FCE Practice Tests by Karen Dyer and Dave Harwood is a comprehensive exam preparation resource designed for students aiming for the Cambridge English: First (B2 First) qualification. Published by ELI Publishing
💡 Tip: Make sure your version matches the current 2015 Revised Exam format, as earlier editions may have slightly different timings or task types.
"So, the rules are quite simple. You can submit up to six images, but please keep it to a minimum of two. Actually, our panel prefers quality over quantity, so we are only accepting a maximum of four entries per person." Fce Practice Tests Karen Dyer Dave Harwood Audio
The First Listen: Treat it like the real exam. Don't stop the recording. Use the allotted time to read the questions before the audio starts.The Script Analysis: After checking your answers, listen again while reading the transcript. Look for the "traps"—where the speaker mentions one option but then corrects themselves or uses a synonym that changes the meaning.Shadowing: Pick a difficult section of the audio and try to speak along with it. This improves your pronunciation and helps your brain internalize the rhythm of English, which also benefits your Speaking paper. Why Practice Tests Matter for the B2 First
What makes it special? The audio. It’s clear, well-paced, and includes the same task types as the real exam – multiple choice, sentence completion, and matching. You also get full scripts, so you can check exactly where you went wrong. FCE Practice Tests by Karen Dyer and Dave
Guided Support: The first test includes tips and guidance to walk you through each section.
Benefits of using FCE Practice Tests
| Pros | Cons | |------|------| | Affordable compared to Cambridge books | Less famous than “FCE Trainer” or “Gold First” | | Includes extra online resources sometimes | Audio may feel slightly dated (depending on edition) | | Good for self-study or classroom use | Limited availability in some regions |