FCE

Cómo pasar el FCE (First Certificate English)

1.Inscribirse en el Británico. Si eres alumno, tienes que pagar igual S/. 495.00.

2.Pasar el examen oral, el Oral Test o Exam, en el que tienes que demostrar tus habilidades como orador y hablar de cosas ordinarias como: Qué te gusta en la vida, ah, claro, primero tienes que presentarte antes los "jueces" que, en mi caso, me tocaron "británicos" y tienes que demostrar seguridad en ti mismo y coordinar tus ideas.

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FIRST CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION: Top 20 Questions

1. How many marks are needed to pass the exam?

- To pass the exam with a grade C, you need around 60% of the total marks.

2. Do I have to pass each paper in order to pass the exam?

- No. Each paper doesn't have a pass or fail mark. The final grade, A, B, C, D or E is arrived at by adding the weighted marks from all the papers together.

3. Are marks deducted for wrong answers?

- No. If you're not sure, make a guess, you may be right.

4. Am I allowed to use a dictionary?

- No.

5. In Paper 1 (Reading), Part 3 has more questions, so is it more important?

- No. The three parts are equally weighted. In Parts 1 and 2, each question = 2 marks, whereas in Part 3, each question = 1 mark.

6. In Paper 1 (Reading), how long should I take on each question?

- This is up to you. You can do the tasks in any order and knowing how to use your time well is part of the test.

7. In Paper 2 (Writing), what happens if I don't use all the information given in Part 1?

- You will lose marks. The examiners are looking for both correct information and good language. So read the question, the input text and the handwritten notes very carefully.

8. In Paper 2 (Writing), how should I lay out the addresses?

- Don't include the addresses. If you do include them, the examiners will ignore them, as this is not part of the task.

9. In Paper 2 (Writing), what happens if I write too many or too few words?

- The word count is given as a guide only. Don't waste time counting; the examiners don't, they are more interested in your English! It is unlikely that answers under 120 words will contain enough information/ideas to fulfil the task. Overlong answers are more likely to contain mistakes. Plan your time so that you write about the right amount and have time to check what you have written.

10. In Paper 3 (Use of English), what happens if I get the right answer, but make a small mistake in a key word transformation?

- There are 2 marks for each answer, so you could still get 1 mark even if there was a small error.

11. In Paper 3 (Use of English), Parts 2, 3 and 4, if I am not sure, can I give two alternative answers?

- If there are two answers, and one of them is wrong, no marks are given. So, it's better to decide which of your answers is best!

12. In Paper 3 (Use of English), Parts 2 and 3, do contractions count as one word or two?

- Two, e.g. don't = two words, do + not.

13. What happens if I misspell a word in Paper 3 (Use of English), Parts 2, 3 and 4?

- All spelling must be correct in Paper 3.

14. What happens if I misspell a word in Paper 4 (Listening)?

- As long as the word is recognisable, you will get a mark. Spelling is not tested in Paper 4.

15. How many times will I hear each recording in Paper 4 (Listening)?

- Each text is played twice.

16. In Paper 4 (Listening), Part 2, do I have to use the words in the recording or other words?

- The word(s) you need to write are heard in the recording and are heard in the same order as the questions.

17. In Paper 4 (Listening), Part 2, what happens if my answer is too long to fit on the answer sheet?

- Most answers are single words, numbers or groups of 2 - 3 words. If you think the answer is longer, then it is probably the wrong answer. If you write information which is not the answer in addition to the answer, you will not get the mark, as you have not shown that you know exactly what the answer is.

18. In Paper 5 (Speaking), do I have to go with another student? Can I choose my partner?

- You cannot be examined alone as the ability to discuss with another student is being tested in Part 3. In some centres you can choose your partner, in others not. You should ask the local organiser. Don't forget that in Parts 1, 2 and 4 of the test, you talk to the examiner, not to your partner.

19. In Paper 5 (Speaking), is it a good idea to prepare what you are going to say in Part 1?

- It's a good idea to practise, but don't forget that the examiners give marks for natural communication in English. If you give a prepared speech which doesn't answer the examiner's question, you will lose marks.

20. In Paper 5 (Speaking), is it a good idea to prepare what you are going to say in Part 1?

- Don't worry. The examiners will help if necessary. Don't forget, you are not in competition with your partner. If you can help them, this will impress the examiners. Remember that Part 3 is about interaction, so you have to ask and answer questions as well as say what you think.