FCE case studies
FCE · Put your knowledge to work in context.
FCE - now officially called B2 First - is Cambridge English's upper-intermediate qualification, mapped to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference. It is not a course certificate: it is an external exam that produces a standalone credential showing you can use English independently for study, work and travel. The FCE case studies are 5 cases and about 2,804 words.
1Reading Part 5: Concession vs Main Claim Under Time Pressure
Imogen is 58 minutes into the 75-minute Reading and Use of English paper. She has finished Parts 1–4 and four of the six questions in Part 5.
480 words, about 2 min2Use of English Part 4: Ordering Transformations for Partial Marks
Ravi is in the last four minutes of Part 4. Three key-word transformations remain, each worth 2 marks.
456 words, about 2 min3Writing Part 1: Cutting a Five-Paragraph Plan to Fit 38 Minutes
Leila has 38 minutes left of the 80-minute Writing paper. She has planned but not written the compulsory essay: 'Should schools provide free musical instruments to all students?' The notes are: cost for families; time in the curriculum; effects on motivation.
626 words, about 3 min4Listening Part 3: Exact-Word Traps and the Second Listening
During the first listening of Part 3, Nadia has matched speakers 1–3 to options A–C. Speaker 4 says: 'At first I thought the weekly lessons were pointless - I mean, I could already read music - but then our teacher stopped giving us pieces and asked us to improvise.
612 words, about 3 min5Speaking Part 3: Interrupting a Dominant Partner Without Losing Collaboration
In Part 3, Ana and Tomas have two minutes to discuss: 'Which two things are most important for a town to attract young visitors?' The five prompts are a music festival, cheap transport, a sports centre, an evening food market and free Wi-Fi. Tomas has spoken for about 50 seconds about the music festival.
630 words, about 3 min