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English Language Assessment

You are here:

  1. Cambridge English
  2. Exams and tests
  3. B2 First
  4. Preparation

B2 First preparation

  • B2 First
    • Exam format
    • Preparation
    • Exam dates
    • Results

Related links

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⁠

Resources for teachers and learners

Here you can find links to all of our free resources to help prepare for B2 First exams, whether you are a teacher or a learner.

On this page:

exam

Exam essentials

Essential reading for teachers and learners wanting to find out about the exam.

teacher

Teacher essentials

Resources to help you prepare learners for B2 First exams.

student

Learner essentials

Information for candidates and resources that can be used at home or in the classroom for self-study.

test & train

On-the-go practice with Test & Train

Test & Train is an easy-to-use practice tool to help you get ready for your B2 First exam through short, sharp workouts. With over 300 practice questions, you can use it anytime, anywhere and as many times as your like!

Get started today

⁠

Exam essentials

Official Cambridge English preparation materials

You can find a wide range of materials in both print and digital formats.

Sample tests (computer-based and paper-based)

Free: Paper-based sample test

Download sample paper 1 for B2 First

Download sample paper 2 for B2 First


Free: Computer-based sample tests

Watch this tutorial for more detail on the B2 First computer-based exam to show you what you need to do before you start.

The computer-based sample test does not mark your exam, so check your answers as you do the test using the answer keys below. Once the test has finished you will not be able to check them.

Reading sample test

Writing sample test

Listening sample test

Answer keys:

Reading and Writing answer key

Listening answer key

There is no answer key for Writing Parts 2 and 3 of the Reading and Writing paper, but there are sample answers and examiner comments in the relevant pages of the B2 First handbook.

How to convert practice test scores

The Cambridge English Scale is used to report results for our qualifications and tests. The scores provide a detailed understanding of the candidate’s level. They are also consistent across the different exams, making it easy to compare results and understand progress from one level to the next.

For guidance on converting practice test scores to Cambridge English Scale scores, download our guide for teachers. 

Converting practice test scores to Cambridge English Scale scores

Computer-based exam information

Watch this short video to see what it’s like to take a computer-based exam.



Watch the video tutorial below for help on how to complete a B2 First computer-based exam.

 

Help your students prepare for computer-based exams with our Teaching tips for computer-based Cambridge English qualifications.

Read our FAQs if you have any more questions about taking computer-based exams.

Speaking test video with examiners' commentary

This video will help your students understand what happens during a speaking test. You can also download examiner comments.

Read the examiner comments for Florine and Maria's speaking test

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⁠

Teacher essentials

Handbook for teachers

The B2 First handbook gives an overview of the exam and its place within Cambridge English examinations. This is followed by a focus on each paper and includes content, advice on preparation, and example papers.

B2 First handbook for teachers

B2 First: Handbook for Teachers Listening Audio Files (ZIP, 72MB)
These are the listening files related to the Sample Paper from the Teacher's Handbook.

Lesson plans

Our lesson plans include everything you need to deliver a 45-minute lesson in the classroom or online, including activity sheets, homework, and more.

B2 First lesson plans

Teacher guides

Developing listening skills for Cambridge English Qualifications: A guide for teachers

Developing reading skills for Cambridge English Qualifications: A guide for teachers

Assessing writing for Cambridge English Qualifications: A guide for teachers

Mock test toolkit

Running a mock test gives your learners a true exam day experience, helps you understand their progress and decide if they are ready for their exam. Our interactive mock test toolkits are full of tips, strategies and materials to help you ensure your students are confident and fully prepared for their exam.

Mock test toolkit for older learners

Classroom warmers booklet

Classroom warmers activity booklet

This booklet includes seven exercises each for primary, lower secondary, and upper secondary students.

Supporting learners with dyslexia

Supporting learners with dyslexia: A guide for teachers

Many teachers have learners with dyslexia in their exam preparation classes. This guide is for you. With lots of practical tips and ideas for lesson plans, it will help you prepare materials to support learners with dyslexia in preparation for our qualifications.

Teacher webinars

Cambridge English webinars and Facebook Live sessions are a great way for teachers to stay up to date with the latest developments and to interact with our experts.

Our webinars provide you with invaluable information about our exams, and cover a wide spectrum of subjects, including effective teaching methods, tips to improve student engagement and online professional development to help you develop your career.

Webinars for teachers

Teaching English with Cambridge Facebook page

You can connect with a lively community of teachers on our Teaching English with Cambridge Facebook page. We regularly post teaching tips, answer your questions, and host regular Live events to give you a chance to engage with the community.

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⁠

Learner essentials

Free online learning activities

We have hundreds of free learning activities to help you practise your English and prepare for your B2 First exam.

Find out more

Exam information for candidates

Download our guide to the exam, with advice on preparing for the exam, tips for exam day, and useful links.

B2 First: Information for candidates

Writing checklist

This checklist is designed to help you assess your writing. It includes a summary of the assessment criteria and useful questions to check whether you’ve met each of the criteria of the Writing paper.

B2 First Writing checklist

Social media

Facebook

Join our lively Facebook community and take part in quizzes, talk to other English language learners and learn on-the-go.


YouTube

Subscribe to our Learn English with Cambridge YouTube channel to get helpful tips for exam preparation, and lots of English language advice.

Write & Improve Write & Improve: Practise your writing for free

Write & Improve is a free online tool to help you practise and improve your writing. Just choose a task, write or upload your answer and use the feedback to quickly improve.

Find out more


Exam lift image Improve your learning with the Exam Lift app

  • learn English on the go – anytime and anywhere
  • develop the skills you need for the B2 First exam
  • receive instant feedback on your performance.

Find out more


Free: Listening practice

Register to get free listening practice. Each activity takes just a few minutes. The activities give you feedback on why your answers are right or wrong, and tips on how to improve.

Get started now


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