B2 First Cambridge Exam Preparation

The programme

The B2 First Cambridge Exam preparation course (formerly know as First Certificate FCE) is the perfect choice for anyone wishing to gain an internationally-accepted certificate which is one of the most widely respected language qualifications. This course will help you to develop your exam strategies and learn useful exam tips and tricks from our highly-experienced teachers.

You can also book your B2 First Exam only with us if you do not with to take the exam preparation course. Please select exam only option in the menu.

Who is the course for?

A B2 First Certificate qualification is the superb choice for anyone wishing to gain a globally-recognised certificate. It is one of the most popular international English language qualifications.

The B2 First Cambridge certificate is recognised by employers and universities worldwide. Attaining the B2 First qualification confirms that you are sufficiently competent to live, work and study in an English speaking environment.

At GCI, we offer various lengths of exam preparation courses for B2 First to suit all types of learners:

• 12 week exam preparation course which has 20 lessons per week
• 6 week exam preparation course which is delivered over 30 lessons per week 
• 4 week intensive exam preparation course that is taught over 36 lessons per week

The 12 week B2 First Cambridge exam preparation course of 20 lessons / 15 hours is the right choice for people who use everyday written and spoken English at B2 / upper-intermediate level on the CEFR. This course offers you a study-life balance as you have the time to spend 12 weeks in Galway and  the opportunity to mix study with the pleasure and the joy of travel.  You will have lots of  opportunities to practise your language skills, both inside the classroom and in real life situations in Galway city.  

This Cambridge Exam FCE course is also ideal for those students who come on long stay English language courses for 25+ weeks. You can combine your Study Abroad General English course with this FCE preparation course and it ensures that you get the most from your time with us. 

The 6 weeks B2 First exam preparation course is an excellent choice for those who don't have time for a full 12-weeks course of study. If you use every day written and spoken English at a B2 / Upper-Intermediate level on the CEFR, this is the course for you.

The course is run intensively over 6 weeks with 30 lessons per week (22.5 hours) which means that you gain an international qualification in a short period of time. This still allows you both time to study on your own and to practise inside and outside the classroom.

The 4 week B2 First Cambridge exam preparation course is a very intensive four-week programme of 36 lessons / 27 hours per week that runs in July and August. It is for people who are short on time but high in motivation. 

All our students take the exam at the end of their course as Galway Cultural Institute is an authorised Cambridge English Test Centre so you will be able to take the Cambridge English Exams exam here at our school in Galway.  Interestingly, not all schools are certified testing centres so it is a big advantage of coming to GCI.

Course objectives

On completion of these comprehensive courses, you will be very familiar with the B2 First exam format.  You will have significantly improved upon your language use and your reading, writing , speaking and listening skills. The single most important benefit of this course is that you will have plenty time for frequent reviews and revision of material before your exam day.

During the exam preparation courses you will:

• Learn to communicate effectively in a variety of practical settings
• Gain an extensive preparation of all four papers with lessons focusing on grammar, syntax, key vocabulary and skills development
• Benchmark your level to international standards and achieve global mobility
• Develop the skills you need to use English confidently in a variety of practical settings
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of all four papers with lessons focusing on grammar, syntax, key vocabulary, skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking) and the most effective exam techniques
• Benchmark your level to the international standards and gain global mobility

GCI has an excellent track record as evidenced by the first-rate results from our Cambridge FCE candidates.  This is due to our strong commitment to providing exam preparation programmes of the utmost quality.

Course content

All our Cambridge exam preparation courses take you through an in-depth timetable of class and home study and your progress is reviewed on a regular basis. The programmes are task-based with exam practice and you will complete full sample papers and mock examinations.

On your 12-week course, you have time for a detailed study of grammar and will also develop your own learning goals. You will be in a position to take full advantage of 12 weeks in the beautiful city of Galway of dedicated study time with assigned home study tasks and plenty of self-study options. 

The 6 weeks Cambridge exam preparation courses is task based with exam practice making up the majority of tasks. During the 6-week programme you will complete sample papers and mock examination practice. 

On the intensive 4-week course, you are strongly encouraged to take full advantage of home study tasks and self-study options. Your progress is reviewed on a regular basis. In each and every lesson, you will be developing your English Language skills of reading, speaking, listening and writing. 

The lessons will use tasks which are designed to replicate the exam style. Your lessons will address all areas of the Cambridge First Cert exam - Reading and Use of English, Listening, Speaking, and Writing and the best approaches for each paper. You will be introduced to a range of new vocabulary and grammar that will prepare you for the exam and give you every opportunity to achieve the result you need.

Our qualified teachers will offer support throughout the course and our commitment to providing exam preparation programmes of the highest quality is underpinned by the successful pass rate of our candidates.

On your first day, you will be allocated your:

• Exam course book - used for all lessons and home study tasks
• Exam language practice book - used to support your lessons and for self-study

Doing these exam preparation courses will help you become more comfortable with the exam criteria and demands to succeed in the B2 First Cambridge examination.

Sample timetable (30 lessons)