B2 First Writing Section
You are required to produce two pieces of writing. The first piece is compulsory and will be an essay of 140-190 words. For the second, you can choose from an article, email/letter, essay, review or report (B2 First for schools the report is replaced with a short story) of 140-190 words.
B2 First Use of English and Reading Section
You need to be able to understand a range of texts, including how they are organised and the opinions and attitudes expressed in them. The texts will be from sources familiar to you such as magazines, articles, fiction and advertisements, but targeted at the interests of students.
Students’ use of English will be tested by tasks which show how well they can control their grammar and vocabulary.
B2 First Listening and Speaking Section
Requires being able to follow and understand a range of familiar spoken materials, such as news programmes, public announcements and other sources, but targeted at the interests of the learners.
In this part, you talk about two photos on your own which you have to compare for about 1 minute. After you have finished, your partner will be asked a short question about your photo. When your partner has spoken about their photos for about 1 minute, you will be asked a question about their photos.
B2 Speaking Part 2 Exercise 1
In this part you express ideas with your partner by looking at a discussion point that the examiner gives you.
This will be available soon.
In this part, you focus on general aspects of a topic with the examiner or you may involve your partner.
This will be available soon.
In this part, you will hear an interview.
Mountain Climbing Weekend
Especially helpful are exercises that are focussed on a theme or topic as these provide word retention practise so you can be confident to read, write, speak and listen successfully.
Cambridge English Examinations:
Cambridge English exams are designed for learners at all levels from the pre-intermediate level Cambridge English: Key (KET) to the very advanced level Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE). These exams give candidates proof of their ability to use English in a wide variety of contexts, relevant to work, study and leisure activities.
A2 Key | B1 Preliminary | B2 First
Follow these steps to write a book or film review.
Pre-writing
Reading
First, read this film review (The Green Mile) and do the comprehension questions.
Note-taking
Remember and take notes of the plot of the story. What impression did it produce on you?
Complete the following diagram
Writing
- Introduction: give the title and author of the book. If you're reviewing a film mention the director or actors.
- Body:1.
Summarize the plot in a few sentences.2.
Mention the setting: the place and time of the plot.3. Say something about
the main characters.
4. Say something about the content.
- Conclusion:1. Comment on the book or film.2.
Let others know whether or not you liked the book/film.3. Why do you like it? Why don't you like it?4. Is the author's style good or bad, is the book/film interesting or boring, etc?
5. Do you want to recommend the book/film?
Post writing
Edit your writing.
Useful Expressions:
Title, Author / Director, Actors
The film is directed by...The film is produced by...It is starred by...
The book is written by ...
Setting
The action takes place in ... (setting)The action of the film is set in...
The story takes place in...
Characters and Plot
The main characters are...The story is about...The novel tells the story of...In the course of the novel, the action develops dramatically.The novel/film begins with...The novel has an unexpected ending.
The end of... is...
Reaction
I am impressed byI think...The book is terribly/beautifully writtenThe film is terrible/exciting.What surprised me is...What I liked is...What I didn't like is...
I liked/didn't like the film/novel because...