FCE Speaking Paper: The Key to Success (Step 1)

On the first part of the FCE Speaking Paper, you will need to speak about yourself for up to one minute. However, this is not as easy as it may sound! Try and speak for one minute while recording yourself and then listen back. How does it sound? Is it fluent with no pauses? Do [...]

FCE Reading Paper: Running Out of Time?

Bad reading techniques are one of the main reasons for running out of time on the Reading paper on the FCE exam. Not only do you have to read about 2,000 words, you will also need to answer in total 30 questions in the space of one hour. Good reading techniques are vital and can [...]

FCE Exam: How to Improve Your Study Skills

Most students who succeed on the FCE exam have developed a good study plan that they follow. Busy lifestyles often make it hard to fit in enough time to study for the FCE exam, but it is important to schedule in time to study at regular intervals. Good knowledge of the English language takes time to [...]

FCE Use of English Paper: Knowledge Check (1)

Many students make the mistake of doing Use of English exercise after exercise, hoping that if they do enough of them, they will pass Paper 3 of the FCE exam. If it was only that simple! Even though grammar and vocabulary are obviously important in all the papers in the FCE exam, they are particularly [...]

FCE Writing Paper: The Key to Success (Step 2)

Be clever about which task you choose on the FCE exam! Effective writing is best achieved by choosing tasks and topics that suits your interests and experience. The Devil Is in the Details The FCE Writing paper is full of details that you have to pay careful attention to. For example, many students miss out on [...]

FCE Exam Tips: Planning for Success

Want to pull off a successful FCE exam? The best way of doing so is to have a master plan: The FCE Exam Strategy Plan. This is the plan that should give you success on the FCE exam. It should ensure that you manage your time properly and that you are properly prepared to successfully [...]

FCE Reading Paper: The Key to Success (Step 2)

Too many students read with the dictionary. While vocabulary building is important for the FCE exam, don’t look up every word you don’t understand in the dictionary! Not only will this method make the reading less pleasurable, it will also stop you from comprehending the text. However, without understanding each of the texts in the [...]

FCE Writing Paper: The Key to Success (Step 1)

Want to become a good writer for the FCE Writing Paper? Yes? Unfortunately, there is only one thing for it – keep writing. Like with so many other things in life, the more you practise, the better you become. As writing is a means of communication and self-expression, learning to write well is not only [...]