The B2 First (FCE) Listening Test: Format, Parts and Tips
The best way to prepare for any major English exam is to get familiar with the structure of the test, then do enough practice papers to feel comfortable on exam day. This guide breaks down the Listening paper of the Cambridge B2 First exam, formerly known as the First Certificate in English (FCE), so you know exactly what to expect.
What you will hear
Knowing the test structure starts with knowing the kind of audio you will hear. In the B2 First Listening exam you will hear:
- Monologues (one person speaking): answerphone messages, information lines, commentaries, radio documentaries, instructions, lectures, news, public announcements, advertisements, reports, speeches, stories and anecdotes, talks.
- Dialogues (two or more people speaking): conversations, discussions, interviews, quizzes, radio plays, transactions.
The four parts at a glance
| Part | Task type | What you listen for | Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Multiple choice | Gist, detail, function, purpose, attitude, opinion, place, situation | 8 |
| Part 2 | Sentence completion | Detail, specific information, stated opinion | 10 |
| Part 3 | Multiple matching | Gist, detail, function, purpose, attitude, opinion, main points | 5 |
| Part 4 | Multiple choice | Opinion, attitude, gist, main idea, specific information | 7 |
Part 1 — Multiple choice
Listening for: general gist, detail, function, purpose, attitude, opinion, relationship, topic, place, situation, agreement.
Format: a series of short, unrelated extracts (about 30 seconds each) from monologues or dialogues. There is one multiple-choice question per extract, each with three options.
Number of questions: 8
Part 2 — Sentence completion
Listening for: detail, specific information, stated opinion.
Format: a monologue or dialogue lasting about 3 minutes. You complete the sentences on the question paper with a word or short phrase you hear on the recording.
Number of questions: 10
Part 3 — Multiple matching
Listening for: general gist, detail, function, purpose, attitude, opinion, main points.
Format: five short related monologues, about 30 seconds each. You match each speaker to one of eight options. Three options are not used, so listen carefully and do not assume an answer just because it sounds close.
Number of questions: 5
Part 4 — Multiple choice
Listening for: opinion, attitude, gist, main idea, specific information.
Format: a monologue or dialogue lasting about 3 minutes. There are seven multiple-choice questions, each with three options.
Number of questions: 7
Tips to prepare for the B2 First Listening test
- Use both listenings. You hear every recording twice. Get the gist on the first play, then confirm details and fill gaps on the second.
- Read the questions first. You get time before each part to read the questions. Underline key words so you know what to listen for.
- Don’t get stuck. If you miss an answer, move on. Pausing to worry about one question makes you miss the next one.
- Watch for distractors. Speakers often mention an option, then reject or correct it. The right answer is what they actually mean, not the first thing you recognise.
- Train your ear with real English. Podcasts, interviews, news and documentaries expose you to the range of accents and registers the exam uses.
- Always write an answer. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so never leave a blank, even if you are guessing.
The most effective preparation is regular practice with someone who can give you feedback. In one-to-one lessons, an experienced native teacher can play exam-style recordings, work through the distractors with you and target the parts you find hardest, so you walk into the exam knowing exactly what to expect.
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Frequently asked questions
How many parts does the B2 First Listening test have?
How long is the B2 First Listening test?
How is the Listening test scored?
What is the difference between FCE and B2 First?
How can I improve my listening for the exam?
Now that you understand the structure of the B2 First Listening test, the rest is practice. Work through past papers, train your ear with real English, and consider focused lessons to sharpen the parts you find hardest.
