Cambridge B2 First Mark Scheme

The B2 First exam marking scheme has been broken down below according to the four different papers candidates need to do. The Reading and Use of English are worth 40% of your overall mark and the remaining papers are worth 20% each.

Teachers and candidates should have a strong knowledge of the marking scheme and exam format in order to effectively prepare for the exam.

Reading and Use of English

There are 70 possible marks that you can get in the Reading and Use of English Paper. The Reading score is made up of parts 1, 5, 6 and 7 and the Use of English score is parts 2, 3, and 4.

In order to get a B2 level you need to get at least 18 marks for the Use of English and 24 for the Reading.

• Part 1
  1 mark per question (8 marks = 11.5%)
• Part 2
  1 mark per question (8 marks = 11.5%)
• Part 3
  1 mark per question (8 marks = 11.5%)
• Part 4
  2 marks per question – you can also get 1 mark if half the answer is correct (12 marks = 17%)
• Part 5
  2 marks per question (12 marks = 17%)
• Part 6
  2 marks per question (12 marks = 17%)
• Part 7
  1 mark per question (10 marks = 14.5%)

Listening

There are 30 possible marks that you can get in the Listening Paper.

If you want to get a B2 level in the listening paper you will need to get at least 18 of the 30 questions correct.

• Part 1
  1 mark per question (8 marks = 27%)
• Part 2
  1 mark per question (10 marks = 33%)
• Part 3
  1 mark per question (5 marks = 17%)
• Part 4
  1 mark per question (7 marks = 23%)

Writing

Each part of the writing paper is worth 20 marks and the examiner awards marks based on four different categories.

For a B2 level you need to get at least 24 marks from both papers.

1. Content

5 possible marks.

The marks given for content are based on whether the candidate has answered the specific question that was asked. This might seem obvious, but there are many candidates who don’t spend enough time reading the question or planning their answer so they end up writing about something that doesn’t specifically answer the question.

If you read the question thoroughly and plan your answer carefully you should always get full marks for content.

2. Communicative Achievement

5 possible marks.

Communicative achievement judges candidates based on how they have expressed their ideas and if it is appropriate for the type of task they are doing.

For example, how you communicate your ideas in a report should be very different to how you do it in an email to a friend.

3. Organisation

5 possible marks.

The organisation of your written task is another aspect where correct planning is essential. You can get top marks if your question is structured and organised properly.

Candidates should prepare for the exam by carefully following the typical structures related to the different tasks. For example, a letter will have a different structure from a review. This is why knowing the structure beforehand and planning your answer will allow you to easily get full marks for organisation.

4. Language

5 possible marks.

Language, which includes grammar and vocabulary, is assessed to see if candidates are using what level of language they are using, and how relevant it is to the answer. This is where your knowledge of vocabulary and use of grammar at B2 or C1 level will enable you to get higher marks in the exam.

Speaking

Candidates can get up to 60 marks for the speaking exam. The speaking exam is assessed overall and not by individual parts. This means that even if you don’t do too well in part one it is still possible to get high marks by demonstrating your ability in the other papers of the exam.

If you get 36 marks you will be awarded a B2 level in the Speaking paper.

Candidates are assessed in the following areas:

1. Grammar and Vocabulary

10 possible marks.

You can get high marks here by demonstrating your ability to use different grammar structures and vocabulary. You will be judged on your how ability to use different grammar forms and vocabulary appropriate for the situation.

2. Discourse Management

10 possible marks.

Here you will be assessed on your ability to naturally talk about different topics and the feelings you express through your words and way of speaking. Knowing and using discourse markers effectively is a key part of scoring high marks for this section.

3. Pronunciation

10 possible marks.

In addition to how well you pronounce specific words, you are also assessed on stress and intonation. Practising stress and intonation when speaking should be a large part of your preparation for the speaking exam.

4. Interactive Communication

10 possible marks.

Here you will be awarded marks depending on how well you communicate with both the examiner and your partner. How well you explain and back up your opinions, how you respond to your partner’s comments, your ability to initiate conversation and your overall domina is key to achieving top marks.

5. Global Achievement

20 possible marks.

Global achievement is a score given to you by the examiner (not the assessor like the other four sections). Here, you are basically judged on your ability to get your point across, and not the specifics of the vocabulary or grammar that you use.

Summary

Candidates should understand the marking scheme thoroughly in order to help them with their over strategy to prepare for the B2 First exam.

Sometimes looking at the mark scheme can be a bit overwhelming for anyone preparing for the exam, but overall the majority of the people who take the exam will end up passing, so students who take the time to prepare should be positive about their prospects.