FCE Resources from Garnet By Andrew Betsis and Lawrence Mamas

What is the FCE? The Cambridge First Certificate in English. An internationally recognized Cambridge ESOL examination at Level B2 of the CEF. Passing FCE means that candidates are able to use English in real life situations with confidence. FCE tests all four skills, reading, writing, listening and speaking, plus candidates’ use of grammar and vocabulary.

What is the FCE? The FCE was recently revised and updated. It has been reduced in length, but focuses on a wider range of skills and functions. The Writing test reflects modern, relevant writing practices. Other tests have been simplified to aid teaching and revision practices. A full explanation of the 2008 revised format of the FCE is included in both titles.

New FCE Papers Reading: 1 hour Candidates need to be able to understand information in fiction and non-fiction books, journals, newspapers and magazines. Writing: 1 hour 20 minutes Candidates have to show they can produce two different pieces of writing such as a short story, a letter, an article, a report, a review or an essay. Use of English: 45 minutes Use of English is tested by tasks which show how well candidates control grammar and vocabulary.

FCE Papers Listening: 40 minutes Candidates need to show they can understand the meaning of a range of spoken material, including news programmes, speeches, stories and anecdotes and public announcements. Speaking: 14 minutes Candidates take the Speaking test with another candidate or in a group of three, and are tested on their ability to take part in different types of interaction: with the examiner, with the other candidates and by themselves.

Get Ahead in FCE Preparation for the Cambridge First Certificate in English

Get Ahead in FCE Level: Upper Intermediate CEF: B2 IELTS: 5.0 to 6.5 7

Key Features Ideal exam preparation for the revised Cambridge FCE (2008 format). Learner training component for development of study techniques. Extensive coverage of vocabulary, set phrases, idioms and phrasal verbs. Reading and listening texts in a variety of genres, topics and styles. 8

Key Features 120 hours of content. Pronunciation development. Mapped to the Common European Framework (CEF). Full teaching notes. 2 Audio CDs. 9

Course Book 10 thematically based units each containing: A lead-in section with speaking activities. The three parts of Paper 1: Reading with additional classroom activities for each reading text. A variety of Vocabulary exercises, including practice on easily confused words. A mini Use of English test at the end of each unit.

Course Book 10 thematically based units each containing: FCE-specific speaking activities to help students increase their fluency and accuracy. FCE-specific writing tasks with additional exercises and writing tips. FCE-specific listening, plus listening support. Course Book also contains: Book map Audio transcripts 11

Units 1. Travel and holidays 2. Career and life choices 3. The animal kingdom 4. Education for everyone 5. Art and culture 6. Our fragile Earth 7. People 8. News and media 9. A place to call home 10. Technology 12

Components Teacher’s Book contains: Detailed teaching and methodology notes. Book map Practice Book contains: Additional activities for students to practise learned skills.

Components Student's Book with 2 audio CDs Practice Book Teacher’s Book 14

Reviews ‘The text has excellent themes, concise instructions and delivers what it promises. I think my students will be as excited by it as I am!’ – Colleen Swinemar, St Mary's TESL Centre, Halifax, Canada for IATEFL VOICES October 2010

Succeed in Cambridge FCE: 10 Practice Tests

Key Features Provides 10 complete practice tests for the revised Cambridge FCE. Reflects the actual level of difficulty of the revised format of the FCE. Provides comprehensive coverage of all five papers of the FCE Test: Reading, Writing, Use of English, Listening and Speaking. The tests have been trialed under real exam conditions with FCE candidates.

Key Features A wide range of thematically-based units help students build the vocabulary required. Audio recordings are presented in the same format as the Listening exam. Focuses language learning on the skills needed to communicate more effectively in real life. 18

Units 1.Travel & Holidays 2.Jobs 3.Art & Culture 4.Health 5.Sport 6.Entertainment & Leisure 7.Food 8.The Environment 9.Education 10.Homes & Houses

Content Student’s Book also contains: 5 audio CDs Explanation of the FCE Revised 2008 Format Speaking Section Transcripts

Components Student's Book & audio CDs (x5) Teacher’s Book 21

Questions What does FCE stand for? First Certificate in English. What is the difference between Get Ahead and Succeed? Get Ahead is preparation, Succeed is practice tests. At what level is the FCE exam? Upper-intermediate, CEF B2/IELTS 5.0–6.5. How many papers are there in the FCE exam? 5. Reading, Writing, Use of English, Listening and Speaking.