How to Pass the Cambridge English B2 Exam

Tips, Strategies & What to Expect

If you’re aiming for the B2 First in English (formerly known as FCE) from Cambridge, congratulations! You’re working towards a globally recognised qualification that proves your English is strong enough to live, work, or study in an English-speaking environment.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what each part involves and share practical tips from our teachers to help you succeed.

At Trilingo Idiomas, we’ve helped students pass this exam with confidence.

What is the B2 First?

The B2 First qualification is designed to test your ability to use every day written and spoken English at an upper-intermediate level. It’s accepted by universities, employers, and governments around the world.

For more information on the different levels, read our blog: Which Cambridge English Exam is right for you?

The exam tests four key skills: Reading and Use of English, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. In total, the exam takes around 3 ½ hours to complete.

1. Reading and Use of English (1 hour 15 minutes)

This section combines grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. It’s divided into 7 parts with 52 questions.

What’s tested:

• Understanding texts from newspapers, websites, books, and magazines
• Grammar and vocabulary accuracy
• Word formation
• Sentence transformation

Trilingo Tips:

> Practise time management: Don’t get stuck on a single question.

> Learn common collocations and phrasal verbs.

> Read articles daily to improve speed and comprehension.

> Watch this breakdown from Sandra explaining how to tackle Part 1 effectively.
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2. Writing (1 hour 20 minutes)

There are two tasks:

• Part 1: Compulsory essay
• Part 2: Choice between an article, email, letter, report, or review

What’s tested:

• Clarity and organisation
• Range of vocabulary and grammar
• Task achievement

Trilingo Tips:

> Learn the structure for each writing type.

> Use a variety of linking words (e.g. however, therefore, in addition).

> Practise using language functions such as expressing opinions, persuading, justifying and evaluating.

> Always leave time to check your work.

3. Listening (about 40 minutes)

There are four parts to the listening section, including multiple-choice questions, gap-fills, and matching speakers to opinions.

What’s tested:

• Understanding main ideas and details
• Recognising opinions, tone, and purpose
• Part 1 – is multiple choice and has eight short extracts. You need to listen for expressions of feeling, attitude, opinion, purpose, function, agreement and details and gist.
• Part 2 – this is a monologue and you have to complete sentences on the question paper with information you hear on the recording
• Part 3 – there are 5 themed monolgues of around 30 secnds each. You need to select 5 correct options from a list of 8.
• Part 4 – this is another multiple choice. You listen to a conversation between tow or more speakers and choice the correct answers,

Trilingo Tips:

> Listen to podcasts, news, and YouTube videos in English.

> Use subtitles at first, then try without them.

> Practise predicting answers before listening.

> Read the questions carefully during the pauses.

4. Speaking (14 minutes per pair of candidates)

This is the one section of the exam where you work with another candidate. Two examiners ask the two candidates a series of questions. They also give you material on which you need to have a conversation. It includes personal questions, a collaborative task, and a discussion.

What’s tested:

• Fluency, pronunciation, and interaction
• Expressing opinions and justifying choices
• Using a range of grammar and vocabulary
• Part 1 – this is between the examiner and the candidate. The examiner asks you questions about your interests, studies, careers which you answer.
• Part 2 – The examiner shows you two pictures and asks you to talk about them. You have to speak for one minute. Then, the examiner asks the other candidate to comment on your photos for about 30 seconds. This is then repeated with the other candidate receiving two different photos.
• Part 3 – In part 3, which lasts three minutes,  you have a conversation with the other candidate. The examiner provides you with material and a task. You and the other candidate have to make a decision.
• Part 4 – There is further discussion with the other candidate, guided by the examiner. This lasts around 4 minutes during which you need to demonstrate your ability to express and justify opinions, agree and disagree.

Trilingo Tips:

> Practise speaking with a friend/partner or teacher.

> Don’t memorise speeches, be natural and flexible.

> React and respond to your partner’s ideas.

> Use hesitation fillers (e.g. “Well, let me think…”) to buy time.

General Tips for Exam Day

> Get familiar with the format. At Trilingo Idiomas we give you two timed mock exams to practice before deciding if you’re ready to take the exam.

> Read all instructions carefully.

> Don’t panic if you make a mistake, keep going.

> Arrive early and bring the required ID and materials.

Join a Trilingo B2 First Course

Our teachers are qualified and know exactly what examiners are looking for. In our classes, you’ll:

• Practise each part of the exam regularly
• Get feedback on your writing and speaking
• Take mock exams under real conditions
• Learn vocabulary and grammar in context

 Want to book a level test? Contact us today!