READING:

Whats in the Reading paper? The Cambridge English: First Reading paper has different types of text and questions. In one part, you may have to read one long text or two or more shorter, related texts. Summary

Time allowed:

1 hour

Number of parts:

Number of questions:

30

Marks:

20% of total

Lengths of texts:

550700 words per text: about 2,000 words to read in total

Texts may be from:

newspaper and magazine articles, reports, fiction, advertisements, letters, messages, informational material (e.g. brochures, guides, manuals, etc.)

Parts 13
Part 1 (Multiple choice)

A text with some multiple-choice questions. Each question What's in Part 1? has four options (A, B, C or D) and you have to decide which is the correct answer.

What do I have to practise?

How to understand the details of a text, including opinions and attitudes.

How many questions are there?

How many marks do I get?

Two marks for each correct answer.

Practise Part 1 Now try Part 1 from the sample Cambridge English: First Reading paper.

Part 2 (Gapped text)

A text with some empty spaces (gaps). After the text there What's in Part 2? are some sentences taken from the text. You have to choose the correct sentence for each gap.

What do I have to practise?

How to understand the structure and follow the development of a text.

How many questions are there?

How many marks do I get?

Two marks for each correct answer.

Practise Part 2 Now try Part 2 from the sample Cambridge English: First Reading paper.

Part 3 (Multiple matching)

A series of questions and a long text or several short texts What's in Part 3? to read. For each question, you have to decide which text or part of the text mentions some specific information.

What do I have to practise?

How to find specific information in a text or texts.

How many questions are there?

15

How many marks do I get?

One mark for each correct answer.

Practise Part 3 Now try Part 3 from the sample Cambridge English: First Reading paper.

DOs and DONTs

DOs 1. 2. Read the sources, titles and subtitles of the texts where given; they are there to help you. Read each text carefully before you answer the questions to get an overall impression and understanding of it. This includes Part 3, the multiple matching task. 3. Remember, the missing word(s) may be forming part of an idiom, fixed phrase or collocation, so always check the words around the gap carefully. (Part 2) 4. Remember, the missing sentence must fit the context of the passage, so always check that the completed paragraph makes sense in the passage as a whole. (Part 2) 5. Keep an overall idea of the development of the text. You will need to check that the sentences chosen to fit the gaps in the base text fit the progression of the argument or narrative as a whole. (Part 2) 6. Read the questions carefully and check each option against the text before rejecting it. (Part 2) DON'Ts 7. 8. 9. Don't try to answer any questions without referring carefully to the text. Don't spend too much time on any one part of the paper. Don't forget to record your answers on the separate answer sheet.

10. Don't assume that if the same word appears in the text as well as in an option, this means you have located the answer.

WRITING Whats in the Writing paper? In the two parts of the Cambridge English: First Writing paper, you have to show that you can write different types of text in English. Summary

Time allowed:

1 hour 20 minutes

Number of parts:

Number of questions:

Part 1: one compulsory question Part 2: one question from a choice of five

Marks:

20% of total

Types of task:

article, email, essay, letter, report, review, story

Set texts Set texts for Cambridge English: First until December 2011: 1. 2. Wilkie Collins: The Woman in White (Black Cat or any edition) Michael Crichton: Jurassic Park (Macmillan or any edition) One or both of these texts may be read as preparation for the two optional set text tasks. They are Graded Readers which have been adapted to the level and are suitable for Cambridge English: First candidates. Other editions of these books may be available. However, you should be aware that the language level in other editions may be less accessible. Set texts for Cambridge English: First until December 2012: 3. 4. William Thackeray: Vanity Fair (Black Cat or any edition) Mary Stewart: This Rough Magic (OUP) The texts are Graded Readers which have been adapted to the level and are suitable for Cambridge English: First candidates. Other editions of these books may be available. However, teachers and candidates should be aware that the language level in other editions may be less accessible. Set texts for Cambridge English: First until December 2013:

5. 6.

William Thackeray: Vanity Fair (Black Cat or any edition) Mary Stewart: This Rough Magic (OUP) The texts are Graded Readers which have been adapted to the level and are suitable for FCE candidates. Other editions of these books may be available. However, teachers and candidates should be aware that the language level in other editions may be less accessible.

Parts 12
Part 1

Some material to read (up to 160 words). You have to What's in Part 1? write a letter or email using the information in this material.

What do I have to practise?

Writing a letter or email. You may have to apologise, compare, describe, explain, express opinions, justify, persuade, recommend, and/or suggest something.

How many questions are there?

One compulsory question.

How much do I have to write?

120150 words

Practise Part 1 Now try Part 1 from the sample Cambridge English: First Writing paper.

Part 2

A choice of five questions. The answer you have to write What's in Part 2? will be one of the following: an article, essay, letter, report, review or story.

What about Question 5?

If you read one of the set books and want to write about it, you may decide to try Question 5. You have a choice of two tasks 5 (a) or 5 (b) for this question.

What do I have to practise?

Writing different types of text: articles, essays, letters, reports, reviews. Depending on the question, you will have

to advise, compare, describe, explain, express opinions, justify and/or recommend something.

How many questions are there?

One task to be selected from a choice of five.

How much do I have to write?

120180 words

Practise Part 2 Now try Part 2 from the sample Cambridge English: First Writing paper.

DOs and DONTs

DOs 7. 8. 9. Read the whole question thoroughly and underline important parts. Make a plan for each answer, including ALL points. Expand the points in Part 1 if you can, using relevant ideas and information.

10. Write in paragraphs, whenever appropriate. 11. Use a range of vocabulary, even if you are unsure of the correct spelling. 12. Check tense endings, plural forms and word order in sentences. 13. Check irregular past tenses and question formation. 14. Check irregular past tenses and question formation. 15. Use language that is appropriately formal or informal for the task. 16. Choose a Part 2 question that you feel confident you can write about. 17. Write clearly, so that the examiner can read your answer. DON'Ts 18. Don't misspell key words which appear on the question paper. 19. Don't use the exact words from the question paper too much. 20. Don't mix formal and informal language. 21. Don't use formal linkers in an informal letter. 22. Don't waste time writing addresses for a letter, as they are not required.

23. Don't answer Question 5 if you havent read one of the books. 24. Don't worry if you run slightly over the word limit.

USE OF ENGLISH: Whats in the Use of English paper? The Cambridge English: First Use of English paper has four parts with different types of tasks which test grammar and vocabulary. Summary

Time allowed:

45 minutes

Number of parts:

Number of questions:

42

Marks:

20% of total

Parts 14
Part 1 (Multiple-choice cloze)

A text in which there are some missing words or phrases What's in Part 1? (gaps). After the text there are four possible answers for each gap and you have to choose the correct answer (A, B, C or D).

What do I have to practise?

Vocabulary words with similar meanings, collocations, linking phrases, phrasal verbs, etc.

How many questions are there?

12

How many marks are there?

One mark for each correct answer.

Practise Part 1 Now try Part 1 from the sample Cambridge English: First Use of English paper.

Part 2 (Open cloze)

A text in which there are some missing words (gaps). You What's in Part 2? have to find the correct word for each gap.

What do I have to practise?

Grammar and vocabulary.

How many questions are there?

12

How many marks are there?

One mark for each correct answer.

Practise Part 2 Now try Part 2 from the sample Cambridge English: First Use of English paper.

Part 3 (Word formation)

A text containing ten gaps. Each gap represents a word. What's in Part 3? At the end of the line is a prompt word which you have to change in some way to make the correct missing word and complete the sentence correctly.

What do I have to practise?

Vocabulary word building: the different words which you can make from a base word, e.g. compete becomes competition, competitor, competitive, competitively or uncompetitive.

How many questions are there?

10

How many marks are there?

One mark for each correct answer.

Practise Part 3 Now try Part 3 from the sample Cambridge English: First Use of English paper.

Part 4 (Key word transformations)

A sentence followed by a key word and a second What's in Part 4? sentence which has a gap in it. You have to use the key word to complete the second sentence so that it means

the same as the first sentence.

What do I have to practise?

Grammar and vocabulary rewriting sentences with different words so that they mean the same thing.

How many questions are there?

How many marks are there?

Up to two marks for each correct answer.

Practise Part 4 Now try Part 4 from the sample Cambridge English: First Use of English paper.

DOs and DONTs

DOs 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Read the words following the gaps in Parts 1 and 2 as they may have an effect on the answer. Make sure that any verb you write in a gap in Part 2 agrees with its subject. Write the prompt word in your answer in Part 3 without changing it in any way. Write between two and five words as your answer in Part 4. Remember that the words you need to write in Part 3 might have to change into a negative or a plural. 6. 7. Check your spelling in all parts of the test Make sure that you transfer your answers to the answer sheet accurately. DON'Ts 8. 9. Don't write the answers to any of the examples on your answer sheets. Don't choose your answer in Part 1 before you have read all the options.

10. Don't write out the full sentence when answering the questions in Part 4. 11. Don't leave the base word in Part 3 unchanged. 12. Dont decide on your answer before reading the whole of a sentence in all parts. 13. Don't give alternative answers for any questions.

LISTENING: Whats in the Listening paper? The Cambridge English: First Listening paper has four parts. For each part you have to listen to a recorded text or texts and answer some questions. You hear each recording twice. Summary

Time allowed:

about 40 minutes

Number of parts:

Number of questions:

30

Marks:

20% of total

Parts 14
Part 1 (Multiple choice)

A series of short, unrelated recordings of approximately 30 What's in Part 1? seconds each. You have to listen to the recordings and answer one multiple-choice question for each. Each question has three options (A, B or C).

What do I have to practise?

Listening for general meaning (gist), detail, function, purpose, attitude, opinion, relationship, topic, place, situation, genre, agreement, etc.

How many questions are there?

How many marks are there?

One mark for each correct answer.

Practise Part 1 Now try Part 1 from the sample Cambridge English: First Listening paper.

Part 2 (Sentence completion)

A monologue (one person speaking), or a recording with What's in Part 2? two or more speakers lasting approximately 3 minutes. To answer the questions, you have to complete the sentences on the question paper with information you hear on the recording.

What do I have to practise?

Listening for detail, specific information, stated opinion.

How many questions are there?

10

How many marks are there?

One mark for each correct answer.

Practise Part 2 Now try Part 2 from the sample Cambridge English: First Listening paper.

Part 3 (Multiple matching)

A series of statements and short related monologues of What's in Part 3? approximately 30 seconds each. You listen to the recordings and choose which statement best matches what each speaker says.

What do I have to practise?

Listening for general gist, detail, function, purpose, attitude, opinion, relationship, topic, place, situation, genre, agreement, etc.

How many questions are there?

How many marks are there?

One mark for each correct answer.

Practise Part 3 Now try Part 3 from the sample Cambridge English: First Listening paper.

Part 4 (Multiple choice)

A monologue or recording with two or more speakers What's in Part 4? which lasts approximately 3 minutes. You have to listen to the recording and answer seven multiple-choice questions. Each question has three options (A, B or C).

What do I have to practise?

Listening for opinion, attitude, gist, main idea, specific information.

How many questions are there?

How many marks are there?

One mark for each correct answer.

Practise Part 4 Now try Part 4 from the sample Cambridge English: First Listening paper.

DOs and DONTs

DOs 1. Listen to and read the instructions throughout the test. Make sure 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. 4. Use the information on the page to help you follow the text. 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. 6. 7. Write only the missing information on the answer sheet. (Part 2) Write your answers as clearly as possible. If you have an idea of the correct answer the first time you hear a recording, check that this is correct the second time. 8. 9. Answer all the questions even if you're not sure. Make sure you have transferred your answers accurately to the answer sheet.

DON'Ts 10. Don't rephrase what you hear in Part 2; write down the exact word(s) or figure(s) that you hear on the recording. 11. Don't complicate your answer by writing extra, irrelevant information. (Part 2) 12. Don't spend too much time on a question you are having difficulty with as you may miss the next question. 13. 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)

SPEAKING:
Whats in the Speaking paper? The Cambridge English: First Speaking test has four parts and you take it together with another candidate. There are two examiners. One of the examiners conducts the test (asks you questions, gives you paper with things to talk about, and so on). The other examiner listens to what you say and takes notes. Summary

Time allowed:

14 minutes per pair of candidates

Number of parts:

Marks:

20% of total

You have to talk:

with the examiner with the other candidate on your own

Parts 14
Part 1 (Interview)

Conversation with the examiner. The examiner asks What's in Part 1? questions and you may have to give information about yourself, talk about past experiences, present circumstances and future plans.

What do I have to practise?

Giving information about yourself and expressing your opinion about various topics.

How long do I have to speak?

3 minutes

Practise Part 1 Now try Part 1 from the sample Cambridge English: First Speaking paper.

Part 2 (Long turn)

The examiner gives you a pair of photographs to talk What's in Part 2? about and you have to speak for 1 minute without interruption. The questions you have to answer about your photographs are written at the top of the page to remind you what you should talk about. When you have finished speaking, your partner then has to answer a short question from the examiner about your photographs.

What do I have to practise?

Talking on your own about something: comparing, describing, expressing opinions.

How long do I have to speak?

1 minute per candidate

Practise Part 2 Now try Part 2 from the sample Cambridge English: First Speaking paper.

Part 3 (Collaborative task)

Conversation with the other candidate. The examiner What's in Part 3? gives you some pictures and a decision-making task to do. You have to talk with the other candidate and make a decision.

What do I have to practise?

Exchanging ideas, expressing and justifying opinions, agreeing and/or disagreeing, suggesting, speculating, evaluating, reaching a decision through negotiation, etc.

How long do we have to speak?

3 minutes

Practise Part 3 Now try Part 3 from the sample Cambridge English: First Speaking paper.

Part 4 (Discussion)

Further discussion with the other candidate about the

What's in Part 4?

same topic as the task in Part 3.

What do I have to practise?

Expressing and justifying opinions, agreeing and/or disagreeing.

How long do I have to speak?

4 minutes

Practise Part 4 Now try Part 4 from the sample Cambridge English: First Speaking paper.

DOs and DONTs

DOs 1. Make sure you are familiar with what happens, and what skills you need to show, in each part of the test. 2. Practise speaking English as much as possible in groups and in pairs, both inside and outside the classroom. 3. 4. 5. Listen carefully to the instructions and questions during the test and respond appropriately. Speak clearly, so that both the interlocutor and assessor can hear you. Use all the opportunities you're given in the test to speak, and extend your responses whenever possible. 6. 7. 8. Ask for clarification of instructions or a question if you're not sure. Be prepared to initiate discussion as well as responding to what your partner says. Make full use of the time so that the examiner who is listening hears plenty of your English. DON'Ts 9. Don't prepare long answers in advance, or learn and practise speeches.

10. Don't try to dominate your partner or interrupt them abruptly during the Speaking test. 11. Don't leave long or frequent pauses. 12. Don't worry about being interrupted by the examiner. This shows you have spoken enough. The tests have to keep to the time limit for administrative reasons.