B2 First (Cambridge FCE)

What is B2 First?

Our B2 First course is a high level exam in the Upper Intermediate range. It is the bridge between lower levels and the advanced certificate. In fact, B2 shows that you have a strongly competent level of English. That’s why universities and employers take this qualification very seriously. It shows you have strong language skills, fluency in speaking, a good vocabulary and a solid sense of the sound of English.

LVC‘s B2 First course will help you prepare for this important exam. Our teachers will do everything to help you feel confident and ready when you sit down in the test centre.

By the way, the name of this exam used to the Cambridge FCE exam, but recently changed.

Why study the Cambridge B2 First?

A qualification like this show that you can:

• communicate effectively face-to-face, expressing opinions and presenting arguments
• follow the news
• write clear, detailed English, expressing opinions and explaining the advantages and disadvantages of different points of view
• write letters, reports, stories and lots of other types of text.

When do the exams happen?

The B2 First exams happen each week. When you have finished studying with us, you can book your course at a nearby test centre. Unfortunately, we can’t help you with this directly. This is because Cambridge wants you to register either by post, or directly at an exam centre. Additionally, we do not offer the exam itself at LVC. However, we will give you as much info and support as possible. To find you local exam centre, click here.

The cost of the exam us currently £160, and we don’t include this in our course fees.

What does the exam focus on?

This exam is a little different from the IELTS. It shows you have the same skills, the testing methods vary a bit. In fact, it is a very interesting exam. As you might expect, the exam tests all your four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking.

A typical reading paper might have a multiple choice section like this:

Studying Black Bears – exam excerpt

After years studying North America’s black bears in the (1) …. way wildlife biologist Luke Robertson felt no closer to understanding the creatures. He realised that he had to (2) …. their trust.

(1) A) straight B) common C) everyday D) conventional

(2) A) catch B) win C) achieve D) receive

So here you can see the exam is looking at your general reading and your vocabulary skills.

In your course with us we will give you plenty of things to read and help you expand your vocabulary. Of course, by the end of your time with us your conversation skills, listening and writing will be fighting fit and ready for the test.

And finally

If you have questions, comments or would like any info at all about B2 First, please send us a message. Feel free to write to hello@lvcenglish.com.

For some useful practice tests, check out this link.