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🎧B2 First for Schools40 dk
ListeningB2 First for Schools Exam Guide
40
minutes
30
questions
3
task type
Listening is scored on the Cambridge English Scale (B2 First range about 160-190). Around 160 is a pass at CEFR B2, valid for life.
Tested Skills
Detailed listeningSpeaker attitudeSpecific informationInferenceNote-taking
Question Types
1Multiple Choice (Short Extracts)
2Sentence Completion
3Multiple Matching & Multiple Choice
Task Types
B2 First for Schools Listening
1
Multiple Choice (Short Extracts)
10 questionsYou listen to eight short extracts and choose the best answer for each one.
Strategies:
- •Read the question and options before each extract begins.
- •Listen for the speaker's overall attitude and purpose.
2
Sentence Completion
10 questionsYou listen to a monologue and complete sentences with a word or short phrase.
Strategies:
- •Predict the kind of information each gap needs.
- •Write the exact words you hear and check they fit grammatically.
3
Multiple Matching & Multiple Choice
10 questionsYou match speakers to statements and answer questions on a longer interview.
Strategies:
- •Listen for the main idea of each speaker, not single words.
- •Beware of distractors that mention an option but reject it.
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Golden Tips
- ✓You hear each part twice, so check your answers on the second play.
- ✓Practise with films, interviews and podcasts in English.
- ✓Train yourself to follow opinions and attitudes, not just facts.
- ✓Spell sentence-completion answers correctly.
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Common Mistakes
- ✗Choosing an option just because you hear its key word.
- ✗Writing a phrase that doesn't fit the sentence grammar.
- ✗Missing the speaker's attitude in multiple matching.
- ✗Losing focus and skipping an answer.
Preparation Resources
Recommended resources for Listening section
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Practice
Cambridge B2 First Listening Tests
Official listening sample papers with audio and transcripts.
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Guide
Authentic English Listening Library
Interviews and podcasts with varied accents at B2 level.
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Video
Attitude and Opinion Listening Drills
Exercises focused on identifying speaker purpose and feeling.
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