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Why take the B2 First exam
Since 2015, the Ministry of Education and Science has offered the possibility to replace the profile part of the English Baccalaureate at grammar school level with the B2 First certificate. However, it is up to the head teacher to offer this option. Check with your chosen school for more information about this option in advance.
Each candidate receives a written report showing the results achieved in each part of the examination.
If you pass the exam, you will receive a Cambridge English Language Assessment certificate that is valid for life.
Last but not least, you motivate yourself and become relevant participants in the international conversation!
A number of institutions in the Czech Republic also require or take into account the B2 First (for Schools) certificate in the CV: list of institutions
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Content of the exam
Reading and Using English (75 minutes)
This part of the exam tests the ability to work with different types of texts. Candidates should be able to understand the text, navigate through it and find specific information. The tasks in this part of the exam take the form of selecting one of several answers offered, filling in gaps in the text, and constructing parts of texts. At the same time, this part of the examination tests the candidate's knowledge of grammar and vocabulary by selecting an appropriate word from the given options or by not selecting an option and by transforming words, phrases and sentences.
Reading accounts for 40% of the total score.Writing (80 minutes)
Candidates will write two texts of 140-190 words. The first text is always an essay on a fixed topic. For the second text, the candidate can choose a topic from a number of options, such as a formal or informal email or letter, an article, a report or a review.
Writing accounts for 20% of the total points. Both texts have an equal share.Listening (40 minutes)
This part of the exam tests the ability to understand spoken language in different situations and to grasp the main ideas. The recordings can be excerpts from conversations, lectures or reports in different accents. Candidates will hear all the recordings twice. The questions take the form of selecting one of the given answers or filling in gaps in the text.
Listening corresponds to 20% of the total score.Speaking (14 minutes)
It tests the candidate's ability to agree with the partner, to express and defend his/her opinion or to find a compromise. This part of the examination involves two examiners and two examinees.
The first phase of the exam focuses on general conversation on topics such as family and leisure. In the second part, both candidates are given two pictures to describe and compare for about 1 minute. After each candidate's description, the second examinee is asked to answer a short question related to the topic described. The third stage is a task that both examinees solve together based on a small text task and instructions received from the examiner.
Speaking is assessed at 20% of the total score. -
Rating
Since January 2015, a new, clearer and more accurate system of presenting exam results has been in place: Cambridge English Scale.
In order to pass the exam, you need a score of at least 160 (about 60%) after averaging the scores from all parts of the exam. Candidates who achieve a total score of 140-159 (about 45-59%) will still receive a B1 level certificate.
Cambridge English Scale: First (FCE) Grade CEFR Level 180 - 190 Grade A C1 173 - 179 Grade B B2 160 - 172 Grade C B2 140 - 159 Level B2 B1 See the links below for more:
Cambridge English Scale - VIDEO
Cambridge English Scale Chart for First (FCE)
Cambridge English Scale Chart
Cambridge English Scale explained - Information materials and sample test
