B2 First Use of English tests how accurately you can use grammar and vocabulary in context. You need to recognise collocations, phrasal verbs, grammatical structures, word families and common English patterns.
In the B2 First exam, Use of English is included in the Reading and Use of English paper and contains four main task types:
- Part 1 – Multiple-Choice Cloze
- Part 2 – Open Cloze
- Part 3 – Word Formation
- Part 4 – Key Word Transformations
Use the lessons below to practise the grammar, vocabulary and exam skills you need for each part.
Part 1: Multiple-Choice Cloze
In Part 1, you choose the correct answer from four options. This task often tests collocations, phrasal verbs, fixed expressions, commonly confused words, vocabulary in context.
Lessons to practise:
- B2 First Multiple-Choice Cloze
- Collocations for B2 First
- Phrasal Verbs in English
- Commonly Confused Words
- How to Learn 10 Phrasal Verbs a Week
Part 2: Open Cloze
In Open Cloze, you complete a text with one word in each gap.
There are no answer options, so you need to recognise grammatical patterns around the missing word.
Typical areas include articles, prepositions, auxiliary verbs, pronouns, linking words, relative words, fixed grammatical expressions.
Grammar lessons to practise:
- Present Perfect vs Present Perfect Continuous
- Future Forms in English
- Conditionals in English
- Modal Verbs in English
- Must vs Have To
- Word Order in English
Part 3: Word Formation
In Word Formation, you are given a base word and must change it so that it fits correctly in the sentence.
Lessons to practise:
Part 4: Key Word Transformations
Key Word Transformations are often one of the most challenging parts of B2 First Use of English.
You rewrite a sentence so that it has the same meaning as the original sentence. You must use the word given, and you cannot change that word.
This part tests grammar, sentence structure, collocations and fixed expressions.
Important grammar areas:
- Sentence Transformations for B2 First
- Reported Speech
- Passive Voice
- Conditionals
- Modal Verbs
- Too and Enough
- So and Such
- Comparatives
- Despite, Although and However
- Gerunds and Infinitives
Vocabulary for B2 First
A strong vocabulary will help you in every part of Reading and Use of English.
Here are some useful B2 vocabulary lessons:
- Vocabulary Related to Study Habits
- Collocations Related to Technology
- Vocabulary Related to the Environment
- How to Talk about Your Free Time in English
- Foreign Travel Vocabulary and Expressions
- Weather Vocabulary and Collocations
How to Improve Your B2 First Use of English
You do not need to learn hundreds of new words at once. Regular, focused practice is much more effective.
Try to:
- learn vocabulary in phrases and collocations
- record useful phrasal verbs
- study words in word families
- practise Key Word Transformations regularly
- revise common grammar patterns
- notice useful expressions when you read
- keep a record of your mistakes
- always check why an answer is correct
Even 15–20 minutes of focused practice several times a week can make a noticeable difference.
Want More B2 First Reading and Use of English Practice?
If you are preparing for the Cambridge B2 First Reading and Use of English paper, you may prefer to work through the exam in a more structured way.
My B2 First Reading and Use of English Complete Collection brings together focused practice for the language and task types you need for the exam.
Use the free lessons on this page to learn and revise individual areas, then use the books for more systematic practice.
Need Help with B2 First?
If you are preparing for Cambridge B2 First and find Use of English difficult, private lessons can help you identify the areas that are costing you marks.
At My Lingua Academy, we can work on:
- Multiple-Choice Cloze
- Open Cloze
- Word Formation
- Key Word Transformations
- grammar and vocabulary
- common exam mistakes
- exam strategies
Private lessons last 55 minutes and cost €30.