Prepare for B2 First with clear, practical lessons on writing, speaking, Use of English, grammar and vocabulary.
B2 First, also known as FCE, is an important Cambridge English exam for upper-intermediate learners. It shows that you can use English confidently in everyday situations, study, work and travel. However, preparing for the exam is not only about knowing English. You also need to understand the tasks, the timing, the exam format and the type of language Cambridge examiners expect.
On this page, you will find B2 First lessons to help you prepare step by step. You can practise writing, improve your speaking skills, build your grammar and vocabulary, and become more confident with Use of English tasks.
Whether you are preparing for the exam on your own or with a teacher, these lessons will help you study in a clear and organised way.
What Can You Learn Here?
This B2 First section is organised into the main areas of the exam:
Each section below will guide you to useful lessons, explanations, examples and practice activities.
B2 First Writing
Writing is one of the most important parts of B2 First. Many learners know enough English, but they lose marks because their writing is not well organised, not clear enough, or not written in the right style.
Start with these lessons:
- B2 First Essay
- B2 First Article
- B2 First Review
- B2 First Informal Email
- B2 First Story
- B2 First Writing Tips
- Collocations for B2 First Writing and Speaking
B2 First Speaking
The speaking paper can feel stressful because you have to speak in real time. You need to answer questions, compare photos, discuss ideas with another candidate and express your opinions clearly.
The good news is that B2 First Speaking becomes much easier when you know what each part of the exam expects.
Start with these lessons:
- B2 First Speaking Part 1
- B2 First Speaking Part 2
- B2 First Speaking Part 3
- B2 First Speaking Part 4
- how to compare photos
- phrases for discussion
- phrases for giving opinions
- phrases for agreeing and disagreeing
B2 First Use of English
Use of English is often one of the most challenging parts of B2 First. It tests your grammar, vocabulary, collocations, phrasal verbs, word formation and sentence transformation skills.
This part of the exam rewards accuracy. You need to notice small details such as prepositions, verb forms, articles, word families and fixed expressions.
Start with these lessons:
- Multiple Choice Cloze
- Key Word Transformations
- Word Formation Practice
- B2 First Phrasal Verbs
- B2 First Collocations
B2 First Grammar
Good grammar helps you write more accurately, speak more clearly and understand exam texts more easily. At B2 level, you do not need to sound complicated all the time, but you do need to use grammar with confidence and control.
Start with these lessons:
- English Tenses
- Modal Verbs
- Conditionals
- Passive Voice
- Reported Speech
- Relative Clauses
- Gerunds and Infinitives
- Prepositions in English
B2 First Vocabulary
A strong vocabulary range is essential for B2 First. You need vocabulary for writing, speaking, reading and Use of English. However, learning single words is not enough. You also need to learn how words work together.
Start with these lessons:
- B2 First Vocabulary
- B2 First Collocations
- B2 First Phrasal Verbs
- Words to Describe People
- Words to Describe Places
- Commonly Confused Words
- Useful Linking Words
B2 First Reading and Listening
Reading and Listening are also important parts of B2 First preparation. These skills improve when you practise regularly and learn how to notice meaning, detail, opinion and attitude.
Useful lesson:
To improve these skills, read and listen to English regularly. Choose materials that are challenging but not impossible. Short articles, interviews, podcasts, exam-style texts and graded materials can all help.
How to Study for B2 First
A good B2 First study plan does not have to be complicated. The best approach is to mix grammar, vocabulary, exam practice and real communication, rather than spending all your time on just one area.
During the week, try to practise writing once or twice and review useful grammar regularly. When you learn new vocabulary, focus on phrases and collocations rather than memorising individual words. It is also a good idea to do a little Use of English practice often, instead of trying to complete lots of exercises in one long session.
Speaking practice matters too. You can record yourself answering B2 First speaking questions and then listen back to notice where you hesitate or make mistakes. Reading short English texts several times a week will help you improve your vocabulary and grammar naturally, while regular listening — even for just a few minutes a day — will gradually make spoken English easier to understand.
One simple habit can make a big difference: keep a notebook for your mistakes, useful expressions and new vocabulary. Go back to it from time to time and you will begin to notice that many of the mistakes you used to make have disappeared.
Above all, remember that consistency is more important than studying for hours. You do not need a huge study session every day. Twenty or thirty minutes of focused practice several times a week will usually help you much more than studying for three hours once and then doing nothing for the rest of the week.
Want a More Structured Way to Prepare for B2 First?
Free lessons are a great way to practise individual skills, but sometimes it helps to have everything organised for you.
If you are preparing for B2 First, you can continue your studies with my exam-focused practice books.
Work step by step on essays, articles, reviews, emails and other B2 First writing tasks, with explanations, model answers and plenty of guided practice.
📗 B2 First Reading & Use of English Complete Collection
Practise the grammar, vocabulary and exam techniques you need for Reading and Use of English, including Multiple-Choice Cloze, Open Cloze, Word Formation and Key Word Transformations.
Use the free lessons on My Lingua Academy to learn and revise, then use the books when you want more systematic exam practice.
Private B2 First Lessons
If you would like personal help with your B2 First preparation, I also offer private English lessons online.
Lessons can focus on:
- B2 First Writing
- B2 First Speaking
- Use of English
- grammar and vocabulary
- exam strategy
- feedback on your writing
- speaking confidence
Each lesson lasts 55 minutes and costs €30.
If you would like to study with me, visit the Contact page and send me a message.

