Cambridge B2 First Certificate Listening Guide

Part 1: Short Recordings with Multiple Choice

Part 1 is made of eight short recordings of people speaking in different situations like on the radio, with a friend or at work. There is a description of each situation to give you context. There is one multiple choice question with 3 options for each recording.

Each recording lasts approximately 30 seconds, and you'll hear them twice. This section tests your ability to understand the main message and identify specific details in the Cambridge B2 First exam.

Cambridge B2 First Listening Part 1 Sample

Technique for B2 First Listening Part 1

Read and listen to the context for question one.

You have approximately 8 seconds to read the question and options. Underline the key words.

During the first listening choose an option. If you are not sure, try to eliminate one.

The audio for question 1 will repeat. Use the second listening to confirm your choice.

Now just do the same for the rest of the questions

Extra Tips for FCE Listening Part 1

The format is similar to PET listening part 2.

Do not listen for individual words. You should focus on the overall meaning.

If you hear something that eliminates one of the options, put a cross next to it and focus on the other two.

Pay attention to tone of voice and contextual clues, as these often indicate the speaker's feelings or intentions.

Remember that distractors will often use words from the recording but in a different context or meaning.

Part 2: Sentence Completion Task

Part 2 is a monologue where a specialist is delivering information in a semi-formal way. You have a long text with ten gaps. You must fill the gaps with a single word or short phrase that you hear.

This section of the Cambridge B2 First exam tests your ability to identify specific information and understand details from a longer speech or presentation. You'll hear the recording twice and have 45 seconds to read through the text before the recording begins.

Cambridge B2 First Listening Part 2 Sample

Technique for First Certificate Listening Part 2

Read and listen to the context in the question instructions.

Quickly read through the text. You have 45 seconds to do this.

Look at the gaps and think of what type of word you need (noun, verb, prepositions, etc..)

Write the exact word or words you hear. It may be a short phrase (3 words max).

Use the second listening to confirm your answers and fill in any gaps you missed the first time.

Extra Tips for B2 Listening Part 2

The format is similar to PET listening part 3.

Pay attention to spelling. At this level if you can make small spelling errors but your intended answer must be clear.

The sentences and gaps follow the order of the audio.

If you have time you can start predicting the missing words based on the context and any collocations that you know.

Listen for signposting language like "firstly," "in addition," or "finally" as these often signal important information.

Numbers, dates, times, and proper nouns (names of people or places) are often the answers to gaps.

Part 3: Multiple Matching Section

In part 3 you will listen to 5 short monologues about the same topic. You must identify what each speaker says about the topic. There are eight options and five speakers, so there will be three options that are not valid.

This section of the B2 First Certificate exam tests your ability to identify opinions, attitudes, and specific information across multiple short talks on the same theme. You'll hear all five speakers consecutively, twice.

Cambridge B2 First Listening Part 3 Sample

Technique for Cambridge B2 Listening Part 3

Read and listen to the context in the question instructions.

You have 30 seconds to read the answers. Underline the key words.

If you have time write synonyms next to the key words.

Listen to the speakers and choose which option fits them best. If there are two possible options, write them down.

Use the second listening to confirm your choice.

Extra Tips for FCE Multiple Matching

The best way to prepare for this section is to learn emotion words and expressions of opinion.

Use the second listening to confirm your choices.

The introduction is always the same and you should pay attention to two things: what the speakers are talking about, and what information you need to identify.

Remember that speakers often use paraphrasing rather than the exact words in the options.

Keep track of which speaker (1-5) you're listening to by numbering your paper or making clear notes.

If you're unsure about an answer after the first listening, mark the two most likely options and decide during the second listening.

Part 4: Extended Listening with Multiple Choice

Part 4 is a longer dialogue; usually an interview or discussion. There are seven questions with 3 multiple choice options. These focus on statements and implications made about the speakers' attitude and feelings.

This is the most challenging part of the B2 First Listening test. It tests your ability to understand implied meaning, opinions, attitudes, and the relationships between speakers in a longer conversation.

Cambridge B2 First Listening Part 4 Sample

Technique for First Certificate Listening Part 4

Read the question instructions to understand the context

Read the questions quickly and underline the key words. You have 60 seconds.

If there is enough time focus on the differences between the options for each question.

Listen the first time and choose the answer.

Listen the second time to confirm your answer.

Extra Tips for Cambridge B2 Listening Part 4

The format is similar to PET listening part 4.

Remember that the questions follow the order of the listening. Focus on answering any that you missed when the audio repeats.

Concentrate on attitudes and opinions of the speakers. The key words in the answers are important.

Pay attention to tone of voice, stress, and intonation as these often indicate the speaker's feelings or true intentions.

Listen for hedging language (kind of, sort of, maybe, I guess) which can indicate uncertainty or reluctance.

Remember that correct answers may use different vocabulary than what you hear - focus on meaning rather than exact wording.

Cambridge B2 First Certificate Listening Exam Guide