B2 First facts for kids

The B2 First exam helps you show off your English skills! It used to be called Cambridge English: First or the First Certificate in English (FCE). This test comes from Cambridge Assessment English, which is a well-known organization for English language exams.

Taking the B2 First exam proves you can communicate well in English. It means you can talk, write, and understand English confidently in many situations. This exam is designed for a "Level B2" of English, according to a system called the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

The B2 First exam is part of a group of tests called Cambridge English Qualifications. Each test in this group matches a different level of English ability.

There are different Cambridge English exams for students, adults, and even for business. The B2 First exam has two types:

• B2 First for Schools: This version is made especially for students your age.
• B2 First: This version is for older students and adults.

The Story of B2 First

The B2 First exam has a long history! It first started in 1939. Back then, it was called the Lower Certificate in English (LCE).

At that time, many people were moving to the UK from other parts of Europe. They needed a way to show their English skills. This led to the creation of the LCE exam. On June 21, 1939, 144 students took the very first test.

The early exam had three main parts:

• Speaking: This included dictation, reading aloud, and conversation.
• Writing and Language: Students had two hours to write an essay and complete grammar exercises.
• Reading Texts: This part focused on books by famous authors like Dickens and Shaw.

Later, the exam added a translation option. By 1944, people could translate from or into 18 different languages.

During World War II, many people who took the exam were involved in the war effort. For example, soldiers and airmen from different countries took the test. After the war, in 1948, over 2,500 Polish men and women took the exam.

A special version of the exam was even offered to people held in camps during the war. This helped them continue their education. After the war, the exam became very popular. In 1947, over 4,000 people took it.

The exam has changed over the years to make it better.

• In 1975, it was updated to focus more on how people actually use language.
• More updates happened in 1984 and 1996. The 1996 version included more types of writing, listening, and speaking tasks. The speaking test involved two students and two examiners.
• The biggest recent change was in January 2015. The exam became 30 minutes shorter. It now has four parts instead of five. The Reading and Use of English sections were combined into one paper.

How the B2 First Exam Works

The B2 First exam comes in two versions, as we mentioned:

• B2 First for Schools: This is for students like you.
• B2 First: This is for adults.

Both versions are part of the Cambridge English Qualifications. They have the same structure, like the number of sections and how much time you get. However, the topics and questions are different. They are chosen to be interesting for either school students or adults.

The exam has four main parts, called "papers." These papers test all your important English skills:

• Reading and Use of English: This checks your reading comprehension and grammar.
• Writing: You'll write different types of texts.
• Listening: You'll listen to recordings and answer questions.
• Speaking: You'll talk with an examiner and another student.

The Speaking part is always done in person. For the other parts (Reading and Use of English, Writing, and Listening), you can choose to take them on a computer or with paper and pencil.

Understanding Your B2 First Score

When you take the B2 First exam, you get a "Statement of Results." If you score well enough, you also get a certificate!

How Scores Work Since 2015

Since January 2015, a new scoring system called the Cambridge English Scale has been used. Your Statement of Results and certificate will show:

• A score on the Cambridge English Scale for each skill: Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking, and Use of English.
• An overall score for the entire exam.
• A grade (like A, B, C, or Level B1) for your overall performance.
• Your CEFR level, which tells you your general English ability.

Your overall score is an average of your scores from all the different parts of the exam.

The B2 First exam is mainly for Level B2. However, it can also show if your English is even better (Level C1) or a bit lower (Level B1).

Here's how the grades and scores connect:

If your score is between 122 and 139, you will see it on your Statement of Results. However, you won't receive a certificate at this level.

How Scores Worked Before 2015

Before 2015, the scoring system was a bit different. Your Statement of Results showed:

• An overall grade (A, B, C, or Level B1).
• A total score out of 100.
• Your CEFR level.

Here's how the grades and scores looked before 2015:

Before 2015, your results also included a "Candidate Profile." This showed how you did in each part of the exam, using words like "exceptional," "good," "borderline," or "weak." If you scored 45 or more (out of 100) before 2015, you received a certificate.

Why Take the B2 First Exam?

The B2 First exam is a great way to show you have strong English skills at Level B2. This level is called "upper-intermediate." It means you can use English well for school and future jobs.

Passing the B2 First exam proves many things about your English ability:

• You can understand the main ideas in complicated conversations or texts.
• You can talk with others smoothly and naturally, without too much effort.
• You can join discussions about topics you know and even new ones.
• You can explain things clearly and in detail, fitting your message to who you are talking to.

Many colleges, universities, and companies around the world accept the B2 First certificate. It can help you get into a study program or even find a job later on!

See also

• Cambridge Assessment English
• Cambridge English Qualifications
• A2 Key
• B1 Preliminary
• C1 Advanced
• C2 Proficiency