Mock exam, free and unofficial
B2 First
B2 First (formerly First Certificate, FCE) shows that you can use English to study and work. These mock exams follow its Reading and Use of English and Writing papers, with a timer, instant scoring with explanations and written feedback.
- Reading
- 75 min
- Writing
- 80 min
- Reading questions
- 52
- Scale
- 120–190
Reading and Use of English
Seven parts in 75 minutes: grammar and vocabulary tasks first, then three reading tasks of increasing length. Use of English and reading share one paper and one clock.
| Part | Task | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Multiple-choice cloze: choose the word that fits each gap in a text | 8 |
| 2 | Open cloze: fill each gap with one word of your own | 8 |
| 3 | Word formation: change the form of a given word to fit the gap | 8 |
| 4 | Key word transformation: rewrite a sentence using a given word | 6 |
| 5 | Multiple choice: read a text and choose the best answer to each question | 6 |
| 6 | Gapped text: put the missing sentences back into a text | 6 |
| 7 | Multiple matching: match statements or people to the right short texts | 10 |
Writing
Two tasks in 80 minutes: a compulsory essay giving your opinion, then a choice between an article, an email or letter, a report or a review.
Words asked for in each task: 140–190.
Each answer is marked on four criteria, each from 0 to 5: Content, Communicative Achievement, Organisation and Language. Our feedback follows the same four criteria, with corrections quoted from your own text.
How it is scored
Every paper is converted to the Cambridge English Scale. At B2 First the scale runs from 120–190, and about 160 is the pass mark. Your result here shows an estimated scale score and grade for each attempt.
These are unofficial estimates produced by this tool. They help you see progress, but they do not predict your result in a real exam.
What to practise
- Practise Use of English parts 1 to 4 until they take about 25 minutes, so you keep time for the reading texts.
- In key word transformations, keep the meaning the same and use between two and five words, including the key word.
- In the essay, plan two paragraphs for the given points and add your own third idea.
Practise B2 First against the clock: the timer is kept by our server, so it behaves like the real thing.