B2 First · Choose your activity
B2 First (FCE) Reading & Use of English
Understand the B2 First (FCE) paper, try a worked example, and choose a task to strengthen your reading, grammar or vocabulary.
Free practice samples and guidance · No account needed
Choose an exam task
Choose a task, try its free exercise and check the answers and explanations. Create an account for more practice.
Multiple-choice cloze
Choose words using vocabulary and context.
Open cloze
Complete gaps using grammar and meaning.
Word formation
Create the correct form of each word.
Key word transformations
Rewrite sentences with the same meaning.
Multiple choice
Read for detail and implied meaning.
Gapped text
Place missing sentences in a text.
Multiple matching
Match statements to the right section.
75 minutes · 7 parts · 52 questions
How does the B2 First Reading & Use of English paper work?
B2 First Reading & Use of English, often called FCE Reading & Use of English, combines language tasks with longer reading texts. The 75-minute time limit covers all seven parts. Use the overview to choose one skill to practise, then build towards working across the paper.
- Total time
- 75 minutes
- Parts
- 7
- Questions
- 52
The time limit covers the whole paper. All parts are required in the exam; here you can choose an individual task to practise a particular skill.
| Part and task | Qs | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1: Multiple-choice clozeChoose the option that fits the meaning and word partnership, including collocations and phrasal verbs. | 8 | 1 |
| Part 2: Open clozeSupply one missing word using grammar, reference and the meaning of the surrounding sentence. | 8 | 1 |
| Part 3: Word formationChange a given word into the form the text needs; check endings, negative meanings and spelling. | 8 | 1 |
| Part 4: Key word transformationsComplete a second sentence with the given key word while keeping the first sentence's meaning. | 6 | Up to 2 |
| Part 5: Multiple choiceRead a longer text closely to distinguish detail, opinion and attitude from plausible but unsupported answers. | 6 | 2 |
| Part 6: Gapped textPut missing sentences back into a text, checking pronouns and how ideas connect on both sides. | 6 | 2 |
| Part 7: Multiple matchingMatch prompts to information in a text or several short texts; look for paraphrases rather than repeated words. | 10 | 1 |
Marks are for each correct answer, not each part. Part 4 allows partial credit. Use the question counts to understand the paper, then review the type of mistake behind each answer rather than treating every gap as the same task.
Format reference: official B2 First exam format.
Try a word formation example
Change the word in capitals to complete this sentence with one word. Try it before revealing the answer. This is a short teaching example; the full Part 3 task uses a connected text.
Original teaching example · No account needed
Read the safety instructions ________ so that you do not miss any important details.
Base word: CARE
Show answer and explanation
Answer: carefully
The gap describes how to read, so it needs an adverb rather than a noun or adjective.
Not missing important details requires attention: carefully fits the meaning, while carelessly does not.
Build the word in two steps: care → careful → carefully. Adding -ly to careful produces a double l.
This is one short demonstration, not a complete exam part or an official Cambridge question.
Try the full eight-gap word formation sample
The overview and worked example are public. Account-based exercises are available through the practice links.
How should I plan my practice?
Choose one focus
Start with a task you find difficult. Read its instructions and work carefully through one exercise before adding time pressure. Focused practice lets you notice the decisions that cause trouble.
Explain each correction
Compare your answer with the explanation. Identify the grammar rule, word partnership or passage evidence you missed. Record the reason for the correction, not just the correct letter or word.
Return and apply it
Revisit your notes, then try a different exercise of the same type. Check whether you can apply the pattern in a new context before moving to another part of the paper.