

• Part 3 tests your understanding of: gist, detail, opinion, attitude, function, purpose, relationship, topic,
place, situation, agreement, etc.
• The instructions you see and hear include information about the link between the five recordings.
• The eight options (A–H) do not usually follow the order of the information in the recording.
FCE EXAM TIPS

Listening Part 3: Exam Tips

• Quickly read the instructions and options A–H. What is the link between the five recordings?
• Study options A–H and underline the key words in each.
• Before you listen, think of words or phrases that the speakers might use to talk about different aspects
of the topic.
• The first time you hear the recording, listen for the general idea of what each speaker says.
• Choose the answer to each question that you think is correct.
• The second time you listen, check that each of your choices exactly matches what the speaker says.

Listening Part 4: The Task

• In Part 4 you will hear an interview or an exchange between two speakers lasting three to four
minutes. There are seven multiple-choice questions, each with three options.
• Part 4 tests your understanding of: attitude, opinion, gist, main ideas and specific information.
• All the questions follow the order of the information in the recording; each part of the recording
relates to a particular question.
• The instructions you see and hear may include information such as the main speaker’s name,
occupation or hobby, and/or the setting (e.g. a radio interview). This can tell you the type of language
and information you might hear.

Listening Part 4: Exam Tips

• Quickly read the instructions. What kind of recording is it? What’s the topic? Who will you hear?
• Before you listen, look at the first line of each item. What kind of information, e.g. somebody’s opinion,
do you need for each?
• Underline the key words in each item to help you focus on the information you need.
• Listen for expressions with similar or opposite meanings to the key words you underlined.
• Think of an answer in your own words. Then choose the option most like your answer.
• Check all your answers on the second listening.
FCE EXAM TIPS

SPEAKING PAPER

Speaking Part 1: The Task

• Part 1 lasts about two minutes. One of the examiners tells you their names and asks for yours. Then
you give him/her your mark sheet.
• You answer questions from one of the examiners.
• You don’t usually talk to the other candidate.
• Part 1 tests your ability to give basic information about yourself and to talk about everyday topics such
as your work or studies, your family, your free time and your future plans.
• One aim of Part 1 is to help you relax by getting you to talk about a topic you know a lot about: yourself.

Speaking Part 1: Exam Tips

• Be polite and friendly when you meet the examiners and the other candidate.
• Listen carefully to the examiner’s questions. If you don’t understand something, politely ask him or
her to repeat it (e.g. Could you repeat that, please?).
• Don’t just reply yes or no to the questions.
• Don’t try to give a speech or repeat sentences that you prepared earlier.
• Make sure you speak loudly and clearly enough for the examiners and your partner to hear you. Be
confident!
• When you can, give reasons and examples in your answers.
• Try to use a wide range of grammar and vocabulary.

Speaking Part 2: The Task

• In Part 2 each candidate is given a one-minute ‘long turn’. Nobody will interrupt you.
• The examiner gives each of you two pictures and will ask you to compare them and answer a question
which is written at the top of the page.
• This part tests your ability to organise your speaking, and to compare, describe and give your opinions.
• You also talk for 30 seconds about your partner’s pictures, after their minute has finished.

Speaking Part 2: Exam Tips

• Listen to the instructions, study the pictures and read the question.
• Think about what you’re going to say. Imagine you’re briefly describing the pictures to somebody who
can’t see them.
• Don’t speak too quickly, or for less than a minute. The examiner will say when it’s time to stop.
• Don’t try to describe every detail. Just say what’s similar and different about the pictures.
• If you can’t name something in the pictures, use other words (e.g. the thing you use for …).
• When you answer the examiner’s question, give your opinion, with reasons and examples.
• Never interrupt your partner in Part 2. Listen carefully, so you can comment afterwards when the
examiner asks you a question.

Speaking Part 3: The Task

• Part 3 lasts four minutes. You work in pairs. The examiner gives you a piece of paper with written
prompts that show different ideas or possibilities and tells you what you have to do.
• First you talk about the prompts together, giving your opinions. Then the examiner asks you to try to
make a decision.
FCE EXAM TIPS

• This part tests your ability to talk about different possibilities, make suggestions, express opinions
and give reasons, agree or disagree, and attempt to decide together.
• You take turns so that your partner and you spend about the same amount of time speaking.

Speaking Part 3: Exam Tips

• Listen carefully to the instructions and look at the diagram with your partner.
• Start the discussion with something like Would you like to start, or shall I? or Shall we begin with this
one?
• Begin by talking about one of the things, giving your opinion, or perhaps making a suggestion. Then
ask what your partner thinks, and why.
• Talk briefly about each thing. Reply to your partner’s ideas and give reasons for your suggestions,
opinions and preferences. If you disagree with him or her, be polite.
• Listen again to the examiner and then begin the decision-making by saying, for example, So which do
you think would be best? or Which shall we go for?
• Try to decide which to choose (e.g. Shall we do this one? or I’m in favour of that one).
• If you agree, say something like Right, that’s what we’ll do. If you can’t decide, you can say Shall we
leave it at that, then? or simply Let’s agree to disagree.

Speaking Part 4: The Task

• Part 4 lasts four minutes. You answer questions based on the same topic as Part 3.
• This part tests your ability to talk about issues in more depth than in the other three parts of the
Speaking paper. You will need to express opinions and give reasons for them, and also to agree or
disagree with different opinions.
• The examiner may also ask you to reply to your partner’s opinions.
• You may want to bring your partner into the discussion, and they might want to involve you in
answering their questions, too.
• After you finish Part 4, the examiner will thank you and say the test has ended.

Speaking Part 4: Exam Tips

• Part 4 questions are not written down, so listen carefully. If you don’t understand something, ask the
examiner to repeat it (e.g. I’m sorry, I didn’t catch the last word).
• Justify your opinions by giving reasons and possibly an example beginning for instance, for example
or such as…
• Avoid answers like ‘I don’t know’. If you don’t know a lot about the subject, say so and give your
opinion (e.g. I don’t know much about that, but I think …).
• Listen carefully to what your partner says, possibly adding to their ideas.
• Take turns and speak for about the same length of time. If you disagree with your partner’s opinions,
be polite.
• Encourage your partner to say more (e.g. How do you feel about that? or What would you do in that
situation?). Then reply.
• When this part has ended, the Speaking test is over. Remember that the examiners can’t answer
questions about how well you did.