Summary
Highlights
The B2 First exam includes four papers: Reading and Use of English, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. The Reading and Use of English paper is actually two exams combined, making up 40% of the overall mark. It consists of seven parts, with parts 1, 5, 6, and 7 focusing on reading, and parts 2, 3, and 4 on Use of English. Candidates have 1 hour and 15 minutes, or roughly 70 minutes after answer sheet transfer, to complete all seven tasks, averaging about 10 minutes per task. Effective strategies are crucial for success due to the time constraints.
Part 1 involves reading a short text with eight gaps and choosing the correct missing word from four options (A, B, C, or D) for each gap. The recommended strategy is to first read the text quickly for general understanding, then analyze the language around each gap to identify signal words. These signal words help narrow down choices. Finally, consider the meaning of the remaining options. A final read-through of the complete text is advised to catch any mistakes.
Similar to Part 1, Part 2 requires filling in eight gaps in a text, but without multiple-choice options. This section focuses on grammar and some vocabulary, like phrasal verbs. The strategy is the same: read the text quickly, then analyze the context around each gap to determine the missing word, often involving relative clauses or prepositions. A final review of the text is essential to ensure accuracy and catch any errors.
In Part 3, candidates receive a text with eight gaps and a base word for each gap. They must change the base word using prefixes and suffixes to fit the sentence grammatically and semantically. This section tests knowledge of word families. The strategy involves reading the text for general understanding, identifying the type of word needed (noun, verb, adjective, adverb), and considering plural or negative forms. For example, changing 'product' to 'producer' based on context. A final check of the completed text is recommended.
Part 4 presents six pairs of sentences. The first sentence is complete, and the second has a gap. Candidates must fill the gap with two to five words, including a given keyword, to make the two sentences have the same meaning. This part assesses paraphrasing skills, use of synonyms, and grammatical transformations. Each correct answer is worth two marks, with partial credit for partially correct answers. It's crucial to ensure the meaning is as similar as possible and to adhere to the word count and keyword usage rules.
Part 5 involves reading a long text (650-700 words) and answering six multiple-choice questions (A to D). This part tests various reading skills, including gist, detail, and understanding the writer's opinion or attitude. Each correct answer is worth two marks. The strategy is to quickly read the text for general understanding, then carefully read each question without looking at the answers, underlining key points. Formulate an answer in your own words before comparing it to the given options to avoid being misled by tempting distractors. If uncertain, re-read the relevant section of the text.
In Part 6, candidates read a text with six missing sentences. They must choose the correct sentence from a list of seven options to fill each gap, testing the ability to identify textual connections through linking words, time periods, contrasts, reasons, examples, pronouns, and tenses. Each correct answer is worth two marks. It's crucial to read the entire text first to get a general idea and note the topic of each paragraph. Then, analyze each missing sentence for connecting words and try to find its home in the text. Finally, read the full text with the inserted sentences to ensure coherence.
Part 7 consists of a text broken into four to six parts and 10 questions. The task is to match each question to the part of the text where the answer is found, focusing on detailed information. Instead of tackling questions one by one, the recommended approach is to read all questions carefully, underlining keywords, and then go paragraph by paragraph. Read the first paragraph and identify all questions that can be answered from it. Repeat for subsequent paragraphs. This method saves time by reducing the number of times the text needs to be read. Double-check all matches for 100% accuracy, as similar information might appear in different paragraphs.
Candidates can decide the order in which they tackle the tasks in the Reading and Use of English exam, choosing what feels most efficient. Some prefer starting with longer reading tasks (Parts 5-7) while fresh, others with higher-scoring tasks (Parts 4-6). Time management is critical; aim for about 10 minutes per task. Practice timing yourself to identify which parts you complete faster and which need more practice to improve speed. The video concludes by offering additional resources like writing feedback, online classes, and articles on the exam parts.