Resources for Cambridge Exams

 

Greetings!
 
Today, we have garnered some resources to aid you in your preparation of an exam under the Cambridge English certification.
 
Cambridge First – Tips for the Reading Paper
þ DO
-          Read the sources, titles and subtitles of the texts where given; they are there to help you.
-          Read the words following the gaps in Parts 1 and 2 as they may have an effect on the answer.
-          Remember that the words you need to write in Part 3 might have to change into a negative or a plural.
-          Write between two and five words as your answer in Part 4.
-          Read the questions carefully and check each option against the text before rejecting it (Part 5).
-          Check the words around the gap carefully (Part 6). The missing word(s) may be forming part of an idiom, fixed phrase or collocation.
-          Check that the completed paragraph makes sense in the passage as a whole (Part 6). The missing sentence must fit the overall context.
-          Keep the development of the text in mind.
-          Read each text carefully before you answer the questions to get an overall impression and understanding of it. This
includes Part 7, the multiple-matching task.
-          Check your spelling in all parts of the test.
-          Make sure that you transfer your answers to the answer sheet accurately.
 
ý DON’T
-          Don’t try to answer any questions without referring carefully to the text.
-          Don’t spend too much time on any one part of the paper.
-          Don’t forget to record your answers on the separate answer sheet.
-          Don’t assume that if the same word appears in the text as well as in an option, this means you have located the answer.
-          Don’t write the answers to any of the examples on your answer sheets.
-          Don’t choose your answer in Part 1 before you have read all the options.
-          Don’t write out the full sentence when answering the questions in Part 4.
-          Don’t leave the base word in Part 3 unchanged.
-          Don’t decide on your answer before reading the whole of a sentence in all parts.
-          Don’t give alternative answers for any questions.
 
 
Will I get one or two scores for the Reading and Use of English paper?
Your Statement of Results will show two scores for this paper – one for Reading and one for Use of English. They are equally important when calculating your overall score.
 
  How are the separate scores for Reading and Use of English determined?
On your Statement of Results and your certificate, you receive a Cambridge English Scale score for
Reading and a separate Cambridge English Scale score for Use of English (as well as Writing, Listening and Speaking). On the Reading and Use of English paper, the Reading score is derived from Parts 1, 5, 6 and 7, and the Use of English score is derived from Parts 2, 3 and 4.
 
  What aspects of reading does this paper test?
You will need to show that you can understand specific information, main idea, text organisation and structure, tone, gist, opinion, attitude, detail and purpose. You will also need to be able to deal with occasional unknown vocabulary.
 
   How long should I spend on each part?
Within this 75-minute paper, there is no time limit for each task. Some tasks may take longer than others and you should be aware of how long you need for different tasks. However, remember that each of the seven parts is worth approximately the same number of marks overall. Doing some practice tests should help you with timing your answers.
 
   How do I write my answers for the Reading and Use of English paper?
Write your answers on the answer sheet provided by filling in boxes or by writing words (between two and five words are allowed for answers in Part 4). Make sure that you fill in the answers clearly. Your answer sheet will be scanned into a computer. You must transfer your answers within the time given for the paper (75 minutes).
 
   What is the range of text types in each part of the Reading and Use of English paper?
It is possible for any of the following text types to appear in any part of the paper: newspaper and magazine articles, reports, fiction, advertisements, letters, messages, informational material (e.g. brochures, guides, manuals). Make sure that you are familiar with all these text types and with the different test focuses for each part. Appropriate tasks are selected to suit the individual text.
 
   How do I fill in the answer sheet correctly?
You should use a pencil and not a pen. For Parts 1, 5, 6 and 7 mark ONE letter for each question. In Parts 2, 3 and 4 write your answer clearly in capital letters and in Parts 2 and 3 write one letter in each box. If you make a mistake you can use an eraser and rub it out.
 
   Will I lose marks for incorrect answers?
No. You will not lose marks if you give an incorrect answer. If you give a wrong answer, it is the same as giving no answer – you get no marks for that question. If you’re not sure about an answer, it is better to guess than to leave the question blank.
 
   How important is spelling?
All spelling must be correct in the Reading and Use of English paper. You will not get a mark for answers that are not spelled correctly. American spelling is allowed if used consistently.
 
   If I think there are two possible answers to one question, can I write them both?
You should write only one answer for each question.
 
   Are words like ‘doesn’t’ and ‘isn’t’ counted as one or two words?
Two words. To count the number of words, the full form should be taken into account, e.g. didn’t = did not = two words.
 
   What if I use a plural instead of a singular, or the other way round, in the word formation
task (Part 3)?
A singular in an answer where a plural is required is marked as incorrect (and the other way round). You are expected to look at indicators in the text to decide whether a singular or plural form is appropriate.
 
   What happens if I make one small mistake in the key word transformation task (Part 4)? Does it mean I get zero points?
The two parts of the sentence are always treated separately, so you will receive 1 mark for correctly completing one part of the sentence, even if a small mistake means that you get no points for other part.
 
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Check out these links:


According to a blog, these are the best TV series to learn English. What do you think? Would you add any to the list? Let us know!
 
 
Are you addicted to PODCASTS? You can find all levels and topics here, download fun three-minute programmes from the BBC here, or find out which are the 12 English podcasts every English learner should listen to here.
 
Find official preparation materials at the Cambridge website,  FLO-JOE is a fantastic webpage to practice exercises online, and there is also a section here that features extensive practice material and articles.
 
If you know of any other interesting sites, drop us a line or a link on the comments.
 
Have a good week, and remember, be yourself, be free.
 

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