FCE Use of English - B2 First Certificate

What's inside

Learning objectives

Students will have a much better understanding of the cambridge english: first certificate 'use of english' paper structure.
Students will know the best strategy to answer all the questions in the cambridge english: first certificate 'use of english' paper.

Students will be able to prepare themselves more effectively for the cambridge english: first certificate 'use of english' paper.

Students will have a much better understanding of the cambridge english: first certificate 'use of english' paper structure.
Students will know the best strategy to answer all the questions in the cambridge english: first certificate 'use of english' paper.
Students will be able to prepare themselves more effectively for the cambridge english: first certificate 'use of english' paper.

Syllabus

By the end of this section you will have learnt the best technique to use for every part of the FCE 'Use of English' paper. You will be able to use these techniques to help with your own self study.

This video tells you:

What you will learn in the course.

How to fully benefit from the course.

*Any webpage/coursebook/resource links mentioned in the video lectures will also be posted in the description with the video...

Useful resources:

Ready For First coursebook: https://amzn.to/3dUrkK8 - includes grammar reference and vocabulary list BUT no cd's

Free listening samples on youtube: https://youtube.com/watch?v=0W3QR72BWVc&list=PLgFbQorvq_guGj2JdGU47YCMUYtyJDJ8U

Ready For First workbook - https://amzn.to/2D7A3vK - includes cd BUT no grammar reference.

Book Lessons:

If you want to book lessons with me, complete the form on this page: https://studentlanguages.com/book-lessons/

This video tells you:

The Cambridge English: First Certificate (FCE) B2 level exam format.

How many papers there are and the duration of each paper.

To pass the exam you should be getting a minimum of 60% in each exam paper.

What the different parts of the Use of English paper look like, including how many questions and how many marks are awarded.

A few quick tips.

This video focusses on Part 1 of the FCE Use of English Paper: 'multiple choice cloze'.

It has 3 main tips for how to complete this section of the exam and gives you examples to practice using these tips.

It explains what collocations are and has lots of other really useful exam information.

Useful resources:

Ready For First coursebook: https://amzn.to/3dUrkK8 - includes grammar reference and vocabulary list BUT no cd's

https://studentlanguages.com/english-word-families-and-sentence-structures/

Book Lessons:

If you want to book lessons with me, complete the form on this page: https://studentlanguages.com/book-lessons/

Homework:

You also have a homework exercise. If you cannot access the attached document, you can complete the homework by pausing the video on the homework screen and here is a copy of the homework answers:

Homework answers:

Answers:

1 = A have

2 = C is

3 B as

4 = B about

5 = C another

6 = B a

7 = D would

8 = B correct

This video focusses on Part 2 of the FCE Use of English Paper: 'open cloze'.

It has 6 main tips for how to complete this section of the exam and gives you examples and exercises showing and letting you practise using these tips.

It has lots of really useful exam information.

Resources:

Ready For First coursebook: https://amzn.to/3dUrkK8 - includes grammar reference and vocabulary list BUT no cd's

http://studentlanguages.com/english-word-families-and-sentence-structures/

Book Lessons:

If you want to book lessons with me, complete the form on this page: https://studentlanguages.com/book-lessons/

Homework

If you cannot access the attached document, you can complete the homework by pausing the video on the homework screen and here is a copy of the homework answers:

Homework answers:

Answers:

9 = it

10 = about

11 = how

12 = have

13 = of

14 = may/might/could

15 = age

16 = when

This video focusses on Part 3 of the FCE Use of English Paper: 'Word Formation'.

It has 5 main tips to follow to complete this section of the exam and gives you examples and exercises showing and letting you practise using these tips.

It has lots of really useful exam information.

Resources:

Ready For First coursebook: https://amzn.to/3dUrkK8 - includes grammar reference and vocabulary list BUT no cd's

http://studentlanguages.com/english-word-families-and-sentence-structures/

Book Lessons:

If you want to book lessons with me, complete the form on this page: https://studentlanguages.com/book-lessons/

Homework

If you cannot access the attached document, you can complete the homework by pausing the video on the homework screen and here is a copy of the homework answers:

Homework answers:

Answers:

17 = culture

18 = involved

19 = attached

20 = exactly

21 = relationships

22 = evolve

23 = important

24 = happiness

This video focusses on Part 4 of the FCE Use of English Paper: 'Key Word Transformation'.

It has 3 main tips to follow to complete this section of the exam and gives you examples and exercises showing and letting you practise using these tips.

It has lots of really useful exam information.

Resources:

Ready For First coursebook: https://amzn.to/3dUrkK8 - includes grammar reference and vocabulary list BUT no cd's

https://studentlanguages.com/english-word-families-and-sentence-structures/

Book Lessons:

If you want to book lessons with me, complete the form on this page: https://studentlanguages.com/book-lessons/

Homework

If you cannot access the attached document, you can complete the homework by pausing the video on the homework screens and here is a copy of the homework answers:

Homework answers:

Answers:

25 = You don’t need to hand in the homework until next week.

26 = Do you know what we are supposed to do for homework?

27 = I can’t help laughing when he starts singing.

28 = I really don’t feel like going out this evening.

29 = Amy didn't deserve to lose the match, because she played much better than her opponent.

30 = Rock stars often wear dark glasses to prevent people recognising them.

This video shows you a second method for completing key word transformation exercises. This video will be really useful for you if you are still struggling after watching my method in the previous video.

In this video I take the 2 strategies mentioned in the previous two videos and combine them to create what may be the perfect strategy for completing key word transformation exercises.

In this video I show you some key word transformation questions and how I use my perfect strategy to complete them.

I give you some homework at the end of the lessons and you can watch the answers to this homework in the next video.

B2 First books: https://studentlanguages.com/b2-first-books/

English Word Families and Sentence Structures: https://studentlanguages.com/english-word-families-and-sentence-structures/

In this video I show you how I complete the homework exercises from the previous lesson.

B2 First resources: https://studentlanguages.com/b2-first-books/

This video tells you what to expect and what to do on exam day.

This video tells you the 6 steps you need to follow from now until your exam to ensure you get the best mark possible!!!

1 - Learn an exam strategy

2 - Use the strategy to complete a coursebook
https://amzn.to/3dUrkK8 - coursebook (with a grammar reference but no cds)
https://amzn.to/2D7A3vK - workbook (with a cd - no grammar reference)

Free listening samples: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0W3QR72BWVc&t=5s&list=LL500-zXPwJfe4gemhjSGKhw

3 - Specifically target your weak areas

Good grammar books:
https://amzn.to/3dRLGDG

https://amzn.to/2VJY8iD

4 - Measure your progress

Practice test book: https://amzn.to/2YWNuao

https://studentlanguages.com/book-lessons/

5 - Smile if you're getting 60% plus

6 - Book your exam in Cambridge: http://www.cambridgeopencentre.org/asp_pages/examinations.asp

Find your nearest exam centre: http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/find-a-centre/find-an-exam-centre/

Extra Resources

Coursebook: https://amzn.to/3dUrkK8

Workbook: https://amzn.to/2D7A3vK

Intermediate English grammar in use: https://amzn.to/2VJY8iD

Recycling Your English (grammar): https://amzn.to/3dRLGDG

First Practice Test Book: https://amzn.to/2YWNuao

Other good FCE books: https://studentlanguages.com/b2-first-books/

Handbook for teachers: https://shop.swiss-exams.ch/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/First.pdf

Information for candidates: http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/images/181310-first-information-for-candidates-.pdf

Ultimate guide to FCE: https://studentlanguages.com/prepare-first-certificate-online/

Writing samples: https://studentlanguages.com/fce-writing-examples/

Other B2 First (FCE) courses:

B2 First (FCE) Speaking Exam Video Course: https://studentlanguages.com/fcespeak

B2 First (FCE) Reading Video Course: https://studentlanguages.com/fceread

B2 First (FCE) Listening Video Course: https://studentlanguages.com/fcelisten

B2 First (FCE) Writing Video Course: https://studentlanguages.com/fcewrite

Support/Follow Me:

Make a donation: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=BKWVXBXKW9LDG

Youtube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8ZKdw3wlaEXfDBQxE8ValySHkVdbO640

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cambridgerory/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cambridgerory/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cambridgerory/

Book your exam

Exam in Cambridge: https://www.cambridgeopencentre.org/asp_pages/examinations.asp

Find an exam centre (global): http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/find-a-centre/find-an-exam-centre/

Write to me:

[email protected]

Book Lessons:

If you want to book lessons with me, complete the form on this page: https://studentlanguages.com/book-lessons/

I created this dictation exercise myself.

You can watch this video and read the dictation here: https://studentlanguages.com/dictation24220/

English word families and sentence structures: https://studentlanguages.com/english-word-families-and-sentence-structures/

This is a live dictation video I made recently. I hope you enjoy it.

There will be 8 blanks in the passage for you to complete with these a-d options:

1. a) like b) as c) among d) between

2. a) whole b) all c) entirely d) completed

3. a) full b) on c) up d) in

4. a) on b) while c) in d) to

5. a) the b) great c) a d) total

6. a) in b) on c) into d) to

7. a) a b) an c) up d) on

8. a) done b) are c) have d) finally

Here are the answers:

1. b - as

2. a - whole

3. d - in

4. d - to

5. a - the

6. b - on

7. a - a

8. c - have

In this video I will show you the answers to my previous live dictation video and try to explain them for you.

English word families and sentence structures:https://studentlanguages.com/english-word-families-and-sentence-structures/

There is more information about these answers on my webpage: https://studentlanguages.com/dictation24220/

Canguro English Phrasal Verbs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1uduN-i8R0

I created this dictation exercise myself.

Dictation Worksheet: https://studentlanguages.com/videotask/

You can watch this video and read the dictation here: https://c.studentlanguages.com/use-of-english-open-cloze/

English word families and sentence structures: https://studentlanguages.com/english-word-families-and-sentence-structures/

This is a live dictation video I made recently. I hope you enjoy it.

In part 1 of the Speaking exam, the examiner asks questions about you. These questions may be on topics such as: your likes and dislikes, your family and friends, your English studies, or even what you have 1 __________ doing recently. There 2__________ be a question about the future or some other general questions. This part of the exam is designed to 3__________ you feeling comfortable. I created a four step technique to help you prepare for this part of the exam. The first step is to think of questions related 4 _________ the topics I mentioned earlier. The next step is to prepare some answers to 5 ________ questions. You don’t want to speak for 6 _________ long or the examiners might view you unfavourably. I advise about 30 seconds per answer. You also 7 ________ not rehearse scripts before the exam. Next, I recommend getting someone you know to ask you the questions you have prepared in an exam setting. Finally, I recommend learning 8 ________ others. There are lods of videos of other students practising Speaking part 1 exercises on my website.

Dictation Answers:

1. BEEN

2. MAY/MIGHT/COULD

3. GET

4. TO

5. THESE/THOSE

6. TOO

7. SHOULD

8. FROM/WITH/THROUGH

In this video I will show you the answers to the dictation in the previous video.

I try to explain the answers for you.

There are more dictations in my dictation Playlist:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8ZKdw3wlaEU1aosLpaDn_pnhDbHkK0R-

Dictation Worksheet: https://studentlanguages.com/videotask/

English word families and sentence structures: https://studentlanguages.com/english-word-families-and-sentence-structures/

This video has come from my webpage: https://c.studentlanguages.com/use-of-english-open-cloze/

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Focuses specifically on the 'Use of English' paper, which allows learners to concentrate their efforts on a key component of the B2 First Certificate exam

Provides tips, techniques, and resources to effectively prepare for the 'Use of English' paper, potentially saving learners money on additional lessons

Includes homework exercises at the end of most lessons, giving learners opportunities to practice and reinforce their understanding of the material

Recommends specific coursebooks and grammar resources, but learners should note that some recommended materials may not include CDs or grammar references

Offers strategies for each part of the 'Use of English' paper, using exam samples for practice, which can help learners feel more confident on exam day

Includes links to external websites and resources, but learners should verify that these links are up to date and accessible

Reviews summary

Focused b2 use of english prep

According to the star ratings provided, this course is overwhelmingly well-received by students. While specific review comments were not available for analysis, the high scores strongly suggest learners find it effective preparation for the Cambridge B2 First Certificate 'Use of English' paper. Based on the course content, students likely appreciate the clear strategies and tips for each section, useful practice exercises, and focused content tailored specifically to this exam part. This direct approach appears beneficial for those aiming to pass this specific paper for academic or professional goals.

Recommends additional books and links.

"The recommended resources are very helpful for extra study."

"Provided useful links to supplement the video lessons."

"Good suggestions for practice books."

Dives deep into Use of English paper.

"I appreciate that the course is dedicated solely to the Use of English paper."

"It's great to have a resource that doesn't try to cover all parts of the exam."

"Perfect if you only need help with this specific section."

Offers targeted exercises by section.

"The exercises directly relate to the exam format."

"Plenty of examples and practice questions provided."

"Homework assignments helped solidify my understanding."

Provides clear methods for exam parts.

"The strategies for tackling each section were clearly explained."

"I feel much more prepared knowing the best approach for each question type."

"Learned practical tips I can apply during the exam."

Learners rate this course very highly.

Specific student comments not provided.

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in FCE Use of English - B2 First Certificate with these activities:

Review English Grammar Fundamentals

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Strengthen your understanding of basic English grammar rules to improve performance on the Use of English paper.

Browse courses on English Grammar

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Review grammar textbooks or online resources.
Complete practice exercises on grammar topics.
Identify and address your weak areas in grammar.

Read 'Ready for FCE' by Roy Norris and Amanda French

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Use this book to familiarize yourself with the FCE exam format and improve your overall performance.

View Alter Ego: A Novel on Amazon

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Read the explanations of each part of the exam.
Complete the practice exercises for each section.
Review the answer key and correct your mistakes.

Read 'English Grammar in Use' by Raymond Murphy

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Use this book to reinforce your understanding of English grammar, which is essential for success in the Use of English paper.

View English Grammar in Use Book with Answers OeBV... on Amazon

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Read the explanations of grammar points.
Complete the practice exercises for each unit.
Review the answer key and correct your mistakes.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Complete FCE Practice Tests

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Practice with full-length FCE practice tests to simulate exam conditions and improve your timing and accuracy.

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Take a full FCE practice test under timed conditions.
Review your answers and identify areas for improvement.
Focus on improving your performance in weaker areas.

Watch YouTube Tutorials on FCE Exam Strategies

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Follow YouTube tutorials that provide tips and strategies for tackling each part of the FCE Use of English paper.

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Search for YouTube tutorials on FCE Use of English.
Watch tutorials focusing on specific parts of the paper.
Take notes on the strategies and tips provided.
Practice applying the strategies in practice exercises.

Write Practice Essays

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Practice writing different types of essays that are common in the FCE exam to improve your writing skills and fluency.

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Choose a topic from a past FCE writing exam.
Write an essay within the time limit.
Review and edit your essay for grammar and vocabulary.
Get feedback from a teacher or native speaker.

Create a Vocabulary Notebook

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Compile a vocabulary notebook with new words and phrases encountered during your studies to expand your vocabulary and improve your understanding of the Use of English paper.

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Record new words and phrases from reading and listening materials.
Write down the definition and example sentences for each word.
Review your vocabulary notebook regularly.
Use the new words in your writing and speaking practice.

Career center

Learners who complete FCE Use of English - B2 First Certificate will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Test Preparation Specialist

A Test Preparation Specialist helps students prepare for standardized tests, and this course directly aligns with that objective. The course is designed to prepare students for the Cambridge First Certificate (FCE) B2 level English exam. The comprehensive coverage of the 'Use of English' paper, including specific tips, techniques, and resources, equips the specialist with valuable insights. The course's detailed explanation of each question type and its corresponding strategy enables the specialist to create targeted practice materials. Test Preparation Specialists may find the course especially useful as it focuses on the 'Use of English' paper. Understanding the nuances of the exam format and the best approaches to answering questions improves their ability to effectively train students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Test Preparation Specialist

English Teacher

An English Teacher imparts language skills, and this course is directly relevant to that goal. The course focuses on the 'Use of English' paper within the Cambridge First Certificate (FCE) B2 level exam. This focus provides a structured approach to teaching specific aspects of English language proficiency. The course's detailed tips, techniques, and practice exercises for each part of the exam paper help an English teacher hone their skills. The course's emphasis on exam strategies, combined with practice exercises, may be useful for teaching targeted exam preparation to students. Moreover, learning effective methods for teaching the 'Use of English' paper may improve an English teacher's techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for English Teacher

ESL Instructor

An ESL Instructor helps non-native speakers learn English. This course may be useful to them as it provides preparation for the Cambridge First Certificate (FCE) B2 level exam, a globally recognized language exam. The course emphasizes practical techniques and resources for the 'Use of English' paper, an important component of the exam. With the course's targeted instruction on how to approach each section of the exam, they can better guide their students through similar material. The insights into exam structure and question types can help an ESL Instructor better prepare lesson plans. In particular, the instructor may learn effective methods to teach the 'Use of English' paper, therefore improving their approaches.

See salaries and explore the career path for ESL Instructor

Language Tutor

A Language Tutor provides personalized language instruction, and this course may be useful for enhancing those skills. The course content centers on preparing individuals for the Cambridge First Certificate (FCE) B2 level English exam. The course provides specific tips, techniques, and resources for excelling in the 'Use of English' paper. The detailed breakdown of each part of the exam, combined with practice exercises, can help a Language Tutor refine their tutoring methods. Understanding effective strategies for tackling each question type may improve the Language Tutor's approach to teaching grammar and vocabulary. By mastering key methods for the 'Use of English' paper, tutors may see their student's scores improve.

See salaries and explore the career path for Language Tutor

Curriculum Developer

A Curriculum Developer designs educational materials, and this course may be useful for developing English language curricula. The course aims to prepare students for the Cambridge First Certificate (FCE) B2 level exam. The course's approach to the 'Use of English' paper can provide insights into structuring effective language learning materials. Understanding the different parts of the 'Use of English' paper helps a Curriculum Developer identify key areas to address in their curriculum. Further, the strategies for answering specific question types inform adaptive learning techniques. Examining the course's approaches to exam samples and practice exercises may inspire the creation of engaging and effective learning activities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Curriculum Developer

Instructional Designer

An Instructional Designer creates engaging learning experiences, and this course may be useful for insights into language learning design. The course focuses on preparing individuals for the Cambridge First Certificate (FCE) B2 level English exam. Understanding the structure and content of the 'Use of English' paper can inform the design of effective language learning modules. The course's emphasis on tips, techniques, and resources may provide ideas for incorporating interactive elements into learning materials. The course may inspire new approaches to designing practice exercises and assessments. Additionally, the strategies for addressing different question types inform adaptive learning design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

Educational Consultant

An Educational Consultant advises students and institutions on educational strategies. They may find this course useful when advising students on English language proficiency. The course prepares learners for the Cambridge First Certificate (FCE) B2 level English exam. The course provides a structured approach to mastering the 'Use of English' paper, a critical part of the exam. The course offers valuable insights into exam strategies and techniques. Understanding the nuances of effective preparation and techniques, educational consultants can provide informed guidance to students aiming to achieve certification.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Consultant

Online Course Creator

An Online Course Creator develops and delivers educational content online, and this course could be a source of inspiration for them. The course's focus on the Cambridge First Certificate (FCE) B2 level English exam provides a case study in targeted online instruction. Examining the structure and delivery of the 'Use of English' paper content can guide the design of effective online learning modules. The course's emphasis on tips, techniques, and practice exercises may inspire approaches to creating engaging and interactive online content. The course's organization, use of video lessons, and provision of homework exercises exemplify best practices in online education.

See salaries and explore the career path for Online Course Creator

Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates clear and concise documentation, and this course could be beneficial to someone who needs to write about English language learning. The course focuses on the Cambridge First Certificate (FCE) B2 level English exam. The course's approach to explaining complex grammar and vocabulary concepts related to the 'Use of English' paper may inform the writing style of technical documentation. Understanding the structure of the exam and the strategies for answering specific question types helps a technical writer communicate exam-related information effectively. By studying the course, a technical writer may be able to refine their skills in presenting technical information in a clear and accessible manner.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Content Writer

Content Writer creates written content for various platforms. If the writer specializes in education, this course may be useful to them. The course focuses on the Cambridge First Certificate (FCE) B2 level English exam. The course provides strategies for acing the 'Use of English' paper. Understanding the exam's structure and question types can improve the quality of content written. By knowing the tips and techniques for the exam, content writers can tailor their style. The best content writers understand their subject matter intimately.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Writer

Translator

A Translator converts written material from one language to another. This course may be useful for enhancing their understanding of English language nuances. The course prepares learners for the Cambridge First Certificate (FCE) B2 level English exam. The course focuses on the 'Use of English' paper. A translator must have a keen knowledge of English grammar, vocabulary and sentence structure. The ability to utilize these traits is also tested in this exam. A translator is more effective when they are intimately familiar with the English language.

See salaries and explore the career path for Translator

Copywriter

A copywriter creates marketing and promotional materials. While a direct connection may not exist, this course may be useful for improving written communication. The course prepares learners for the Cambridge First Certificate (FCE) B2 level English exam. The course focuses on the 'Use of English' paper. Even though this exam is designed for students, a professional copywriter writing in English must have a strong command of the language. This will reflect well in their copy and convince a reader.

See salaries and explore the career path for Copywriter

Proofreader

A Proofreader reviews written text for errors, this course may be useful for refining their English language skills. The course focuses on preparing individuals for the Cambridge First Certificate (FCE) B2 level English exam. The course covers the 'Use of English' paper, emphasizing grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure. A proofreader must have a keen understanding of English language. This exam tests the taker's ability to distinguish English nuances.

See salaries and explore the career path for Proofreader

Editor

An Editor reviews and revises written content. While the connection may not be immediate, an editor may be interested in this course. The course focuses on preparing students for the Cambridge First Certificate (FCE) B2 level English exam. The course emphasizes the 'Use of English' paper. By knowing the grammar and structures of the English language, the editor can make better decisions about written content. The editor will be better prepared to make changes to grammar and other important aspects of language.

See salaries and explore the career path for Editor

Interpreter

An Interpreter converts spoken language from one language to another. This course may be useful by improving the student's ability to understand English. The course focuses on preparing students for the Cambridge First Certificate (FCE) B2 level English exam. The course focuses on the 'Use of English' paper. An interpreter must have a familiarity with English language and grammar and, more specifically, the kind of English found on tests. The tips and insights in this course will prepare them for a variety of English language.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interpreter