FCE PREPARATION CLASSES Teacher: Arthur Lima

2021.2
FCE SPEAKING TEST
This depends on the centre. In
some centres, candidates from
the same school do the Speaking
test together. In other centres,
where candidates from several
different schools do the test at
the same time, you may have a
partner from another school.
Check this with your test centre.
DO MY PARTNER AND
I 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.
DO BOTH EXAMINERS SPEAK
THROUGHOUT THE TEST?
No. There are two examiners: an interlocutor and
an assessor. The interlocutor is the examiner who
speaks to you and passes you examination
materials. The assessor will only say hello and
goodbye to you.
DOES KNOWING YOUR PARTNER
MAKE IT EASIER TO DO WELL?
There is no evidence that knowing your partner
helps you to perform better, or worse, in the
Speaking Test. Some people feel more relaxed and
confident when they do the test with someone they
know, but other candidates may find this situation
difficult or unnatural. In both cases, the examiners
are trained to give all candidates equal
opportunities to show their abilities.
WHAT IF THE TWO CANDIDATES HAVE VERY
DIFFERENT PERSONALITIES, E.G. ONE IS VERY
SHY AND ONE IS VERY OUTGOING?
Examiners are trained to manage this
situation and ensure that everyone has an
equal chance to show their abilities during
the test. However, you must try to make the
best use of the time to show the examiners
your language skills without dominating your
partner.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I DON’T UNDERSTAND THE
INSTRUCTIONS?
Ask the examiner to repeat the
instructions.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THERE IS ONLY
ONE CANDIDATE LEFT AT THE END OF A
SPEAKING TEST SESSION?
This is avoided by
examining the last three
candidates together as a
group.
• The examiner asks you a question. You reply to the
examiner.

• You don't have to talk to your partner in this part of

the exam.

• It will take about 2 minutes.

• Cambridge want to help you relax in the test, so they

start with some nice, easy questions. Don't worry if you
get off to a bad start - a lot of candidates start
badly because they are nervous.
WHICH QUESTIONS TO EXPECT?
 Your hobbies
QUESTIONS ARE Your work or education
NORMALLY ON Things you like and things you don't like
THESE TOPICS Friends and family
Holidays
Sports
Future plans
 HELP! I DIDN'T
UNDERSTAND THE
QUESTION!
Don't stress. Politely ask the examiner to
repeat it.

Please could you repeat that?

Could you say that again, please?
HERE´S A GOOD TIP
Do you enjoy cooking?
Yes, I enjoy to cook.
Why not use the same grammar as the question in your answer?

Do you enjoy cooking?

Yes, I enjoy cooking.

Are you going to go on holiday this year?

Yes, I'm going to go to Mexico. It's going to be my first time.

You don't always have to do this - English is quite flexible. But for now, this
method will help you avoid mistakes.
DON'T BE A
ROBOT
In FCE, you shouldn't speak like a robot. So don't write down answers
to questions and memorise them.
Instead, learn a few keywords and speak naturally, like you would do
in your own language.
HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU
SAY?
It's okay to give short answers, but avoid saying 'yes' or 'no'. Your answer shouldn't be
shorter than the question!

Here are some good examples:

'Where are you from, Victoria?'

'I'm from Germany, from the north coast of Germany."

"And Edward?"
"I'm from Peru. I live in the capital, Lima. It's near the coast."
If you watched the video above, you'll hear Victoria tries to keep talking after saying 'the
north coast of Germany'. The examiner stops her - that was too much detail.

So answer the question in a simple way, then add ONE extra sentence.
HOW TO PRACTICE?
• You can practice this with another student (or a friend who speaks
some English). Get them to ask you the questions and - if their English is
good enough - ask them to give you some feedback.
• If you're lucky enough to live in an area where people speak English,
go to a party or some social event. Every person you meet will ask
about your job, where you live, and your hobbies. The perfect chance to
practice!
• If you are studying in a class, enjoy every opportunity to practice and
to try out new words.
• If you're alone, record yourself using your phone. If you've got a
'study buddy' ask permission to film. Not enough of the students do this,
but the ones that do say it's VERY helpful. You will notice mistakes and
you will be able to ask yourself questions like 'Did I answer the question?
Did I sound like a robot?'
THE WRITING TEST
 The test has two sections and takes about 80
WHAT IS THE minutes:

FIRST (FCE) 1. Part 1 - write an essay based on prompts

2. Part 2 - write one from a choice of 4
WRITING TEST questions:
LIKE? an article, an essay, an e-mail, a letter, a
report, a story, a review.
DO
• Choose a question that you are interested in. You will write better if you
know the subject.
• Read the whole question thoroughly and underline important parts.
• Make a plan for each answer, including ALL points.
• Expand the points using relevant ideas and information.
• Write in paragraphs whenever appropriate.
• Use a range of vocabulary, even if you are unsure of the correct spelling.
• Check tense endings, plural forms and word order in sentences.
• Check irregular past tenses and question formation.
• Use language that is appropriately formal or informal for the task.
• Choose a question you feel confident you can write about in Part 2.
• Write clearly so that the examiner can read your answer.
DON’T
• Don’t misspell key words that appear on the question paper.
• Don’t use the exact words from the question paper too much.
• Don’t mix formal and informal language.
• Don’t use formal linkers in an informal letter.
• Don’t waste time writing addresses for a letter as they are not
required.
• Don’t worry if you run slightly over the word limit.
HOW MANY TEXTS DO
I NEED TO WRITE?
Two. There is one task in Part 1, and a choice of tasks in Part 2.
HOW LONG SHOULD
I SPEND ON EACH
PART?
This is up to you. However, remember that both parts are worth the
same number of marks. You should allow time for planning before you
start writing each task, and for checking your work after you have
finished. Overall the paper lasts 1 hour 20 minutes.
 IN WHAT WAYS IS
PART 1 DIFFERENT
FROM PART 2?
Part 1
• One compulsory task.
• Before you start writing you will need to read material of up to 120
words.
• You always need to write an essay.

Part 2
• A choice of tasks.
• The instructions are shorter.
• There is a range of different text types to choose from.
WHERE DO I WRITE
MY ANSWERS?
In the candidate answer booklet. Your test centre will also provide
paper on which you can do rough work.
HOW ARE RESPONSES IN WRITING
ASSESSED?
Examiners mark tasks using assessment scales developed with explicit
reference to the Common European Framework of Reference for
Languages (CEFR). The scales, which are used across the Cambridge
English General and Business English Writing tests, are made up of four
subscales:
• Content focuses on how well the candidate has fulfilled the task – if they have
done what they were asked to do.
• Communicative Achievement focuses on how appropriate the writing is for
the task and whether the candidate has used the appropriate register.
• Organisation focuses on the way the candidate puts together the piece of
writing: in other words, whether it is logical and ordered.
• Language focuses on vocabulary and grammar. This includes the range of
language as well as how accurate it is.

Each response is marked from 0 to 5 on each of the four subscales, and these
scores are combined to give a final mark for the Writing paper.
WHAT IF I WRITE
TOO LITTLE/TOO
MUCH?
You are given guidelines in the paper about how much to write to help
you plan your writing. If you write too much, you will only lose marks if
you include things that are not relevant or would have a negative effect
on the intended audience. If you write too little, but still include all the
information required, you will not lose marks.
ESSAY
• Read the instructions, the question or statement and the two notes you are given.
• Decide whether to write for or against, or whether to give arguments both for
or against.
• Think of a third idea to add to the notes you are given. Write this down, then
make a plan.
• Write a short introductory paragraph, commenting generally on the topic, e.g.
“The climate is changing, so many people are saying...”
• You can give your own opinion here and/or in your last paragraph.
• Write in a fairly formal style, including linking expressions.
• Write at least two sentences about each main point, giving reasons and
possibly also examples.
• Give your opinion by summarising your main points in a concluding paragraph.
Around the world, people are living and staying healthy for longer and
longer. What changes does this bring to today’s society? Are these changes
good or bad?

Write about:

1. Caring for the elderly

2. Jobs
3. __________ (your own idea)
 Disadvantages of an ageing population
Around the world , people are living much longer. Although we all hope for a
long life and none of us wish for our elderly family members to die, this trend brings
a number of problems. (THESIS)
Firstly, more people are needed to care for the elderly. Few people like this
kind of work because it is badly paid and uninteresting. As a result , elderly people
get bad quality care.
Another problem is employment. Elderly people don’t want to stop working
because they want an income and a social life. They want to stay active for as long
as possible , so they don’t quit their jobs. As a result , young people find it more
difficult to find work.
Thirdly, an elderly population brings economic problems. Governments have
to pay money for old age pensions. In many countries, there simply isn’t enough
money for this . In the future , we are likely to see a lot more poverty among old
people.
To sum up, although it is great that people are staying healthy and living
longer lives, it will bring a lot of problems to today’s society .
READING & USE OF
ENGLISH
HOW MANY PARTS ARE THERE?
There are seven parts. For parts 1 to 3, the
test contains texts with accompanying
grammar and vocabulary tasks. Part 4 consists
of separate items with a grammar and
vocabulary focus. For parts 5 to 7, the test
contains a range of texts and accompanying
reading comprehension tasks.
HOW MANY QUESTIONS ARE THERE?
There are only 52.
HOU LONG DO YOU
HAVE FOR THAT
PAPER?
1 hour and 15 minutes
LET’S LOOK CLOZER
PART 1
• TASK TYPE: Multiple choice cloze

• FOCUS: The main focus is on vocabulary, e.g. idioms, colocations, fixed phrases,
complementation, phrasal verbs etc.

• FORMAT: A modified cloze test containing eight gaps. There are 4-option multiple-
choice items for each gap.

• Nº OF QS: 8
PART 2
• TASK TYPE: Open cloze

• FOCUS: The main focus is on awareness and control of grammar with some focus on
vocabulary.

• FORMAT: A modified cloze test containing eight gaps.

• Nº OF QS: 8
PART 3
• TASK TYPE: Word formation

• FOCUS: The main focus is on vocabulary, in particular the use of affixation

• FORMAT: A test containing eight gaps. Each gap corresponds to a word. The stem of
the missing word is given beside the text and must be changed to form the
missing word.

• Nº OF QS: 8
LISTENING
HOW MANY PARTS
ARE THERE?
 Part 1
A series of eight short, unrelated
extracts from monologues or
exchanges between interacting
speakers. There is one multiple-
choice question per extract.
Part 2 Part 3
A monologue with a Five short, related
sentence-completion task monologues, with five
which has 10 questions. multiple-matching questions.
There are three distractors.
Part 4
An interview or an exchange
between two speakers with
seven multiple-choice
questions.
 THE FOUR PARTS
OF THE
LISTENING PAPER
PART 1
MULTIPLE CHOICE
This part tests candidates’ ability to listen for gist, detail, function, purpose, attitude,
opinion, genre, agreement etc. in a series of unrelated short texts.

The eight questions in this part of the paper are each preceded by a context
sentence which is read out on the recording. The candidates then have time to read
each question before hearing the recording twice.
PART 2
SENTENCE COMPLETION

This part tests candidates’ ability to listen and locate specific information and
stated opinion, from a single long text, and produce written answers by completing
gapped sentences. Texts may be broadcasts, talks or classroom presentations.
PART 2
SENTENCE COMPLETION

The 10 questions in this part of the paper take the form of incomplete sentences.
The questions follow the order of the information in the listening text. Candidates
need to listen to the text and complete the sentences.

Answers will not exceed three words in length. The word, number or phrase required
will be heard on the recording and will not need to be changed in any way. Minor
spelling errors are not penalised, but the candidate’s intention must be clear and
unambiguous. Candidates will not be asked to spell words which are above
Cambridge English: First (B2) level.
PART 3
MULTIPLE MATCHING

In this part, candidates listen to five short texts, each with a different speaker, which
are related in some way. For example, they may all be speaking about aspects of
the same subject, such as travel, or about similar experiences, such as journeys.
Candidates choose the option from a set of eight, which matches what each speaker
says.
PART 4
MULTIPLE CHOICE

In Part 4, the main focus is on testing the candidates’ ability to listen for opinion,
attitude, gist, main idea and specific information.

The seven questions in this part of the paper take the form of 3-option multiple-
choice questions. The questions follow the order of the interaction on the recording.
Texts are usually interviews or discussions featuring two speakers.
LET’S SEE YOU’VE GOT IT
WHAT ASPECTS OF
LISTENING ARE
TESTED IN THE
LISTENING PAPER?
You will be tested on your understanding of gist, main points, detail and specific
information, and your ability to deduce meaning, opinion and attitude. 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.
DOES IT MATTER IF I
MAKE SPELLING
MISTAKES?
In Cambridge English: First, minor spelling mistakes are not penalised, but your
intention must be clear.
You will not be asked to spell words that are above this level. However, where a
word has been spelled out letter by letter, for example, a proper name, and where
this would actually be a test of your ability to follow the spelling, the spelling must be
correct.
 AM I SUPPOSED TO WRITE THE
WORDS I HEAR IN THE
RECORDING IN MY ANSWERS TO
PART 2, OR DO I GET MORE
MARKS IF I USE MY OWN
WORDS?
You should try to use the actual words you hear in the recording. You do not get
more marks for using your own words.
 CAN I WEAR
HEADPHONES FOR
THE LISTENING
PAPER?
Ask your centre whether you can use headphones or not – it depends how they
choose to run the test.
DO
1. Listen to and read the instructions throughout the test. Make sure that 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. Check your answer the second time you hear a recording if you have an idea of
the correct answer the first time round.
8. Answer all the questions, even if you’re not sure.
9. Transfer your answers accurately to the answer sheet.
DO NOT
1. Don’t rephrase what you hear in Part 2; write down the exact word(s) or figure(s)
that you hear on the recording.
2. Don’t complicate your answer by writing extra, irrelevant information (Part 2).
3. Don’t spend too much time on a question you are having difficulty with as you may
miss the next question.
4. 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).