examsprepguru

Hey there, future FCE certificate holders! 🌟 Ready to dive into the world of the B2 First (FCE) exam? Whether you’re aiming to boost your English skills for study, work, or travel, you’ve come to the right place. So, what resources do you actually need to succeed? Let’s break it down step-by-step, so you can ace this exam with confidence!

What’s the B2 First (FCE) Exam?

First things first, what’s this B2 First (FCE) all about? The B2 First, also known as the First Certificate in English (FCE), is a Cambridge English Qualification that proves you have the language skills to live and work independently in an English-speaking country or study on courses taught in English. It’s recognized by thousands of employers, universities, and government departments worldwide. In some countries around Europe, it’s also recognized by local authorities in education, like the Ministry of Education, which enables high school students to skip the English paper from their final exams. In short, it’s a big deal!

Can You Prepare by Yourself?

Absolutely, you can prepare for the FCE on your own! With tons of online resources, practice tests, and study guides available, many students take the self-study route. But here’s the thing—preparing solo requires a lot of discipline and a solid study plan, and not everybody’s got it. You need to be your own teacher, motivator, and critic, which can be quite a challenge. While self-study can be effective, having some guidance can make the difference between pass and fail.

How to Ace the Exam

So, you’re set on acing the FCE, huh? Here’s a little secret: the best way to ensure you’re fully prepared is to get help from an experienced Cambridge exam prep tutor. Why, you ask? Let’s break it down:

1. You get constant personalized feedback: A tutor can give you tailored feedback on your strengths and weaknesses throughout the lessons. This means you can focus on improving exactly where you need it the most.

2. Expert tips and tricks: Tutors know the ins and outs of the FCE. They can share invaluable tips, like how to approach tricky reading passages or manage your time during the writing section. I’ve worked with Cambridge English for 6 years and I share lots of tips with my students that they wouldn’t normally be able to find anywhere else.

3. Motivation and support: Let’s face it, studying can get lonely and frustrating. Having a tutor means you have someone to encourage you, keep you on track, and cheer you on as you make progress. Maybe you could even join a course with other students!

4. Structured learning: With a tutor, you’ll have a clear study plan and structure. This helps you cover all the necessary material without feeling overwhelmed or lost.

Trust me, investing in a tutor can make your preparation smoother, more efficient, and a lot less stressful. Plus, it boosts your confidence knowing you have expert guidance every step of the way who will leave no stone unturned for you.

Top Resources to Help You Prepare for the B2 First (FCE) Exam

Now, let’s get to the good stuff—resources! Here are some top-notch tools and materials that will help you prep like I would:

1. Official Cambridge English Resources:
– First Trainer 1 with Answers: The holy grail of FCE exam preparation. It contains six full practice tests for the FCE exam, with the first two offering exam practice and advice.
– First Trainer 2 with Answers: The newer version of the previous holy grail.
– Grammar and Vocabulary for First and First for Schools: Complete coverage of the grammar and vocabulary needed for the Cambridge First exams, and develops listening skills at the same time. It also contains some exam practice at the end of each unit.
– First for Schools Trainer: The OG holy grail of FCE for Schools exam preparation. It contains six full practice tests for the FCE for Schools exam, with the first two offering exam practice and advice.
– First for Schools Trainer 2: The newer version of the previous holy grail.
– First for Schools Trainer 3: The newest version of the previous holy grail.
– Exam Booster for First and First for Schools: This book contains quite a lot of exam practice, but it’s supposed to be used as a supplement alongside one of the books from above.
– Practice test books where you can find full FCE practice tests, just buy the versions WITH answers: B2 First 5, B2 First for Schools 5, B2 First 4, B2 First for Schools 4, Cambridge English First 3, Cambridge English First for Schools 3, Cambridge English First 2, Cambridge English First for Schools 2, Cambridge English First 1, Cambridge English First for Schools 1
2. Free practice test samples, both for the digital and paper-based exams.
3. Successful 10 FCE Practice Tests with Self-Study Guide: This one is not an obvious choice because it’s not authentic exam prep material. However, this book provides a level of challenge higher than the Trainers do, so it’s very useful in preparation.
4. B2 First Writing Checklist: It’s not ideal, but it’s a great start to understanding how your writing is assessed at the actual exam. It’s also a good way to self-assess your writing practice.
5. Write&Improve: Platform created by Cambridge to help students practice their writing skills. You can find a vast collection of exam tasks to choose from and you also receive instant feedback on your writing. The feedback you receive is close to the one you’d receive from Grammarly, with a bit more guidance. Create an account to get started and rock on!
6. B2 First Handbook for Teachers: Yes, I know it’s for teachers, but USE it! Don’t you want to see behind the scenes? The handbook contains lots of useful tips and advice, on top of all the writing samples accompanied by examiner marks and comments!
7. English with Cambridge YouTube Channel: Great place to find videos with tips from the creators of the test. As well as that, watching the Speaking practice videos is a MUST!

Let’s Ace This Together!

Preparing for the FCE doesn’t have to be a lonely road. As an experienced Cambridge English exam preparation teacher and examiner, I’m here to help you navigate this path and reach your goals. Whether you need personalized tutoring, expert advice, or just someone to stir you to the right direction, I’ve got your back.
Ready to take your FCE prep to the next level? Join my waitlist for the FCE exam prep course coming this fall!

You can also find me on Instagram or drop me an email. Check out my students’ testimonials on my website, if you’re not convinced enough. Let’s get started on your journey to acing the B2 First (FCE) exam together!

You’ve got this! 💪📚✨