Cambridge B2- First (FCE): Master the English Speaking Exam from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Develop the ability to speak fluently and coherently, maintaining a smooth flow of ideas throughout the conversation.
Expand vocabulary range to express ideas accurately and precisely, incorporating a variety of words and phrases.
Gain confidence in using grammar structures appropriately, avoiding common errors in speech.
This is the short version of a longer free course on our site

Practice speaking about diverse topics, ranging from everyday situations to more complex themes, demonstrating adaptability and versatility.
Build the skills to extend responses and elaborate on ideas, enabling more in-depth discussions during the exam.
Develop the ability to actively engage in dialogue with other candidates, responding thoughtfully and constructively.

Develop the ability to speak fluently and coherently, maintaining a smooth flow of ideas throughout the conversation.
Expand vocabulary range to express ideas accurately and precisely, incorporating a variety of words and phrases.
Gain confidence in using grammar structures appropriately, avoiding common errors in speech.
This is the short version of a longer free course on our site
Practice speaking about diverse topics, ranging from everyday situations to more complex themes, demonstrating adaptability and versatility.
Build the skills to extend responses and elaborate on ideas, enabling more in-depth discussions during the exam.
Develop the ability to actively engage in dialogue with other candidates, responding thoughtfully and constructively.

Syllabus

In this section you will get a general overview of the Speaking Paper

General overview of the speaking exam

Basics to know before you start

KEY ELEMENTS TO EASILY INCREASE YOUR SCORE

Part 1: Interview

In this section, the examiner engages in a friendly conversation with the candidate, asking questions about familiar topics such as hobbies, interests, experiences, and opinions. The aim is to put the candidate at ease and assess their ability to provide personal information and maintain a natural conversation.

Part 2: Long Turn

Each candidate is given a task card with a specific topic. They have one minute to prepare a short speech on the given topic. After their preparation time, they present their speech to the examiner and the other candidate. The second candidate then gets a different topic and follows the same process. This section evaluates the ability to organize and deliver a coherent and structured monologue.

Part 3: Collaborative Task

The candidates are presented with a set of pictures related to a particular theme or issue. They are required to work together and engage in a discussion about the pictures, expressing their opinions, agreeing or disagreeing, and reaching a consensus on the topic. This section assesses interactive communication skills, including negotiation, expressing agreement and disagreement, and building on each other's ideas.

Part 4: Discussion

In this final section, the examiner leads a more in-depth discussion on the topic introduced in Part 3. The candidates are encouraged to express their thoughts, exchange ideas, and explore the topic further. This section evaluates the ability to engage in extended and meaningful conversations, as well as the capacity to present arguments and support opinions with examples and explanations.

A prepositional phrase is a group of words that includes a preposition (like "in," "on," "at," "with," etc.) and its object (a noun or pronoun).

It is used to describe the relationship between different parts of a sentence. For example, in the sentence "The book is on the table," "on the table" is a prepositional phrase, where "on" is the preposition, and "the table" is its object.

Prepositional phrases add more information and context to sentences, making them clearer and more detailed.

Please watch the video and make sure you memorize and use them in your speaking.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Offers targeted exam preparation, guiding learners through specific strategies and techniques to excel in each test format, which is useful for learners seeking to improve their scores

Includes speaking mock tests that closely resemble real exam conditions, allowing learners to familiarize themselves with the exam structure and time constraints, which is helpful for test preparation

Delves into a wide range of conversation topics typically covered in exams, from everyday situations to academic discussions, enhancing the ability to handle diverse subject matters, which is useful for test preparation

Expands vocabulary with context-specific words and phrases commonly used in conversation exams, enabling learners to express themselves more precisely and eloquently, which is useful for test preparation

Is a short version of a longer free course, which may require learners to seek out the full version to get a more comprehensive understanding of the material

Requires learners to engage with a partner, which may pose a challenge for those who prefer to study independently or lack access to a study partner

Reviews summary

Mastering cambridge b2 speaking exam

According to learners, this course is a valuable resource for those preparing for the Cambridge B2 First (FCE) Speaking Exam. Students particularly appreciate the clear strategies provided for each part of the test and the focus on essential vocabulary needed for the B2 level. The course structure, which follows the exam format, is found to be very helpful for targeted preparation. While many find it a solid foundation, some note that as a short version, it may require additional practice or the full course for complete preparation, especially regarding interactive elements and feedback.

Good as an intro, but may need more depth.

"This is a great short intro, but definitely need more practice materials or the full course."

"For a free, short course, it's excellent, but don't expect comprehensive coverage of everything."

"It covers the basics and strategies well, but advanced students might find it too brief."

"Entendí que era la versión corta, y cumple con eso, pero necesitaré más recursos para sentirme totalmente preparado."

Organized according to the B2 speaking test parts.

"The way the course is structured mirrors the actual exam, making it easy to follow and practice."

"Following the parts 1, 2, 3, 4 structure makes the preparation feel systematic and manageable."

"La estructura del curso por partes del examen es muy lógica y facilita el estudio."

"It's great that each section directly corresponds to a part of the FCE speaking test."

Focuses on B2 level vocabulary for the exam.

"The vocabulary sections on collocations and idiomatic expressions were incredibly helpful for boosting my score."

"Loved the lists of essential vocabulary and complex sentences to use in the exam."

"El vocabulario proporcionado está muy bien seleccionado para el nivel B2 y el examen."

"I appreciated the focus on discourse markers and fixed phrases to sound more natural."

Provides clear strategies for each exam part.

"The course gives you solid strategies for each part of the speaking exam, which is exactly what I needed."

"I found the strategies provided to be very effective in understanding how to approach Part 2 and 3."

"The tips on how to structure answers and engage with the partner were particularly useful."

"Aprendí técnicas específicas para mejorar mi desempeño en la parte de speaking del FCE."

Provides practice, but interactive practice limited.

"The practice sections are useful, but without a partner or feedback, it's hard to assess myself."

"While there are practice tasks, the lack of real-time interaction or feedback is a drawback."

"Would be great to have some form of peer or instructor feedback on the speaking practices."

"La práctica está bien, pero echo de menos poder interactuar con alguien o recibir correcciones."

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 Cambridge B2- First (FCE): Master the English Speaking Exam with these activities:

Review B1 Level Vocabulary

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Strengthen your foundational vocabulary to ensure a solid base for the B2 First speaking exam.

Browse courses on Vocabulary

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Review B1 vocabulary lists and flashcards.
Practice using B1 vocabulary in simple sentences.
Take a B1 vocabulary quiz to assess your knowledge.

Watch YouTube Videos of Mock Speaking Exams

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Familiarize yourself with the exam format and assess your performance against other candidates.

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Search for B2 First speaking exam mock tests on YouTube.
Watch several videos and take notes on the candidates' performance.
Compare your own speaking skills to those of the candidates.

Cambridge English First Masterclass: Student's Book

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Use this book as a reference to deepen your understanding of the B2 First speaking exam format and strategies.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Read the chapters related to the speaking exam.
Complete the practice exercises.
Review the exam tips and strategies.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Practice Speaking with a Language Partner

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Improve fluency and confidence by practicing speaking with a language partner regularly.

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Find a language partner online or in person.
Choose a topic from the B2 First syllabus.
Simulate exam conditions and provide feedback to each other.

Create a Vocabulary Notebook

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Systematically record and review new vocabulary to improve retention and usage in the speaking exam.

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Dedicate a notebook or digital document for vocabulary.
Record new words, definitions, and example sentences.
Review the notebook regularly and test yourself.

English Collocations in Use: How Words Work Together for Fluent and Natural English

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Expand your vocabulary by learning and practicing common English collocations to enhance fluency and accuracy.

View English Collocations in Use Intermediate Book... on Amazon

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Study the chapters on collocations relevant to common speaking topics.
Complete the practice exercises to reinforce your understanding.
Use the new collocations in your speaking practice.

Record Yourself Speaking on a Given Topic

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Analyze your speaking performance to identify areas for improvement in fluency, vocabulary, and grammar.

Show steps

Choose a topic from the B2 First syllabus.
Record yourself speaking for 2-3 minutes.
Listen to the recording and identify areas for improvement.

Career center

Learners who complete Cambridge B2- First (FCE): Master the English Speaking Exam will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

ESL Instructor

An ESL Instructor specializes in teaching English to speakers of other languages. The course's focus on improving spoken English fluency, vocabulary, and pronunciation directly translates to this role's core responsibilities. The detailed syllabus, including sections on interview techniques, long turns, collaborative tasks, and discussions, mirrors the real-world scenarios ESL students need to master. The syllabus also includes vocabulary for part three of the exam. The course's strategies for enhancing speaking skills, vocabulary, grammar, listening, and reading may be useful for instructors seeking innovative teaching methods and resources. This course can help ESL instructors create effective lesson plans that prepare students for practical communication and standardized English exams, ultimately leading to better learning outcomes.

See salaries and explore the career path for ESL Instructor

English Teacher

An English Teacher helps students develop their English language skills, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing. This course, which focuses on mastering the speaking exam, equips prospective teachers with strategies and resources to skillfully communicate. The course's emphasis on fluency, vocabulary, pronunciation, and effective communication mirrors the skills that an English Teacher cultivates in their students. Furthermore, the targeted exam preparation, mock tests, diverse topic exploration, and vocabulary enhancement provided may be useful for designing effective lesson plans and assessment tools. This course, centered on strategies to enhance speaking skills, may be useful for educators aiming to foster confident and proficient communicators.

See salaries and explore the career path for English Teacher

Language Assessor

A Language Assessor evaluates individuals' language proficiency through various tests and interviews. The course, designed to help individuals excel in the B2-First English speaking exam, provides direct insights into the assessment criteria and techniques used in standardized language evaluations. Knowledge of key elements will increase one's assessment score. Understanding the different parts of the speaking exam, such as the interview, long turn, collaborative task, and discussion, helps the assessor design comprehensive evaluation protocols. This course may be useful for language assessors seeking to refine their methods and ensure fair, accurate, and reliable language proficiency assessments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Language Assessor

Communications Trainer

A Communications Trainer designs and delivers training programs to improve individuals' and teams' communication skills. This course helps trainers enhance participants' fluency, vocabulary, pronunciation, and ability to communicate effectively. The course's modules on interview techniques, collaborative tasks, and extended discussions mirror the communication scenarios often addressed in training sessions. The course includes strategies for overall learning, vocabulary learning, and enhancing speaking, writing, listening and reading skills. A communications trainer may use the strategies discussed to create comprehensive training programs that address diverse aspects of communication proficiency.

See salaries and explore the career path for Communications Trainer

Public Speaking Coach

A Public Speaking Coach helps individuals develop confidence and skill in public speaking. The course's emphasis on improving spoken English fluency, vocabulary expansion, and effective communication directly supports the coach's role in helping clients become articulate and engaging speakers. The course syllabus covers essential elements to increase scores. The strategies to enhance speaking skills may be useful for a coach looking to provide comprehensive guidance on public speaking techniques, speech organization, and audience engagement, thus ensuring their clients can deliver impactful presentations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Speaking Coach

Recruiter

A Recruiter identifies, interviews, and screens candidates to fill job openings, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills. Recruiters may use the skills honed in this course to elicit information from candidates. Recruiters can also use the skills to persuade candidates to join a new company.

See salaries and explore the career path for Recruiter

Customer Service Representative

A Customer Service Representative interacts with customers to provide information, address inquiries, and resolve issues, requiring clear and effective communication skills. The course focuses on enhancing speaking skills. Customer service representatives may use the skills honed in this course to resolve customer issues diplomatically.

See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Service Representative

Market Research Analyst

A Market Research Analyst studies market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service, often involving communication with consumers. The course sharpens communication. Market research analysts often have to express complex concepts. They may be required to present information to investors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Research Analyst

Foreign Service Officer

A Foreign Service Officer represents their country's interests abroad, requiring exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. This course helps foreign service officers perform tasks that require exceptional communication. Foreign service officers may require additional training.

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Content Writer

A Content Writer creates written material for various platforms, often requiring a strong command of language and the ability to adapt to different styles. This course may be useful for content writers seeking to improve their grasp of English grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structures. The course is targeted to improve exam performance. Specifically, the modules on complex sentences, prepositional phrases, collocations, and fixed phrases may be useful for producing clear, concise, and engaging content that resonates with a wide audience. This course's strategies to enhance writing skills may be useful for content writers who want to maintain a high standard of written communication.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Writer

Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates documentation and guides that explain complex information in a clear and concise manner. The course supports the development of clear communication. Effective communication is important to the role of technical writer. This course is essential when the guides and documentations must explain the nuances of the English language.

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International Relations Specialist

An International Relations Specialist works to foster relationships between countries or organizations, which often requires advanced communication skills. This course may be useful to foreign service officers. They may require additional training.

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Tour Guide

A Tour Guide leads groups of visitors, providing information and insights about a specific location or attraction. The course trains individuals to speak fluently. Tour guides can use this training to improve their conversational skills.

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Translator

A Translator converts written or spoken content from one language to another, requiring a strong understanding of both languages and cultural nuances. The course is targeted to improve exam performance. The translator may use their skills to convey ideas accurately and fluently.

See salaries and explore the career path for Translator

Speech-Language Pathologist

A Speech Language Pathologist assesses, diagnoses, and treats communication and swallowing disorders. The segments on enhancing speaking skills, practicing diverse topics, and building dialogue skills equip pathologists with techniques to aid patients. The course's approach is to enhance speaking skills. The speech language pathologist may use techniques they learn to help their patients.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Cambridge B2- First (FCE): Master the English Speaking Exam.

Putting Knowledge to Work

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Comprehensive guide to the B2 First exam. It provides detailed explanations of each part of the exam, including the speaking paper. It includes practice exercises and exam tips to help students improve their skills and confidence. This book is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.

Putting Knowledge to Work

Paperback

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Putting Knowledge to Work

Kindle Edition

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English Collocations in Use Intermediate Book with...

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Focuses on improving your use of collocations. Collocations are words that naturally go together. Using them correctly will make your English sound more natural and fluent. This book is particularly useful for the speaking exam, where using a wide range of vocabulary is important. It is more valuable as additional reading than as a current reference.

English Collocations in Use Intermediate Book with...

Paperback

Cambridge B2- First (FCE)

Master the English Speaking Exam

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Mastering cambridge b2 speaking exam

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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