miércoles, 28 de noviembre de 2012

1. Watch and listen. What are the adjectives used to describe the coffee?
2. Why does George Clooney think the girls are talking about him?

DARK- INTENSE- BALANCED- UNIQUE- MISTERIOUS- DELICATE- SMOOTH- STRONG CHARACTER- RICH- LATIN AMERICAN- DEEP- SENSUAL- DELICIOUS

martes, 20 de noviembre de 2012

PAST SIMPLE

Hi!

¿Todavía no estás segur@ de la forma gramatical del Pasado Simple? ¿Necesitas práctica extra?

Acá te dejo enlances a ejercicios gramaticales en línea. Para abrirlos tenés que hacer un click en las frases en naranja. Cuando los termines, solo tenés que hacer un click en CHECK y vas a ver los resultados.

Espero te sea útil.

See you next class!!!

Simple Past /Pasado Simple

Exercises on Simple Past

The simple past expresses an action in the past taking place once, never, several times. It can also be used for actions taking place one after another or in the middle of another action.

El pasado simple expresa una acción del pasado que tuvo lugar una sóla vez, nunca o muchas veces. También se puede usar para expresar acciones que tuvieron lugar una después de otra o en medio de otra acción.

Form of Simple Past

Formas del Pasado Simple

	Positive	Negative	Question
no differences	I spoke.	I did not speak.	Did I speak?

For irregular verbs, use the past form /Para los verbos irregulares, usá la forma pasada (see list of irregular verbs, 2nd column/ ver lista de verbos irregulares, 2da columna). For regular verbs, just add “ed”/ A los verbos REGULARES sólo le tenés que agregar "ed".

Exceptions in Spelling when Adding ‘ed’ /Excepciones ortográficas al agregar "ed"

	Example
after a final e only add d	love – loved
final consonant after a short, stressed vowel or l as final consonant after a vowel is doubled	admit – admitted travel – travelled
final y after a consonant becomes i	hurry – hurried

Después de una e, agregá solamente d love- loveD

Si la última sílaba está compuesta por admit - admitTED

una consonate + una vocal + una consonante travel - travelLED

duplica la última consonante

y después de una consonante se convierte en i hurry - hurried

(es por eso que el verbo PLAY sólo agrega la "ed" play - played

sin cambiar y por i)

Use of Simple Past / Uso del Pasado Simple

action in the past taking place once, never or several times
Example: He visited his parents every weekend.

Acción en el pasado que solo ocurrió una vez, nunca o muchas veces.

Ejemplo: " He visited his parents every weekend." (El visitó/visitaba a sus padres todos los fines de semana"
actions in the past taking place one after the other
Example: He came in, took off his coat and sat down.

Acciones del pasado que tuvieron lugar una después de la otra.

Ejemplo: "He came in, took off his coat and sat down." ( El entró, se quitó el abrigo y se sentó)
action in the past taking place in the middle of another action
Example: When I was having breakfast, the phone suddenly rang.

Una acción en el pasado que tuvo lugar en medio de otra acción.

Ejemplo: "When I was having breakfast, the phone rang." (Cuando estaba desayunando, el teléfono sonó)
if sentences type II (If I talked, …)
Example: If I had a lot of money, I would share it with you.

Signal Words of Simple Past/ Adverbios típicos del Pasado Simple

yesterday, ayer
2 minutes ago, hace dos minutos
three days ago, hace tres días
5 years ago, hace 5 años
in 1990 (or any other year), en 1990 ( o cualquier otro año)
the other day, el otro día
last Friday, el viernes pasado
last week, la semana pasada
last month, el mes pasado
last year, el año pasado
in March (or any other month), en Marzo ( o cualquier otro año)

Exercises on Simple Past / Ejercicios de Pasado Simple

Was or Were? / Fue o fueron?
Positive Sentences in Simple Past/ Oraciones Afirmativas
Answer Questions in Simple Past/ Responde preguntas
Negative Sentences in Simple Past/ Oraciones negativas
Questions in Simple Past/ Preguntas
Questions with Interrogatives in Simple Past / Preguntas que comienzan con pronombres interrogativos
Mixed Exercise in Simple Past / Todo tipo de oraciones
Pool of exercises
Goldilocks and the three bears: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

Exercise on the text “Chicago” / Ejercicio con el el texto "Chicago"
Exercise on the text “Oxford” / Ejercicio con el texto "Oxford"
Irregular Verbs/ Verbos irregulares

Tests / Evaluaciones

Simple Past: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3

Grammar in Texts / La gramática en textos

Comparison with other Tenses/ Comparación con otros tiempos verbales

Simple Past – Past Continuous

lunes, 19 de noviembre de 2012

Test Unit 1: Speaking Part 1

Hello everyone!

Here you have the questions for the speaking part of the test on unit 1. Remember! Study them all but you will be asked only 10 of them. And of course, pay close attention to pronunciation and answer them fully. Feel free to talk!

How will I mark them?

If you answer in a short way : 1 point
If you answer with a complete phrase: 2 points.
If you answer the question in detail and add an extra comment about it : 3 points

10 questions: 30 points

Past Simple

1. When were you born?/ Where were you born?
2. When did you begin studying English here?
3. What did you do yesterday after school?
4. Did you visit your grandma last Sunday?
5. Did you go to a concert last Saturday night?
6. How did you celebrate Halloween?
7. How did you know we were having a test today?
8. Where did you live when you were 4 years old?
9. Was your mother/father a good student when she was your age?
10. Were you a good baby?

Past Continuous

1. What were you doing yesterday at 5.30 pm?
2. What was your mum doing this morning at 8.45 am?
3. Were you paying attention to your teacher when she explained the difference between "when" and "while"?
4. Were you chatting online yesterday evening?
5. What were you doing this time last week?
6. What do you think your grandparents were doing when the man reach the moon?
7. What were your parents doing when they heard the Twin Towers were attacked by terrorist?
8. Where you and your family watching TV when Spain won the World Cup in 2010?
9. "Gangman Style" is one of the most watched videos on YouTube History. What were you doing when you first listened to it?
10. This time last week, were your parents working?

domingo, 18 de noviembre de 2012

FCE Paper 3: Use of English Part 1

FCE Paper 5: Speaking Part 2

FCE Paper 5: Speaking Part 1

FCE Teachers' Training

FCE (TEACHER TRAINING) from Speak Up Idiomas

Fun with Phrasal Verbs

Fun With Phrasal Verbs from Janet Bianchini

Longman English Practice for Intermediate Students by L.G.Alexander

78982085 Longman English Grammar Practice for Intermediate Students

viernes, 16 de noviembre de 2012

Test Your English Vocabulary in Use. Pre-Intermediate and Intermediate by Stuart Redman and Ruth Gairns

Test Your English Vocabulary in Use PRE-Intermediate & Intermediate

Basic Vocabulary in Use by M. McCarthy & F. O'Dell with Ellen Shaw

CAMBRIDGE 2010 Basic.vocabulary.in.Use 180p

Vocabulary in Use Pre Intermediate by Stuart Redman

english-vocabulary-in-use-pre-intermediate

Phrasal Verbs in Use by Michael McCarthy & Felicity O'Dell

Phrasal Verbs in Use

Say, tell or ask?

English Collocations in Use

martes, 13 de noviembre de 2012

All you need to know about Paper 5: Speaking

Speaking

Face-to-face Speaking test
Download a free pack of sample papers (zip file)

What’s 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:	4
Marks:	20% of total
You have to talk:	with the examiner with the other candidate on your own

Parts 1–4

Part 1 (Interview)

What's in Part 1?	Conversation with the examiner. The examiner asks 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)

What's in Part 2?	The examiner gives you a pair of photographs to talk 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)

What's in Part 3?	Conversation with the other candidate. The examiner 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)

What's in Part 4?	Further discussion with the other candidate about the 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 DON’Ts

DOs

Make sure you are familiar with what happens, and what skills you need to show, in each part of the test.
Practise speaking English as much as possible in groups and in pairs, both inside and outside the classroom.
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.
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

Don't prepare long answers in advance, or learn and practise speeches.
Don't try to dominate your partner or interrupt them abruptly during the Speaking test.
Don't leave long or frequent pauses.
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.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

How many marks is the Speaking test worth?

Reading, Writing, Listening, Use of English and Speaking are each worth 20% of the total score for the Cambridge English: First exam.

Can I do the Speaking test with another student from my school?

This depends on the centre. In some centres, candidates from the same school do the Speaking test together. In other centres, where candidates from several different schools do the exam at the same time, you may have a partner from another school. Check this with your exam centre.

Do we speak to each other as well as to the examiner?

Yes. In Parts 1 and 2, you speak to the interlocutor (the examiner who speaks to you) but in Part 3, you must discuss something with the other candidate. In this part, you must speak to each other and NOT to the interlocutor. In Part 4 you can speak to the interlocutor or to your partner, or to both.

Do both examiners speak throughout the test?

No, only the interlocutor speaks. The assessor is silent except for greeting and saying goodbye to you.

Does knowing your partner make it easier to do well?

There is no evidence that knowing your partner helps you to perform better, or worse, in the Speaking test. Some people feel more relaxed and confident when they do the test with someone they know, but other candidates may find this situation difficult or unnatural. In both cases, the examiners are trained to give all candidates equal opportunities to show their abilities.

What happens if candidates are ‘mismatched’, for example by putting a shy person with an outgoing one?

Examiners are trained to manage this situation and ensure that everyone has an equal chance to show their abilities during the test. However, you must try to make the best use of the time to show the examiners your language skills without dominating your partner.

What should I do if I don't understand the instructions?

You should ask the examiner to repeat the instructions.

What is done when there is only one candidate left at the end of a Speaking test session?

The last single candidate will be examined with the last pair to form a group of three.

All you need to know about Paper 4: Listening

Listening

Available as a paper-based test
Available as a computer-based test
Download a free pack of sample papers (zip file)

What’s 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:	4
Number of questions:	30
Marks:	20% of total

Parts 1–4

Part 1 (Multiple choice)

What's in Part 1?	A series of short, unrelated recordings of approximately 30 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?	8
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)

What's in Part 2?	A monologue (one person speaking), or a recording with 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)

What's in Part 3?	A series of statements and short related monologues of 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?	5
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)

What's in Part 4?	A monologue or recording with two or more speakers 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?	7
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 DON’Ts

DOs

Listen to and read the instructions throughout the test. Make sure you understand what you are listening for and what you have to do.
Use the preparation time before each recording is played to read through the question and think about the context.
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.
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.
Answer all the questions – even if you're not sure.
Make sure you have transferred your answers accurately to the answer sheet.

DON'Ts

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

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What aspects of listening are tested in the Cambridge English: First Listening test?

You will be tested on your understanding of gist, main points, detail and specific information, and your ability to deduce meaning. You will listen to monologues and interacting speakers from a variety of sources.

How many times will I hear each recording?

You will hear each recording twice.

How do I record my answers?

You must write all your answers on a separate answer sheet. You may write on the question paper as you listen, but you must transfer your answers to the answer sheet. You will have 5 minutes at the end of the test to do this.

How many marks is the Cambridge English: First Listening test worth?

Reading, Writing, Listening, Use of English and Speaking are each worth 20% of the total score for the Cambridge English: First exam.

Does it matter if I make spelling mistakes?

At Cambridge English: First level, minor spelling mistakes are not penalised, but your intention must be clear. You will not be asked to spell words which are above Cambridge English: First level. However, where a word has been spelled out letter-by-letter, e.g. a proper name, and where this would actually be a test of your ability to follow the spelling, the spelling must be correct.

Am I supposed to write the words I hear on the recording in answers to Part 2, or do I get more marks if I use my own words?

You should try to use the actual words you hear on the CD. You do not get more marks for using your own words.

Can I wear headphones in the Listening paper?

Ask your centre whether you can use headphones or not – it depends how they choose to run the exam.

All you need to know about Paper 3: Use of English

Use of English

Available as a paper-based test
Available as a computer-based test
Download a free pack of sample papers (zip file)

What’s 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:	4
Number of questions:	42
Marks:	20% of total

Parts 1–4

Part 1 (Multiple-choice cloze)

What's in Part 1?	A text in which there are some missing words or phrases (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)

What's in Part 2?	A text in which there are some missing words (gaps). You 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)

What's in Part 3?	A text containing ten gaps. Each gap represents a word. 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)

What's in Part 4?	A sentence followed by a key word and a second 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?	8
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 DON’Ts

DOs

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 4 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.
Check your spelling in all parts of the test
Make sure that you transfer your answers to the answer sheet accurately.

DON'Ts

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

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

How many marks is the Use of English paper worth?

The Use of English test is worth 40 marks: Reading, Writing, Listening, Use of English and Speaking are each worth 20% of the total score for the Cambridge English: First exam.

Will I lose marks for incorrect answers?

No, you will not have marks deducted if you give an incorrect answer. If you give a wrong answer, it is the same as giving no answer – you get no marks for that question. If you’re not sure about an answer, it is better to guess than to leave the question blank

How do I record my answers?

Write your answers on the answer sheets provided by filling in a box or by writing words (between two and five words allowed for answers in Part 4). Your answer sheet will be scanned onto a computer – make sure you fill in the answers clearly. You must transfer your answers within the time given for the paper (45 minutes).

How important is spelling in the Use of English paper?

All spelling must be correct in this paper. You will not get a mark for answers which are not spelled correctly.

If I think there are two possible answers to one question, can I write them both?

If you write two or more answers and one of these is incorrect, you get no mark. You should write only one answer for each question.

In the Use of English test, are words like 'doesn't' and 'isn't' counted as one or two words?

To count the number of words, the full form should be taken into account, e.g. 'didn't' = 'did not' = two words.

What happens if I miss a negative in the transformations, thereby giving the opposite meaning to the original?

The instructions state that the second sentence must have a similar meaning to the first. However, in the mark scheme the answer is divided into two parts (see below). The two parts of the sentence (either side of the dividing line) are always treated separately, so you will receive one mark for correctly completing one part of the sentence, even if a negative has been omitted from the other part.
e.g. The last time Enrico saw Gloria was the day they left school.
SEEN
Enrico has ............. the day they left school.
n't / not seen Gloria ][ since

How is the word formation task evaluated when the form of the word is right, but it should be plural instead of singular, or the other way round?

A singular in an answer where a plural is required is marked as incorrect. You are expected to look at indicators in the text to decide whether a singular or plural form is appropriate. The same applies for positively/negatively prefixed adjectives.

All you need to know about Paper 2: Writing

Writing

Available as a paper-based test
Available as a computer-based test
Download a free pack of sample papers (zip file)

What’s 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:	2
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:

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:

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:

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 1–2

Part 1

What's in Part 1?	Some material to read (up to 160 words). You have to 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?	120–150 words

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

Part 2

What's in Part 2?	A choice of five questions. The answer you have to write 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?	120–180 words

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

DOs and DON’Ts

DOs

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.
Write in paragraphs, whenever appropriate.
Use a range of vocabulary, even if you are unsure of the correct spelling.
Check tense endings, plural forms and word order in sentences.
Check irregular past tenses and question formation.
Check irregular past tenses and question formation.
Use language that is appropriately formal or informal for the task.
Choose a Part 2 question that you feel confident you can write about.
Write clearly, so that the examiner can read your answer.

DON'Ts

Don't misspell key words which appear on the question paper.
Don't use the exact words from the question paper too much.
Don't mix formal and informal language.
Don't use formal linkers in an informal letter.
Don't waste time writing addresses for a letter, as they are not required.
Don't answer Question 5 if you haven’t read one of the books.
Don't worry if you run slightly over the word limit.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

How many texts do I need to write?

Two. You must do the task in Part 1, and you can choose one task from Part 2.

How long should I spend on each part?

This is up to you. However, remember that each part is worth the same number of marks. You should allow time for planning before you start writing each task, and for checking your own work after you have finished.

In what ways is Part 1 different from Part 2?

In Part 1 there is one compulsory task, while in Part 2 there is a choice of tasks. In Part 1, before you start writing you will need to read material of up to 160 words, e.g. advertisements, extracts from letters, articles, etc., while in Part 2 the instructions are shorter. In Part 1, you always need to write a letter or an email, whereas in Part 2 there is a range of different text types to choose from.

How many marks is each part of the Writing paper worth?

Each part of the Writing test is worth the same amount of marks: Reading, Writing, Listening, Use of English and Speaking are each worth 20% of the total score for the Cambridge English: First exam.

Where do I write my answers?

In the question booklet. This booklet also contains enough space for you to write your rough work.

How is the Writing paper marked?

Your Writing paper will be marked by a trained examiner working with a Team Leader, all guided and monitored by a Principal Examiner. Each examiner is given tests to mark randomly from all the entries. In this way, examiners will be assessing scripts from a variety of centres and countries.

What if I write too little/too much?

You are given guidelines about how much to write, but this is to help you in planning your writing. If you write considerably more than the guideline, you will only be penalised if the answer contains irrelevance or would have a negative effect on the intended audience. If you write considerably less than the guideline, but still cover the requisite aspects of the task, you will not be penalised. However, you should bear in mind we are gathering evidence that you have achieved the Cambridge English: First level in Writing skills and if you write considerably less than the guidelines, it is possible that this evidence will not be forthcoming.

Is the report format obligatory for the 'report' in the Writing paper?

Reports should be clearly organised and may contain headings. The report format is not obligatory, but will make a good impression on the target reader if used appropriately. The mark awarded to the report will, however, depend on how the report meets the requirements.

Are addresses to be omitted ONLY when stated in the task?

As a matter of policy, where the genre is given as a letter, the instruction 'You do not need to include postal addresses' is added. Where other genres are given in the instructions (e.g. report, article), candidates sometimes choose to use a letter format to answer the question if appropriate to the task. In no case will the address, if you include it, be subject to assessment, either negative or positive.

Do I have to study both the set texts?

The set text questions are optional. If you decide to answer on a set text, it is only necessary to study one of the books as there is always a question on each of them. The Cambridge English: First 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, you should be aware that the language level in other editions may be less accessible.
Information on which set texts have been selected for a particular year can be found above.

All you want to know about Paper 1: Reading

Reading

Available as a paper-based test
Available as a computer-based test
Download a free pack of sample papers (zip file)

What’s 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:	3
Number of questions:	30
Marks:	20% of total
Lengths of texts:	550–700 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 1–3

Part 1 (Multiple choice)

What's in Part 1?	A text with some multiple-choice questions. Each question 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?	8
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)

What's in Part 2?	A text with some empty spaces (gaps). After the text there 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?	7
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)

What's in Part 3?	A series of questions and a long text or several short texts 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 DON’Ts

DOs

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.
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)
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)
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)
Read the questions carefully and check each option against the text before rejecting it. (Part 2)

DON'Ts

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.
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.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What aspects of reading are tested in this paper?

You will need to show that you can understand specific information, main idea, text organisation and structure, tone, gist, opinion, attitude, detail and purpose. You will also need to be able to deduce meaning (work out the meaning of unknown vocabulary).

How many marks is the Reading paper worth?

Reading, Writing, Listening, Use of English and Speaking are each worth 20% of the total score for the Cambridge English: First exam.

How long should I spend on each part?

There is no time limit for each task; some tasks may take longer than others and you should be aware of how long you need for different tasks. However, remember that each part (1–3) is worth approximately the same number of marks overall.

How do I answer the Reading paper?

In this paper, you need to put the answers on an answer sheet by filling in a box in pencil.!!

What is the range of text types in each part of the paper?

It is possible for any of the text types listed above to appear in any part of the paper. Make sure you are familiar with any text type that might appear in the exam and with the different test focuses for each part. Appropriate tasks are selected to suit the individual text.

What if I make a mistake on the answer sheet?

If more than one lozenge has been completed for one question, the computer rejects the answer sheet, which is then dealt with on an individual basis. Checks are in place to identify incomplete answer sheets, which are also then checked.
Cases where all the answers have been entered incorrectly, e.g. by putting answer 1 to question 2, answer 2 to question 3, etc., cannot be identified.
You should be careful when filling in your answer sheet.

Exam format

Why take the exam?

Ready for success in the real world

The Cambridge English: First exam uses real-life situations that are especially designed to help you communicate more effectively and learn the language skills you need to take the next step to success.

Real-life language skills

Cambridge English: First is set at Level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages. B2 is the level of English needed to:

study in English at foundation or pathway level
work in an English-speaking environment
live independently in an English-speaking country.

For example, at B2 level, you can expect to:

understand the main ideas of complex pieces of writing
keep up a conversation on a fairly wide range of topics, expressing opinions and presenting arguments
produce clear, detailed writing, expressing opinions and explaining the advantages and disadvantages of different points of view.

Preparing for Cambridge English: First will give you these kinds of practical language skills.

Globally accepted

Your certificate is accepted by thousands of employers, universities and government departments around the world.

It is accepted by thousands of industrial, administrative and service-based employers as a qualification in upper-intermediate English.
It is also accepted by a wide range of educational institutions for study purposes.
Companies such as American Express, Agfa-Gevaert GmbH, Siemens AG and Procter & Gamble all recognise the value of Cambridge English: First in their overseas offices.

Choice

Cambridge English: First is available internationally at over 1,000 centres. Also, with paper-based and computer-based exam options, you can choose when, where and how you take your exam.

Fast results

Get your results in just two weeks with our computer-based exams.

Fair

Cambridge English exams cover all major varieties of English and are designed to be fair to users of all nationalities and linguistic backgrounds.

Reliable

Backed by the largest research programme of its kind, Cambridge English exams provide the most reliable reflection of your language skills.

A Cambridge English qualification

Once you have earned a Cambridge English certificate, you hold one of the most valuable English qualifications in the world.

What's in the exam?

Paper	Content	Marks (% of total)	Purpose
Reading (1 hour)	3 parts/30 questions	20%	Shows you can deal confidently with different types of text, such as fiction, newspapers and magazines.
Writing (1 hour 20 minutes)	2 parts	20%	Requires you to be able to produce two different pieces of writing, such as letters, reports, reviews and short stories.
Use of English (45 minutes)	4 parts/42 questions	20%	Your use of English will be tested by tasks which show how well you can control your grammar and vocabulary.
Listening (about 40 minutes)	4 parts/30 questions	20%	Requires you to be able to follow and understand a range of spoken materials, such as news programmes, presentations and everyday conversations.
Speaking (14 minutes per pair of candidates)	4 parts	20%	Tests your ability to communicate effectively in face-to-face situations. You will take the Speaking test with one or two other candidates.