FCE is an exam at level B2 of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework for people who 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…
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understand texts from a wide variety of sources? |
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use English to make notes while someone is speaking in English? |
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talk to people about a wide variety of topics? |
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understand people talking in English on radio or television programmes? |
If this describes your skills now, or describes the level of skills you are working towards, then FCE is the right exam for you.
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Reading (1 hour)
You will need to be able to understand information in fiction and non-fiction books, journals, newspapers and magazines. |
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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. |
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Use of English (45 minutes)
Your use of English will be tested by tasks which show how well you control your grammar and vocabulary. |
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Listening (40 minutes)
You need to show you can understand the meaning of a range of spoken material, including news programmes, speeches, stories and anecdotes and public announcements. |
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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. |
Each component carries 20% of the total marks. There are three pass grades (A, B and C) and certificates are awarded to candidates who achieve these grades. Candidates who achieve a grade D or E are judged not to have reached the required standard for FCE.
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