Today, you can leverage technology to enhance the Dyer & Harwood audio experience:
"FCE Practice Tests" by Karen Dyer and Dave Harwood is a popular set of preparation materials aimed at candidates taking the Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE / B2 First). The series typically includes practice test papers, answer keys, teacher’s notes, and recorded audio for the Listening papers. A nuanced resource on this topic should cover the materials’ format, audio content and quality, how to use the recordings strategically, common pitfalls, lesson and study plans, and suggestions for further practice.
If you want, I can:
Paper 1: Reading (1 hour)
Part 1: Multiple Choice (1-7)
Text: "The development of the mobile phone has been one of the most significant technological advances of the past century. The first mobile phone was demonstrated in 1973, but it wasn't until the 1980s that they became widely available. Since then, mobile phones have become an essential part of modern life, with billions of people around the world using them every day."
Questions:
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Part 2: Matching Headings (8-13)
Text: "Mobile phones have had a significant impact on the way we communicate. They have made it possible for people to stay in touch with friends and family, no matter where they are in the world."
Paragraph 1: "One of the main advantages of mobile phones is that they allow people to make and receive calls on the move."
Paragraph 2: "Another advantage of mobile phones is that they provide a range of additional features, such as text messaging, email, and internet access." Fce Practice Tests Karen Dyer Dave Harwood Audio
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Part 3: Text Completion (14-19)
Text: "The mobile phone industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and features being developed all the time. One of the most significant recent developments is the introduction of _______________ (14) phones, which allow users to access the internet and use a range of apps."
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Part 4: Multiple Choice (20-25)
Text: "Mobile phones have also had a significant impact on the way we work. Many people use their mobile phones to check and respond to emails, and some even use them to make video calls to colleagues and clients."
Questions: 20. What do many people use their mobile phones for at work? A) Making phone calls B) Sending text messages C) Checking and responding to emails D) Playing games
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Paper 2: Writing (1 hour 20 minutes)
Part 1: Essay (140-180 words)
Write an essay on the following topic:
"Mobile phones have become an essential part of modern life. However, some people argue that they have had a negative impact on society. What are the advantages and disadvantages of mobile phones, and do you think they have had a positive or negative impact on society?"
Part 2: Letter, Email, or Text (100-120 words)
Write a letter, email, or text on the following topic:
"You have been invited to a party on Saturday night, but you have a prior commitment. Write a message to the host to decline the invitation and explain why you can't attend."
Audio Component:
The audio component can include:
For example:
Listening Comprehension (20 minutes)
Listen to a conversation between two friends, Alex and Sam, about their mobile phones. Answer the questions below.
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Dictation (10 minutes)
Listen to a short text about the history of mobile phones and write down what you hear.
Text: "The first mobile phone was demonstrated in 1973 by Martin Cooper, an engineer at Motorola. Cooper made the first public call on a handheld mobile phone on April 3, 1973, calling a rival telecommunications company to declare that he was speaking from a cell phone."
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Pronunciation (10 minutes)
Listen to a short text about the benefits of mobile phones and repeat it aloud.
Text: "Mobile phones have made it easier for people to stay in touch with friends and family, no matter where they are in the world. They have also provided a range of additional features, such as text messaging, email, and internet access."
Most editions contain six full tests. Each test covers the four core papers:
Absolutely.
If you are aiming for a Grade A (180–190) on the B2 First, or even a solid passing Grade C (160–164), the FCE Practice Tests by Karen Dyer and Dave Harwood are arguably the closest you can get to the real exam without paying the registration fee.
However, the book is only half the product. The audio is the heart of the listening preparation. Do not buy a used copy that is missing the CDs or download code. Invest in a new copy or the official eBook bundle to get access to the high-quality MP3 files.
Final Action Plan:
Good luck with your B2 First journey. When the listening proctor presses "play," you will be ready.
Here are three frequent listening errors that the Fce Practice Tests Karen Dyer Dave Harwood Audio specifically addresses: