Cambridge B2 First case studies
Cambridge B2 First · Put your knowledge to work in context.
B2 First is a Cambridge English Qualification at CEFR level B2, reported on the Cambridge English Scale at 160–179. It is offered as B2 First and B2 First for Schools: both are at the same level and follow the same format, but the Schools version is tailored to the interests and experience of school-age learners, while B2 First is designed for adults. The Cambridge B2 First case studies are 5 cases and about 2,557 words.
1Part 4 transformation: right grammar, wrong meaning
Marta is 52 minutes into the 75-minute Reading and Use of English paper. Parts 1–3 are finished, and she has answered five of the six Part 4 transformations.
504 words, about 3 min2Part 1 essay: too many content points, no own idea
Diego has 80 minutes for the Writing paper and is doing Part 1 first. The task asks for an essay for his teacher on one way to reduce traffic in his town, with notes: (1) cheaper public transport, (2) more cycle lanes, (3) your own idea.
636 words, about 3 min3Part 4 listening: the same-word trap and the second-listening switch
A candidate is on Part 4 of the Listening paper: seven multiple-choice questions on a three-minute interview with a man who gave up a career to open a bookshop. Question 24 asks: How did the man feel when he handed in his notice?
460 words, about 2 min4Part 3 discussion: one candidate monologues, time runs out
Two candidates, Ana and Piotr, are doing Speaking Part 3. The examiner gives them a page headed Ways to reduce traffic in a city centre , with five prompts: congestion charge, park-and-ride, cycle lanes, car-sharing app, pedestrianised streets.
502 words, about 3 min5Part 7 matching: matching the topic instead of the paraphrase
A candidate is on Part 7: a text in which four people (A–D) describe taking up a new hobby, followed by ten questions. The instructions state that any of the people may be chosen more than once.
455 words, about 2 min