Cambridge B2 First (FCE) · Use of English
B2 Use of English
Cambridge B2 First Parts 1–4 — multiple choice cloze, open cloze, word formation and key word transformation. Instant scoring and review — 72 interactive tests. No account required.
Paper guide
B2 Use of English: format, scoring & how to train
Everything you need to know about Cambridge B2 First Use of English: parts, timings, mark weightings, and preparation strategy.
Parts
4
P1–P2–P3–P4
Marks
36
Use of English (B2)
Timing
30–35 min
focused practice
Pass
160+
Cambridge Scale
Cambridge B2 First (FCE) Use of English tests vocabulary range, structural accuracy, and paraphrase flexibility across four parts and 36 marks. Multiple Choice Cloze, Open Cloze, and Word Formation (Parts 1–3) have eight gaps each worth one mark (24 marks). Key Word Transformation (Part 4) has six sentences worth up to two marks each (12 marks). On this hub, you can practise each part interactively with immediate feedback and no signup required.
Format & timing
In the official exam, Use of English and Reading share a single 75-minute booklet. Below are the recommended time targets for the Use of English parts.
Part 1·Multiple Choice Cloze
8 gaps·8 marks·~7 min
Part 2·Open Cloze
8 gaps·8 marks·~7 min
Part 3·Word Formation
8 gaps·8 marks·~8 min
Part 4·Key Word Transformation
6 items·12 marks·~10 min
Total·Use of English (B2)
30 items·36 marks·~30–35 min
Budgeting 30–35 minutes for Parts 1–4 leaves comfortable time (40–45 min) for the longer texts in Reading Parts 5–7.
How it is marked
Parts 1–3 award 1 mark per correct gap (24 marks total). Part 4 awards up to 2 marks per item (12 marks total), allowing 1 mark for getting half the transformation correct. Overall B2 First passing grades start at 160 on the Cambridge English Scale.
How to train B2 Use of English
Consistent pattern recognition beats endless unstructured tests. Focus on high-frequency Cambridge structures.
- 101
Train by part first
Isolate multiple choice cloze, open cloze, word formation, or transformations until your accuracy stabilises.
Browse tests - 202
Review the underlying patterns
When you miss an item, identify the exact reason: was it a dependent preposition, a phrasal verb, or an irregular past form?
- 303
Master B2 grammar & collocations
Conditionals, passives, relative clauses, and common verb-noun partnerships show up repeatedly in Parts 1 and 4.
B2 Grammar - 404
Run full timed sets
Complete Parts 1–4 together within a strict 30-minute window to prepare for real exam pacing.
Full sets - 505
Check study guides for weak parts
Use our targeted guides to learn elimination tactics and structural transformation formulas.
Study guides
Frequent mistakes at B2 First
Avoid these common candidate pitfalls that frequently cost marks.
Part 1
Choosing a synonym instead of a collocation
All four words may have a similar dictionary meaning, but only one forms a natural, correct English collocation with the adjacent words.
Part 2
Writing more than one word
Open Cloze strictly requires one single word. Contractions like "can't" or multi-word answers are counted as incorrect.
Part 3
Overlooking negative prefixes
Many candidates find the correct base change (e.g. "comfort" → "comfortable") but miss the sentence context requiring "uncomfortable".
Part 4
Altering the key word or word count
You must use between 2 and 5 words without altering the key word in any way, including its grammatical tense.
All parts
Spelling errors
In Parts 2, 3, and 4, incorrect spelling results in zero marks for that answer. Double check every open answer.
All parts
Leaving gaps blank
There is no negative marking in Cambridge exams. Always guess based on grammar context if you are uncertain.
Study guides
B2 First strategy guides
Practical techniques and part-by-part approaches to boost your accuracy.
B2 Guides
Cambridge B2 preparation & guidance
Articles, score guides, and study frameworks for Cambridge B2 First candidates.
FAQ
B2 Use of English
FAQ.
Clear answers about format, scoring, timing, and how to practise on this hub.
What is in Cambridge B2 First Use of English?
Cambridge B2 First (FCE) Use of English has four parts: Multiple Choice Cloze (Part 1), Open Cloze (Part 2), Word Formation (Part 3), and Key Word Transformation (Part 4). Together they total 36 marks within the Reading and Use of English paper.
How is B2 Use of English marked?
Parts 1–3 award 1 mark per correct answer (8 gaps each → 24 marks). Part 4 awards up to 2 marks per item (6 items → 12 marks), with partial credit when half the transformation is correct. Total Use of English marks: 36.
How long should B2 Use of English take?
In the official 75-minute Reading and Use of English paper, aim to spend 30–35 minutes on Use of English (Parts 1–4), leaving 40–45 minutes for Reading (Parts 5–7).
What score is needed to pass B2 First Use of English?
A passing score on the Cambridge English Scale is 160 (Grade C, 160–172). Scores of 173–179 achieve Grade B, while 180–190 award Grade A and an official statement of C1 ability.
How many words can I use in B2 Key Word Transformation (Part 4)?
You must write between 2 and 5 words, including the given key word. Contractions (such as "didn't") count as two words. You must never alter the key word.
What is the difference between Part 1 and Part 2 in B2 First?
Part 1 tests vocabulary, fixed collocations, phrasal verbs, and idioms with four multiple-choice options. Part 2 tests grammatical function words (prepositions, articles, pronouns, auxiliary verbs, linkers) with no options provided.
How can I improve my B2 Use of English score?
Practise each part systematically, log your error patterns (e.g. missed prepositions or negative prefixes), study B2 collocations and phrasal verbs, and do timed practice tests to build stamina.
Are these B2 Use of English practice tests free?
Yes. All B2 First Use of English practice tests on this hub are completely free with instant scoring and detailed answers, no registration required.