Cambridge examinations

**Quid** · 06-10-2007, 08:04

I took the lot of them in the early nineties. The FCE and the CPE are almost identical in their make up (obviously, the CPE being a lot harder than the FCE). The CAE was a tiny bit different. It had more reading in it as far as I can remember.

Try to get your hands on as many past papers as you can. The variation of papers isn't that great. They always ask the same type of questions. Just the wording changes a little bit.

As opposed to the TOEFL, you shoudn't have any time problems. You are given plenty of time to do all the papers. Also, as far as I can remember, you will never sit for more than 2 hours (or thereabouts).

The speaking part can be a little unnerving but just follow the examiners lead and answer the questions. You may be asked to describe a picture. Do so, noting what strikes you most in the given photograph (use things like 'Well, I think that...' and 'On the other hand...' - they like that).

The listening part can be a little tricky if you are not used to listening to English a lot. Just try to stay completely concentrated. The passages are not as long as in the TOEFL. They often give you different English dialects. They sometimes also mix in a little 'American'.

As said before, the Use of English part, is usually always the same. If you have had plenty of practice at it you should do just fine. Make sure, however, that you don't go and change meanings of sentences when asked to rewrite one in a different form.

The comprehension part is really not all that difficult either. The main part you may be concerned about is the summarising of the text in 70 words or less. Make sure that you DO NOT go over the given limit. Include everything that you feel is important and make it your own words.

And finally the writing part. If you're an imaginative writer, then choose one of the stories where you have either been given the beginning or the end. They tend to be really easy as you can make everything up.

If you choose a letter, make sure you that you have the format right (addresses, date, language, ending...).

A description is usually not too bad either. Make sure you have clearly defined paragraphs.

A discussion is often a good one as well. Make a little plan in the opening 5 minutes and follow it. They are looking for clearly defined points in a well written manner. Again, keep everything separated and easy-to-read. Presentation is already half of the deal.

Last but not least, always remember, KISS (Keep it short, stupid). Don't go and make long sentences unless you are absolutely certain that they are correct.

Best of luck!