Cambridge English: First (FCE)
This is an examination at an intermediate level, requiring competence in all the language skills. It is widely recognised in commerce and industry, and by educational institutions in Britain and overseas as proof of language ability at an intermediate level. An extensively revised version was introduced in December 1996.
Reading
Candidates are assessed as to their ability to read semi-authentic texts of various kinds (informative and general interest) and to show understanding of gist, detail and text structure, and to deduce meaning.
The paper contains four parts. Each part contains a text and corresponding comprehension tasks. One part may contain two or more shorter related texts.
Writing
Candidates are assessed as to their ability to write non-specialised task types such as letters, articles, reports and compositions for a given purpose and target reader, covering a range of topics. One of the tasks in Part 2 is based on an optional reading of one of five background books.
Candidates are required to carry out two tasks; a compulsory one in Part 1, and one from a choice of four in Part 2. The length of each answer is 120 - 180 words. One or more texts may be read as background preparation for optional tasks in Paper 2 (Writing). See Set Texts for 2002 and 2003 below.
Use of English
Candidates are expected to demonstrate their knowledge and control of the language system by completing a number of tasks, some of which are based on specially written texts.
The paper contains five parts and sixty-five questions, which take the form of multiple choice cloze, open cloze, ‘key’ word transformations, error correction and word formation task types.
Listening
Candidates are provided with short extracts and longer monologues, announcements, extracts from radio programmes, news, features, etc. at an intermediate level. They are expected to show understanding of detail and gist, and to deduce meaning.
The paper contains four parts. Each part contains a recorded text or texts and corresponding comprehension tasks. Each part is repeated.
Speaking
The standard test format is two candidates and two examiners. Candidates must be able to respond to questions and interact in conversational English. Prompt materials are used by the examiner to stimulate and guide the interaction.
The paper contains four parts including short exchanges with the examiner and with the other candidate, and a ‘long turn’ of about one minute.
Centres may enter candidates for either the Tuesday or the Saturday versions or for both the Tuesday and Saturday version in the same session. However, individual candidates are not allowed to enter for both the Tuesday and the Saturday version in the same session (whether at the same centre or at different centres). Any candidate found to have entered for both Tuesday papers and Saturday papers in the same session will render his/her entry void, and will not be entitled to any refund.
Special timetable arrangements will apply for candidates at centres in Greece.
Weighting of components
Each component carries 20% of the total marks.
Results
There are three pass grades (A, B, and C) and certificates are awarded to candidates who achieve these grades. Candidates who achieve a grade D or E are judged not to have reached the required standard for FCE.
Further information