![](https://exams-owl.com/storage/2021/03/EMWS@3x-8.png")
A guide to the exam, with advice on preparing for the exam, tips for exam day and useful links.
Information for candidates
Exam format
The B2 First for Schools exam is made up of four papers developed to test students’ English language skills.
1 hour 15 minutes
The B2 First for Schools Reading and Use of English paper is in seven parts and has a mix of text types and questions. For Parts 1 to 4, you read a range of texts and do grammar and vocabulary tasks. For Parts 5 to 7, you read a series of texts and answer questions that test your reading ability and show that you can deal with a variety of different types of texts.
This paper accounts for 40% of the total mark.
Part 1 (Multiple-choice cloze):
Part 2 (Open cloze):
Part 3 (Word formation):
Part 4 (Key word transformations):
Part 5 (Multiple choice):
Part 6 (Gapped text):
Part 7 (Multiple matching):
1 hour 20 minutes
In the two parts of the B2 First for Schools Writing paper, the student has to show that they can write different types of text in English. This paper accounts for 20% of the total mark.
Part 1:
Part 2:
Set texts for B2 First for Schools
January 2021 – December 2022
Daphne du Maurier: Rebecca (Pearson Level 5 Edition)
Teachers may choose to prepare candidates for questions on this set text by studying any film version of Rebecca, as well as, or instead of, the book.
Students should not attempt the optional set text question in Part 2 unless they have the necessary understanding of the text to answer the task set. Teachers are best placed to judge if the set texts and/or film version may be appropriate and stimulating for a given teaching situation. The suggested edition is a graded reader which has been adapted to the level and is suitable for B2 First for Schools candidates. Other editions of this book may be available. Teachers and students should be aware that the language level in other editions may be less accessible
About 40 minutes
The B2 First for Schools 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. This paper accounts for 20% of the total mark.
Part 1 (Multiple choice):
Part 2 (Sentence completion):
Part 3 (Multiple matching):
Part 4 (Multiple choice):
14 minutes per pair of candidates
The B2 First for Schools Speaking test has four parts and you take it together with another candidate. There are two examiners. One of the examiners asks you questions and gives you the booklet with things to talk about. The other examiner listens to what you say. Both examiners give marks for your performance. This paper accounts for 20% of the total mark.
Part 1 (Interview):
Part 2 (Long turn):
Part 3 (Collaborative task):
Part 4 (Discussion):
Choosing your Speaking Test partner
If you would like to be paired together with a friend/classmate, you can request this when you register for the exam. Please note, however, that research has shown that there are both advantages and disadvantages in taking the test with someone you know and that in the end it doesn’t matter. What is important is that the test judges you on your own performance.
Groups of three candidates
Almost all B2 First for Schools Speaking Tests are conducted in groups of two candidates. However, if there is an uneven number of candidates at an exam session there will be one test with a group of three candidates, normally at the end of the day or before a long break. The test format is exactly the same but will last a little longer. Please note that you cannot request to take your test in a group of three.
Frequently asked questions and exam day tips
Information for candidates:
The Information for Candidates booklet is packed with study tips, exam advice and frequently asked questions. A great way to help your learners feel fully prepared for their exam.
Support and information for parents
Children can have fun learning English with the Cambridge English free games and activities.
Find information and tips to help encourage your children to have fun learning English.
Sample tests
Paper-based sample tests
Digital
Watch this video tutorial for help on how to complete a B2 First for Schools digital exam. Please also review this document which covers minor differences between the sample tests and the live exam.
Answer keys and tapescript
Use the answer keys below
There is no answer key for the Writing paper, but there are sample answers and examiner comments in the relevant pages of the B2 First for Schools handbook.
Writing Checklist
Use this checklist to improve your writing skills and prepare for this component of the exam.
Speaking test video with examiners’ commentary
These video will help you to understand what happens during the B2 First for Schools speaking test. You can also download examiners’ comments for this video.
Examiner comments > Julia and Malena
Examiner comments > Lara, Agustina and Mateo
Examiner comments > Francesco and Emma
Information for candidates
A guide to the exam, with advice on preparing for the exam, tips for exam day and useful links.
Exam format
The B2 First for Schools exam is made up of four papers developed to test students’ English language skills.
1 hour 15 minutes
The B2 First for Schools Reading and Use of English paper is in seven parts and has a mix of text types and questions. For Parts 1 to 4, you read a range of texts and do grammar and vocabulary tasks. For Parts 5 to 7, you read a series of texts and answer questions that test your reading ability and show that you can deal with a variety of different types of texts.
This paper accounts for 40% of the total mark.
1 (Multiple-choice)
2 (Open cloze)
3 (Word formation)
4 (Transformations)
5 (Multiple choice)
6 (Gapped text)
7 (Multiple matching)
1 hour 20 minutes
In the two parts of the B2 First for Schools Writing paper, the student has to show that they can write different types of text in English. This paper accounts for 20% of the total mark.
Part 1
Part 2
Set texts for B2 First for Schools
January 2021 – December 2022
Daphne du Maurier: Rebecca (Pearson Level 5 Edition)
Teachers may choose to prepare candidates for questions on this set text by studying any film version of Rebecca, as well as, or instead of, the book.
Students should not attempt the optional set text question in Part 2 unless they have the necessary understanding of the text to answer the task set. Teachers are best placed to judge if the set texts and/or film version may be appropriate and stimulating for a given teaching situation. The suggested edition is a graded reader which has been adapted to the level and is suitable for B2 First for Schools candidates. Other editions of this book may be available. Teachers and students should be aware that the language level in other editions may be less accessible
About 40 minutes
The B2 First for Schools 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. This paper accounts for 20% of the total mark.
1 (Multiple choice)
2 (Sentence completion)
3 (Multiple matching)
4 (Multiple choice)
14 minutes per pair of candidates
The B2 First for Schools Speaking test has four parts and you take it together with another candidate. There are two examiners. One of the examiners asks you questions and gives you the booklet with things to talk about. The other examiner listens to what you say. Both examiners give marks for your performance. This paper accounts for 20% of the total mark.
1 (Interview)
2 (Long turn)
3 (Collaborative task)
4 (Discussion)
Choosing your Speaking Test partner
If you would like to be paired together with a friend/classmate, you can request this when you register for the exam. Please note, however, that research has shown that there are both advantages and disadvantages in taking the test with someone you know and that in the end it doesn’t matter. What is important is that the test judges you on your own performance.
Groups of three candidates
Almost all B2 First for Schools Speaking Tests are conducted in groups of two candidates. However, if there is an uneven number of candidates at an exam session there will be one test with a group of three candidates, normally at the end of the day or before a long break. The test format is exactly the same but will last a little longer. Please note that you cannot request to take your test in a group of three.
Frequently asked questions and exam day tips
Information for candidates:
The Information for Candidates booklet is packed with study tips, exam advice and frequently asked questions. A great way to help your learners feel fully prepared for their exam.
Support and information for parents
Children can have fun learning English with the Cambridge English free games and activities.
Find information and tips to help encourage your children to have fun learning English.
Sample tests
Paper-based sample tests
Digital
Watch this video tutorial for help on how to complete an First for Schools digital exam. Please also review this document which covers minor differences between the sample tests and the live exam.
Answer keys and tapescript
Use the answer keys below
There is no answer key for the Writing paper, but there are sample answers and examiner comments in the relevant pages of the B2 First for Schools handbook.
Writing Checklist
Use this checklist to improve your writing skills and prepare for this component of the exam.
Speaking test video with examiners’ commentary
These video will help you to understand what happens during the B2 First for Schools speaking test. You can also download examiners’ comments for this video.
Examiner comments > Julia and Malena
Examiner comments > Lara, Agustina and Mateo
Examiner comments > Francesco and Emma