Cambridge English: First, also known as First Certificate in English (FCE), tests an upper-intermediate level of everyday written and spoken English skills needed for work or study. The exam consists of four papers: Reading, Writing, Use of English, and Listening. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to understand various texts and spoken materials, produce different types of writing, and accurately use English grammar and vocabulary. Test takers receive a separate grade for each paper and an overall exam result.

1. CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH: FIRST, ALSO KNOWN AS FIRST CERTIFICATE IN ENGLISH (FCE), IS
FIRST, (FCE),
WHO THEY WRITTEN
AN EXAM FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED TO PROVE THEY CAN USE EVERYDAY WRITTEN AND
SPOKEN ENGLISH AT AN UPPER-INTERMEDIATE LEVEL FOR WORK OR STUDY PURPOSES.
UPPER- FOR POSES.
PURPOSES
Exam overview
What's in the exam?
Marks
(% of
Paper Content total) Purpose
Reading 3 parts/30 Shows you can deal confidently with different types of text,
(1 hour) questions 20% such as fiction, newspapers and magazines.
Writing Requires you to be able to produce two different pieces of
(1 hour 20 minutes) 2 parts 20% writing, such as letters, reports, reviews and short stories.
Use of English 4 parts/42 Your use of English will be tested by tasks which show how
(45 minutes) questions 20% well you can control your grammar and vocabulary.
Requires you to be able to follow and understand a range of
Listening 4 parts/30 spoken materials, such as news programmes, presentations
(about 40 minutes) questions 20% and everyday conversations.
Speaking Tests your ability to communicate effectively in face-to-face
(14 minutes per situations. You will take the Speaking test with one or two
pair of candidates) 4 parts 20% other candidates.

3. EXAM FORMAT
READING ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Summary
Time allowed: 1 hour
Number of parts: 3
Number of questions: 30
Marks: 20% of total
Lengths of texts: 550–700 words per text: about 2,000 words to read in total
newspaper and magazine articles, reports, fiction,
advertisements, letters, messages, informational material
Texts may be from: (e.g. brochures, guides, manuals, etc.)
Part 1 (Multiple choice)
A text with some multiple-choice questions.
Each question has four options (A, B, C or
D) and you have to decide which is the
correct answer.
What's in Part 1?
How to understand the details of a text,
What do I have to practise? including opinions and attitudes.
How many questions are there? 8
How many marks do I get? Two marks for each correct answer.

4. Part 2 (Gapped text)
A text with some empty spaces (gaps).
After the text there are some sentences
taken from the text. You have to choose the
correct sentence for each gap.
What's in Part 2?
How to understand the structure and follow
What do I have to practise? the development of a text.
How many questions are there? 7
How many marks do I get? Two marks for each correct answer.
Part 3 (Multiple matching)
A series of questions and a long text or
several short texts to read. For each
question, you have to decide which text or
part of the text mentions some specific
information.
What's in Part 3?
How to find specific information in a text or
What do I have to practise? texts.
How many questions are there? 15
How many marks do I get? One mark for each correct answer.
DOs and DON’Ts
DOs
- Read the sources, titles and subtitles of the texts where given; they are there to help you.

5. - Read each text carefully before you answer the questions to get an overall impression and
understanding of it. This includes Part 3, the multiple matching task.
- Remember, the missing word(s) may be forming part of an idiom, fixed phrase or collocation, so
always check the words around the gap carefully. (Part 2)
- Remember, the missing sentence must fit the context of the passage, so always check that the
completed paragraph makes sense in the passage as a whole. (Part 2)
- Keep an overall idea of the development of the text. You will need to check that the sentences
chosen to fit the gaps in the base text fit the progression of the argument or narrative as a whole.
(Part 2)
- Read the questions carefully and check each option against the text before rejecting it. (Part 2)
DON'Ts
- Don't try to answer any questions without referring carefully to the text.
- Don't spend too much time on any one part of the paper.
- Don't forget to record your answers on the separate answer sheet.
- Don't assume that if the same word appears in the text as well as in an option, this means you have
located the answer.
WRITING -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Summary
Time allowed: 1 hour 20 minutes
Number of parts: 2
Part 1: one compulsory question
Number of questions: Part 2: one question from a choice of five
Marks: 20% of total

6. Types of task: article, email, essay, letter, report, review, story
Part 1
Some material to read (up to 160 words).
You have to write a letter or email using the
information in this material.
What's in Part 1?
Writing a letter or email. You may have to
apologise, compare, describe, explain,
express opinions, justify, persuade,
What do I have to practise? recommend, and/or suggest something.
How many questions are there? One compulsory question.
How much do I have to write? 120–150 words
Part 2
A choice of five questions. The answer you
have to write will be one of the following: an
article, essay, letter, report, review or story.
What's in Part 2?
If you read one of the set books and want to
write about it, you may decide to try
Question 5. You have a choice of two tasks
What about Question 5? 5 (a) or 5 (b) for this question.
Writing different types of text: articles,
essays, letters, reports, reviews. Depending
on the question, you will have to advise,
compare, describe, explain, express
opinions, justify and/or recommend
What do I have to practise? something.

7. One task to be selected from a choice of
How many questions are there? five.
How much do I have to write? 120–180 words
DOs and DON’Ts
DOs
1. Read the whole question thoroughly and underline important parts.
2. Make a plan for each answer, including ALL points.
3. Expand the points in Part 1 if you can, using relevant ideas and information.
4. Write in paragraphs, whenever appropriate.
5. Use a range of vocabulary, even if you are unsure of the correct spelling.
6. Check tense endings, plural forms and word order in sentences.
7. Check irregular past tenses and question formation.
8. Check irregular past tenses and question formation.
9. Use language that is appropriately formal or informal for the task.
10. Choose a Part 2 question that you feel confident you can write about.
11. Write clearly, so that the examiner can read your answer.
DON'Ts
12. Don't misspell key words which appear on the question paper.
13. Don't use the exact words from the question paper too much.
14. Don't mix formal and informal language.
15. Don't use formal linkers in an informal letter.
16. Don't waste time writing addresses for a letter, as they are not required.
17. Don't answer Question 5 if you haven’t read one of the books.
18. Don't worry if you run slightly over the word limit.

8. - How many texts do I need to write?
Two. You must do the task in Part 1, and you can choose one task from Part 2.
what
- In what ways is Part 1 different from Part 2?
In Part 1 there is one compulsory task, while in Part 2 there is a choice of tasks. In Part 1, before you
start writing you will need to read material of up to 160 words, e.g. advertisements, extracts from
letters, articles, etc., while in Part 2 the instructions are shorter. In Part 1, you always need to write a
letter or an email, whereas in Part 2 there is a range of different text types to choose from.
- Where do I write my answers?
In the question booklet. This booklet also contains enough space for you to write your rough work.
USE OF ENGLISH -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Summary
Time allowed: 45 minutes
Number of parts: 4
Number of questions: 42
Marks: 20% of total
(Multiple-
Part 1 (Multiple-choice cloze)
A text in which there are some missing
words or phrases (gaps). After the text
there are four possible answers for each
What's in Part 1? gap and you have to choose the correct

9. answer (A, B, C or D).
Vocabulary – words with similar meanings,
collocations, linking phrases, phrasal verbs,
What do I have to practise? etc.
How many questions are there? 12
How many marks are there? One mark for each correct answer.
Part 2 (Open cloze)
A text in which there are some missing
words (gaps). You have to find the correct
word for each gap.
What's in Part 2?
What do I have to practise? Grammar and vocabulary.
How many questions are there? 12
How many marks are there? One mark for each correct answer.
Part 3 (Word formation)
A text containing ten gaps. Each gap
represents a word. At the end of the line is
a ‘prompt’ word which you have to change
in some way to make the correct missing
word and complete the sentence correctly.
What's in Part 3?
Vocabulary – word building: the different
words which you can make from a ‘base’
What do I have to practise?
word, e.g. ‘compete’ becomes ‘competition’,

10. ‘competitor’, ‘competitive’, competitively’ or
‘uncompetitive’.
How many questions are there? 10
How many marks are there? One mark for each correct answer.
Part 4 (Key word transformations)
A sentence followed by a key word and a
second sentence which has a gap in it. You
have to use the key word to complete the
second sentence so that it means the same
as the first sentence.
What's in Part 4?
Grammar and vocabulary – rewriting
sentences with different words so that they
What do I have to practise? mean the same thing.
How many questions are there? 8
How many marks are there? Up to two marks for each correct answer.
DOs and DON’Ts
DOs
1. Read the words following the gaps in Parts 1 and 2 as they may have an effect on the
answer.
2. Make sure that any verb you write in a gap in Part 2 agrees with its subject.
3. Write the prompt word in your answer in Part 3 without changing it in any way.
4. Write between two and five words as your answer in Part 4.
5. Remember that the words you need to write in Part 3 might have to change into a
negative or a plural.

11. 6. Check your spelling in all parts of the test
7. Make sure that you transfer your answers to the answer sheet accurately.
DON'Ts
8. Don't write the answers to any of the examples on your answer sheets.
9. Don't choose your answer in Part 1 before you have read all the options.
10. Don't write out the full sentence when answering the questions in Part 4.
11. Don't leave the base word in Part 3 unchanged.
12. Don’t decide on your answer before reading the whole of a sentence in all parts.
13. Don't give alternative answers for any questions.
- Will I lose marks for incorrect answers?
No, you will not have marks deducted if you give an incorrect answer. If you give a wrong answer, it
is the same as giving no answer – you get no marks for that question. If you’re not sure about an
question
answer, it is better to guess than to leave the question blank
- How do I record my answers?
Write your answers on the answer sheets provided by filling in a box or by writing words (between
two and five words allowed for answers in Part 4). Your answer sheet will be scanned onto a
computer – make sure you fill in the answers clearly. You must transfer your answers within the time
given for the paper (45 minutes).
How important is spelling in the Use of English paper?
All spelling must be correct in this paper. You will not get a mark for answers which are not spelled
correctly.
- If I think there are two possible answers to one question, can I write them both?
If you write two or more answers and one of these is incorrect, you get no mark. You should write
only one answer for each question.
- In the Use of English test, are words like 'doesn't' and 'isn't' counted as one or two words?
To count the number of words, the full form should be taken into account, e.g. 'didn't' = 'did not' = two
words.

12. LISTENING --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Summary
Time allowed: about 40 minutes
Number of parts: 4
Number of questions: 30
Marks: 20% of total
Part 1 (Multiple choice)
A series of short, unrelated recordings of
approximately 30 seconds each. You have
to listen to the recordings and answer one
multiple-choice question for each. Each
question has three options (A, B or C).
What's in Part 1?
Listening for general meaning (gist), detail,
function, purpose, attitude, opinion,
relationship, topic, place, situation, genre,
What do I have to practise? agreement, etc.
How many questions are there? 8
How many marks are there? One mark for each correct answer.
Part 2 (Sentence completion)
A monologue (one person speaking), or a

13. What's in Part 2? recording with two or more speakers lasting
approximately 3 minutes. To answer the
questions, you have to complete the
sentences on the question paper with
information you hear on the recording.
Listening for detail, specific information,
What do I have to practise? stated opinion.
How many questions are there? 10
How many marks are there? One mark for each correct answer.
Part 3 (Multiple matching)
A series of statements and short related
monologues of approximately 30 seconds
each. You listen to the recordings and
choose which statement best matches what
each speaker says.
What's in Part 3?
Listening for general gist, detail, function,
purpose, attitude, opinion, relationship,
topic, place, situation, genre, agreement,
What do I have to practise? etc.
How many questions are there? 5
How many marks are there? One mark for each correct answer.
Part 4 (Multiple choice)
A monologue or recording with two or more
What's in Part 4? speakers which lasts approximately 3

14. minutes. You have to listen to the recording
and answer seven multiple-choice
questions. Each question has three options
(A, B or C).
Listening for opinion, attitude, gist, main
What do I have to practise? idea, specific information.
How many questions are there? 7
How many marks are there? One mark for each correct answer.
DOs and DON’Ts
DOs
1. Listen to and read the instructions throughout the test. Make sure you understand what
you are listening for and what you have to do.
2. Use the preparation time before each recording is played to read through the question
and think about the context.
3. Use the information on the page to help you follow the text.
4. Look carefully at what is printed before and after the gap in Part 2 and think about the
kind of information that you are listening for.
5. Write only the missing information on the answer sheet. (Part 2)
6. Write your answers as clearly as possible.
7. If you have an idea of the correct answer the first time you hear a recording, check that
this is correct the second time.
8. Answer all the questions – even if you're not sure.
9. Make sure you have transferred your answers accurately to the answer sheet.

15. DON'Ts
10. Don't rephrase what you hear in Part 2; write down the exact word(s) or figure(s) that
you hear on the recording.
11. Don't complicate your answer by writing extra, irrelevant information. (Part 2)
12. Don't spend too much time on a question you are having difficulty with as you may miss
the next question.
13. Don't rush to choose an answer just because you hear one word or phrase –
concentrate on the overall meaning. (Parts 1, 3 and 4)
- What aspects of listening are tested in the Cambridge English: First Listening test?
You will be tested on your understanding of gist, main points, detail and specific information, and your
ability to deduce meaning. You will listen to monologues and interacting speakers from a variety of
sources.
- How many times will I hear each recording?
You will hear each recording twice.
- How do I record my answers?
You must write all your answers on a separate answer sheet. You may write on the question paper
as you listen, but you must transfer your answers to the answer sheet. You will have 5 minutes at the
end of the test to do this.
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SPEAKING --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
Time allowed: 14 minutes per pair of candidates
Number of parts: 4
Marks: 20% of total

16. with the examiner
with the other candidate
You have to talk: on your own
Part 1 (Interview)
Conversation with the examiner. The
examiner asks questions and you may have
to give information about yourself, talk
about past experiences, present
circumstances and future plans.
What's in Part 1?
Giving information about yourself and
expressing your opinion about various
What do I have to practise? topics.
How long do I have to speak? 3 minutes
Part 2 (Long turn)
The examiner gives you a pair of
photographs to talk about and you have to
speak for 1 minute without interruption. The
questions you have to answer about your
photographs are written at the top of the
page to remind you what you should talk
about. When you have finished speaking,
your partner then has to answer a short
question from the examiner about your
photographs.
What's in Part 2?
Talking on your own about something:
What do I have to practise? comparing, describing, expressing opinions.

17. How long do I have to speak? 1 minute per candidate
Part 3 (Collaborative task)
Conversation with the other candidate. The
examiner gives you some pictures and a
decision-making task to do. You have to
talk with the other candidate and make a
decision.
What's in Part 3?
Exchanging ideas, expressing and justifying
opinions, agreeing and/or disagreeing,
suggesting, speculating, evaluating,
reaching a decision through negotiation,
What do I have to practise? etc.
How long do we have to speak? 3 minutes
Part 4 (Discussion)
Further discussion with the other candidate
about the same topic as the task in Part 3.
What's in Part 4?
Expressing and justifying opinions,
What do I have to practise? agreeing and/or disagreeing.
How long do I have to speak? 4 minutes
DOs and DON’Ts
DOs
1. Make sure you are familiar with what happens, and what skills you need to show, in

18. each part of the test.
2. Practise speaking English as much as possible in groups and in pairs, both inside and
outside the classroom.
3. Listen carefully to the instructions and questions during the test and respond
appropriately.
4. Speak clearly, so that both the interlocutor and assessor can hear you.
5. Use all the opportunities you're given in the test to speak, and extend your responses
whenever possible.
6. Ask for clarification of instructions or a question if you're not sure.
7. Be prepared to initiate discussion as well as responding to what your partner says.
8. Make full use of the time so that the examiner who is listening hears plenty of your
English.
DON'Ts
9. Don't prepare long answers in advance, or learn and practise speeches.
10. Don't try to dominate your partner or interrupt them abruptly during the Speaking test.
11. Don't leave long or frequent pauses.
12. Don't worry about being interrupted by the examiner. This shows you have spoken
enough. The tests have to keep to the time limit for administrative reasons.
- Do we speak to each other as well as to the examiner?
Yes. In Parts 1 and 2, you speak to the interlocutor (the examiner who speaks to you) but in Part 3,
you must discuss something with the other candidate. In this part, you must speak to each other and
NOT to the interlocutor. In Part 4 you can speak to the interlocutor or to your partner, or to both.
- What should I do if I don't understand the instructions?
You should ask the examiner to repeat the instructions.