FCE Information

Paper 1 Reading (1 hour 15 minutes)

Content

35 items of the following task types:

• multiple matching
• multiple choice
• gapped text
• multiple matching and multiple choice

Test Focus

• understanding the main points
• reading for specific detail
• understanding the structure of the text
• reading for specific information
  

Paper 2 Writing (1 hour 30 minutes)

Content

Part 1 - compulsory transactional letter based on prompts

Part 2 - choice of the following writing tasks: letters, reports, articles, discursive, descriptive or narrative compositions or a composition based on a background reading text

Test Focus

• providing information in letters
• writing for a specific purpose and audience
  

Paper 3 Use of English (1 hour 30 minutes)

Content

65 items of the following task types:

• multiple-choice cloze
• open cloze
• word transformations
• error correction
• word formation

Test Focus

• understanding lexical and grammatical patterns
• structural accuracy
• grammar and vocabulary focus
• identifying extra or unnecessary words
• word building from prompts
  

Paper 4 Listening (40 minutes approx.)

Content

Two longer recorded texts and two series of short extracts with 30 listening comprehension questions

Test Focus

• understanding the main idea, the main points and detailed or specific information
• deducing meaning
  

Paper 5 Speaking (15 minutes approx.)

Content

Four parts:

• exchange of information
• long turn to speak based on visual stimulus
• problem-solving discussion between candidates

Test Focus

• exchanging personal information
• comparing and contrasting, giving information and expressing opinions
• demonstrating negotiation and interaction skills
• responding to questions and developing discussion topics

Paper 5 Speaking (15 minutes approx.)

Content

Four parts:

• exchange of information
• long turn to speak based on visual stimulus
• problem-solving discussion between candidates
• continued discussion with examiners

Test Focus

• exchanging personal information
• describing, hypothesising and commenting on prompts
• negotiating, collaborating and reaching an agreement
• summarising, reporting and developing ideas from Part 3