Paper snapshot
You have 1 hour 15 minutes for 7 parts and 52 questions. The paper combines reading comprehension with control of vocabulary and grammar.
B2 First Reading and Use of English task map
Part | Task type | What to do | Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Multiple-choice cloze | Choose the word or phrase that fits. | 8 |
2 | Open cloze | Supply one missing word per gap. | 8 |
3 | Word formation | Change a prompt word to fit. | 8 |
4 | Key word transformations | Rewrite a sentence using a given word. | 6 |
5 | Multiple choice | Read for detail, opinion and attitude. | 6 |
6 | Gapped text | Choose sentences that restore the text. | 6 |
7 | Multiple matching | Locate information across text(s). | 10 |
Practise the language and the reading
A single strategy will not fit every part. Identify whether the task asks for language knowledge, close reading, text structure or comparison across texts, then choose a matching approach.
Build a notebook for collocations, word families, prefixes and fixed phrases.
For sentence transformations, preserve meaning and obey the word limit.
For longer texts, mark the sentence that proves an answer and explain why a distractor is wrong.
For gapped or matching texts, track reference words, connectors, topic shifts and viewpoint.
The reading load is about 2,200–2,500 words. The paper contributes 40% of the overall result.
Manage time without rushing
Do one timed paper to learn your pace. Then review every uncertain answer and identify the clue you missed. Practise your slowest task type separately before returning to a full-paper run.
Sources and further information
This guide is an independent explanation. Cambridge English publishes the exam rules and is the final source for current instructions.