25/07/2021 B2 First exam format | Cambridge English

www.cambridgeenglish.org

B2 First exam format

B2 First is a test of all areas of language ability.

The updated exam (for exam sessions from January 2015) is made up of four papers developed to test your
English language skills. You can see exactly what’s in each paper below.

The Speaking test is taken face to face, with two candidates and two examiners. This creates a more realistic
and reliable measure of your ability to use English to communicate.

Paper Content Purpose

Reading and Use of English
Shows you can deal confidently with different types of
(1 hour 15 minutes)

7 parts/52 text, such as fiction, newspapers and magazines. Tests

See sample paper
questions your use of English with tasks that show how well you can
(/Images/174037-first-2015-
control your grammar and vocabulary.
sample-papers-1.zip)
Writing

(1 hour 20 minutes)

Requires you to be able to produce two different pieces of

See sample paper 2 parts
writing, such as letters, reports, reviews and essays.
(/Images/174037-first-2015-
sample-papers-1.zip)
Listening

(about 40 minutes)

Requires you to be able to follow and understand a range

4 parts/30
See sample paper of spoken materials, such as news programmes,
questions
(/Images/174037-first-2015- presentations and everyday conversations.
sample-papers-1.zip)

Speaking

(14 minutes per pair of

Tests your ability to communicate effectively in face to
candidates)

4 parts face situations. You will take the Speaking test with one or
See sample paper
two other candidates.
(/Images/174037-first-2015-
sample-papers-1.zip)

openbook
Reading
compose
Writing
playlist
Listening
megaphone
Speaking

compose
What’s in the Writing paper?
In the two parts of the B2 First Writing paper, you have to show that you can write different types of text in
English.

Summary
https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/first/exam-format/ 1/2
25/07/2021 B2 First exam format | Cambridge English

Time allowed: 1 hour 20 minutes

Number of parts: 2
Part 1: one compulsory question, Part 2: one question from a choice
Number of questions:
of three

Types of task: Articles, email, essay, letter, report, review.

Part 1 (Compulsory question)

You’re given an essay title and two ideas clearly linked to the title.
You write an essay giving your opinions about the title, using the
What's in Part 1? ideas given. You must also add a third, different idea of your own
linked to the title. The title will be a subject of general interest – you
won’t need any specialised knowledge.
Using language functions, such as evaluating, expressing opinions,
What do I have to practise?
hypothesising, justifying, persuading.
How many questions are there? One compulsory question.
How much do I have to write? 140–190 words

Part 2 (Situationally based writing task)

You write a text from a choice of text types – article, email/letter,

What's in Part 2? report or review. To guide your writing, you’ll be given information
about context, topic purpose and target reader.
What do I have to practise? Writing different types of text that could be included in the exam.
How many questions are there? One task to be selected from a choice of three.
How much do I have to write? 140–190 words
We use cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving your consent for us to set cookies
(/footer/data-protection/cookie-policy/index.aspx) Dismiss

Thank you for printing this page. Find more at www.cambridgeenglish.org

https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/first/exam-format/ 2/2