Cambridge Preparation · B2 First

B2 First: Complete Preparation

Detailed original preparation for Reading & Use of English, Writing, Listening and Speaking, including high-value strategies, transformations and model task analysis.

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Reading & Use of English

Multiple-choice cloze

Test collocation, fixed phrases, phrasal verbs and fine lexical distinctions. Read the entire sentence and nearby context before choosing.

The new policy has ___ considerable interest among staff. A) raised B) risen C) lifted D) grown
Answer

A: raise interest is the natural collocation.

Open cloze

Expect grammar words: articles, auxiliaries, prepositions, pronouns, conjunctions and parts of fixed expressions.

There is little doubt ___ regular practice improves fluency.
Answer

that

Word formation

Identify the required word class first. Then consider negative prefixes, suffixes and spelling changes.

The instructions were surprisingly ______. (CLEAR)
Possible answers

clear / unclear depending on context; the sentence must determine polarity.

Key word transformations

Preserve meaning exactly and obey the word limit. Think of the grammar transformation before writing.

I started working here three years ago. FOR → I ______ three years.
Answer

have worked here for / have been working here for

Writing

Essay

Answer the exact question, cover the required content points and develop ideas rather than listing them. Use a clear position and controlled paragraphing.

Task: “Schools should teach more practical skills.” Discuss communication skills and financial skills, and explain which is more important.
Reviews, reports, articles and emails

Register matters. A review should evaluate; a report should organise findings and recommendations; an article should engage; an email should respond directly to purpose and audience.

Listening

Paraphrase awareness

If an option repeats the audio word-for-word, be cautious. Correct answers often express the same meaning differently.

Speaking

Long turn

Compare, speculate and answer the question. Do not merely describe each picture.

Useful frame: Both pictures show…, whereas… The people might be… One possible advantage is… I imagine the second situation would be more…
Collaborative task

Develop your partner's ideas. Interaction is part of the assessment.

Mini mock

Transformation: It wasn't necessary for us to book. HAVE → We ______ book.
Answer

didn't have to

Essay: 190 words — Should young adults live independently as soon as possible?

Source note

All practice tasks and explanations are original Corrigan School material. Task design is aligned to the current official Cambridge English exam formats; no past-paper content is reproduced.