B2 First (FCE) English practice
Preparing for B2 First, also known as FCE? Work through grammar and vocabulary in context, then apply what you have reviewed to reading and writing.
How to use this collection
Begin with a Use of English set. Note recurring errors, study the corresponding grammar, and try the set again later. For writing, plan the purpose and reader before drafting.
Use these independent lessons alongside official preparation materials. They do not reproduce the exam format, include speaking assessment, or predict an exam score.
Official Cambridge B2 First (FCE) informationUse of English practice
Language in context
A 15-question B2 review of grammar, vocabulary and sentence structure.
The Cost of Convenience
Complete an original connected text with 15 multiple-choice gaps. Read the whole passage and use the surrounding context. Answers and explanations appear after completion.
Narrative, Prediction and Perspective
A 15-question review combining grammar and vocabulary from this level's lessons. Choose the best option; review explanations after completing the test.
Who Gets Heard at Work?
Complete an original connected text with 15 multiple-choice gaps. Read the whole passage and use the surrounding context. Answers and explanations appear after completion.
Conditions, Regrets and Negotiated Choices
A 15-question review combining grammar and vocabulary from this level's lessons. Choose the best option; review explanations after completing the test.
When a Good Idea Meets Reality
Complete an original connected text with 15 multiple-choice gaps. Read the whole passage and use the surrounding context. Answers and explanations appear after completion.
Grammar practice
Narrative tenses / used to / would
Narrative tenses / used to / would. Narrative tenses establish event order and background; used to describes former habits or states, while would can describe repeated past actions after a past setting is established.
Future forms
Future forms. English future reference includes will for predictions or instant decisions, going to for intentions/evidence, present continuous for arrangements, present simple for timetables, future continuous for ongoing activity and future perfect for completion by a point.
Other future expressions — be about to, be due to...
Other future expressions — be about to, be due to.... Be about to indicates an imminent action; be due to refers to an expected or scheduled event; be on the point/verge of takes -ing or a noun.
Future in the past
Future in the past. Future in the past reports a future viewed from a past reference point.
Modal verbs — permission, obligation, prohibition, necessity
Modal verbs — permission, obligation, prohibition, necessity. Distinguish permission, obligation, prohibition and lack of necessity.
Speculation & deduction
Speculation & deduction. Modal deductions use must, may/might/could and can't according to certainty.
Reading practice
The four-day question
Read an original text and answer five questions about its meaning.
The case for a small pilot
Read an original opinion essay and explore its main idea, details and meaning.
A museum with many voices
Read an original article and explore its main idea, details and meaning.
Is overtourism pricing locals out?
An original short opinion with five questions on comprehension and vocabulary in context.
Coolcationing: A new travel trend
An original short travel discussion with five questions on comprehension and vocabulary in context.
Using AI to talk to the deceased
An original short discussion with five questions on comprehension and vocabulary in context.
Writing practice
A report on a study space
Write 180–220 words for a college committee about a shared study room. Describe two current problems, compare possible improvements and recommend a priority. Explain how the college could evaluate the change. You may invent plausible observations for this practice task.
Writing a discussion essay: Discuss two views and give your opinion
170–230 words · Discussion essay. Discuss these views: 'Public libraries should spend most of their budget on books' and 'Libraries should prioritise shared working spaces and activities.' Explain both views and give your own opinion.
Opinion essay – agree or disagree with a statement
170–230 words · Opinion essay. Respond to the statement: 'Every university course should include a period of work experience.' Give a clear position, develop reasons and consider a limitation or counterargument.
A report
170–230 words · Report. Write a report for a college manager on a fictional study room. Your observations: 24 seats; all occupied at lunchtime on three visits; six power sockets; frequent group conversations; students request both quiet study and collaboration space. Summarise the problems and make feasible recommendations without claiming your observations represent everyone.
A film review
170–230 words · Review. Write a review for a student website of a real or invented film. Give a spoiler-free premise, assess two aspects such as acting and pacing, and recommend it to a particular audience. The model reviews an invented film.
Writing an article for the First exam
140–190 words · Article. An English-language magazine asks: 'What skill would you like more people to learn, and how could they start?' Write an original exam-style article answering both questions. Use an engaging title and support your ideas. This is independent practice, not an official exam paper.