FCE Reading and Use of English Test 1
Part 5 is “The view from the doorway”, an article; Part 6 is “A different view”.
Take FCE Reading and Use of English Test 1
FCE · Reading and Use of English
FCE Reading and Use of English practice tests
FCE Reading and Use of English is the first paper of B2 First (FCE): 1 hour 15 minutes, 52 questions in seven parts and about 2,200–2,500 words to read. Parts 1, 5, 6 and 7 give your Reading score and Parts 2–4 your Use of English score, so the paper counts for 40% of your result.
- Free, no sign-up to start
- Layout modelled on the computer-based exam
- Estimated Cambridge English Scale score
Time75 min
Parts7
Questions52
Of your score40%
Paper format
FCE Reading and Use of English, part by part
Each row links to a guide with the format, a worked example, strategy and common mistakes.
| Part | Task | Questions | What it tests | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Multiple-choice cloze | 1–8 | Vocabulary: collocations, fixed phrases, phrasal verbs and words with close meanings. | 8 |
| 2 | Open cloze | 9–16 | Grammar words such as articles, auxiliaries, prepositions and pronouns: one word per gap. | 8 |
| 3 | Word formation | 17–24 | Forming the right word from a stem with prefixes, suffixes and internal changes. | 8 |
| 4 | Key word transformations | 25–30 | Rewriting a sentence with a given key word in 2–5 words; up to 2 marks each. | 12 |
| 5 | Multiple choice | 31–36 | Detail, opinion, attitude and implication in one long text, such as a novel extract or article. | 12 |
| 6 | Gapped text | 37–42 | How a text holds together: which removed sentence fits each gap (one sentence is extra). | 12 |
| 7 | Multiple matching | 43–52 | Finding specific information and opinions across a text in sections or several short texts. | 10 |
Marking
How FCE Reading and Use of English is marked
Reading (Parts 1, 5–7) is out of 42 and Use of English (Parts 2–4) out of 28; Part 4 gives up to 2 marks per question and spelling must be correct. 24/42 Reading is about 160. Scores are estimates.
Reading and Use of English are reported as two separate skill scores, each worth 20% of your overall result. Cambridge's guidance puts 37/42 Reading and 24/28 Use of English at about 180.
Tips
Seven FCE Reading and Use of English tips
- Plan the 75 minutes. About 25 minutes for Parts 1–4, 15 each for Parts 5, 6 and 7, and 5 to check. Part 4 is worth up to 12 marks, so do not leave it to the end.
- Read past the gap. In Parts 1–3 the words after the gap often decide the answer: a preposition, a plural verb or a following “that”.
- Count the words in Part 4. Use 2–5 words including the key word, and never change the key word. Contractions count as two words, except can’t.
- Change the stem in Part 3. The word in capitals always needs a change: check whether the gap needs a plural, a negative prefix or another word class.
- In Part 6, check both sides of each gap. The missing sentence must link to the sentence before and the sentence after; one of the seven is never used.
- In Part 7, read the questions first. Each one paraphrases a section, so look for the same idea in different words; a person can be the answer more than once.
- On the computer-based exam your answers save as you go and there is no transfer time, so use the last minutes to check spelling in Parts 2–4.
Reading & Use of English tests
All 6 FCE Reading and Use of English tests
Each test is the Reading and Use of English paper of the matching FCE mock test, and its page shows what is inside before you start.
FCE Reading and Use of English Test 2
Part 5 is “Beyond the finish line”, an article; Part 6 is “An exhibition behind the shop window”.
Take FCE Reading and Use of English Test 2FCE Reading and Use of English Test 3
Part 5 is “A week of looking up”, an article; Part 6 is “Voices for the archive”.
Take FCE Reading and Use of English Test 3FCE Reading and Use of English Test 4
Part 5 is “The space between songs”, an extract from a novel; Part 6 is “Finding the route on paper”.
Take FCE Reading and Use of English Test 4FCE Reading and Use of English Test 5
Part 5 is “Finding what a customer needs”, an article; Part 6 is “A garden beyond the window”.
Take FCE Reading and Use of English Test 5FCE Reading and Use of English Test 6
Part 5 is “Looking beyond the view”, an article; Part 6 is “Making room for a pond”.
Take FCE Reading and Use of English Test 6
FAQ
FCE Reading and Use of English questions
How long is FCE Reading and Use of English?
1 hour 15 minutes for 52 questions in 7 parts. There is no extra time to transfer answers on the paper-based exam.
How is FCE Reading and Use of English scored?
Parts 1, 5, 6 and 7 give a Reading score out of 42; Parts 2–4 give a Use of English score out of 28. Each becomes a Cambridge English Scale score, and each is 20% of your overall result.
How much do I have to read in FCE Reading and Use of English?
Cambridge gives 2,200–2,500 words to read in total. Our tests show their own word count on each test page.
How many words can I use in FCE key word transformations?
2–5 words, including the key word, which you must not change. Contractions count as two words, except can’t (cannot).
Sources
- B2 First Handbook for Teachers (Cambridge University Press & Assessment)
- Converting practice test scores to Cambridge English Scale scores (Cambridge University Press & Assessment)
CambridgeMock is independent and not affiliated with Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Facts on this page are checked against the official documents above; the practice items and advice are our own.
Free · no sign-up to start
Start with FCE Reading and Use of English Test 1
6 free FCE Reading and Use of English tests. No sign-up to start: you give an email address when you submit.