Last week our FCE class were learning about report writing. One of the tasks they were set was to write a report about the challenges and benefits of doing the FCE course.
Below are some extracts – the students thoughts on the FCE course in their own words. And, because studying at Lexis isn’t all about hard work, we’ve included some photos of the students participating in a range of different Lexis Byron Bay activities.
Martina
Not only test-takers have been studying in the FCE class. The course is often chosen by other motivated students because of advantages such as:
- better knowledge of English grammar
- their structure of using English is above the average
- higher chance of getting a job after passing the exam.
Silvan
If students are prepared to work hard, they will gain significant benefits from doing the FCE course. For example, the pace of learning is faster than in General English so students reach their goals sooner. The material that we study in class is more advanced than in the equivalent General English course. Also, at the end of the course you are able to sit a highly respected exam (the internal Lexis one and, if you want, the external Cambridge one).
Nova
If students are strongly aiming to improve their English and make adequate time for their study, they will certainly gain significant benefits from the FCE course. For example, the course offers more opportunity to learn English for many different situations, such as formal and informal. Also, the classes provide more in-depth analysis of the structure of English.
Sarina
These days, an FCE certificate can be helpful to find a higher position in your profession. All in all, the FCE course is made for ambitious and interested students who are prepared to work hard.
Cloe
The FCE course is ideal for students who need the certificate for a future job, and are self-disciplined. It’s a difficult course but if you pass the exam, you can be very proud of yourself.
Rin
The FCE course has some amazingly good points. For example, it’s an intensive course so students are highly motivated to do well. I strongly recommend that students who can manage their time well should take this course.
Emma
The FCE course is challenging and intensive, with the grammar learnt a bit more difficult than in General English courses. You also have the opportunity to speak about a range of different topics. I’d strongly recommend this course to students who have a goal after school or who want to improve their English and aren’t afraid to work hard.
Keita
If you pass the FCE exam, you gain a certificate that is valid throughout your life. Even if you don’t sit the external exam, the course enables you to improve your academic English skills.
Interested in learning more about FCE?
The First Certificate in English (FCE) is an English language proficiency examination offered by Cambridge Assessment English. It is designed for individuals who have a solid grasp of the English language and want to demonstrate their ability to use English for work, study, or travel purposes. Here are some key details about the FCE exam:
The First Certificate in English (FCE) is an English language proficiency examination offered by Cambridge Assessment English. It is designed for individuals who have a solid grasp of the English language and want to demonstrate their ability to use English for work, study, or travel purposes. Here are some key details about the FCE exam:
CEFR Level: FCE is typically set at the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which means it assesses an intermediate level of English language skills.
Format: FCE is divided into four papers: Reading and Use of English, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.
The Reading and Use of English paper is a combined paper testing reading comprehension and language use, including grammar and vocabulary.
The Writing paper typically includes tasks such as writing an essay, letter, or report.
The Listening paper assesses listening comprehension skills.
The Speaking paper is a face-to-face interview with an examiner where candidates participate in various interactive tasks.
Certification: The FCE exam usually takes about four and a half hours to complete. Each paper has a specific time limit, and there are short breaks between papers. To pass the FCE exam, candidates must achieve a minimum score in each paper, typically around 60%. The overall pass grade is determined by the aggregate of the scores from all four papers. Candidates receive a grade ranging from A (Exceptional) to C (Good), with a B1 level as a passing grade. If a candidate’s performance falls below the B1 level, they will receive a certificate indicating a lower level of achievement.
Recognition and progression: Achieving an FCE certificate can be beneficial for job opportunities, university admissions, and travel. Many educational institutions and employers worldwide recognize and accept FCE as proof of English proficiency.
After obtaining FCE, individuals can progress to more advanced English language exams such as the Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) and the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE), which correspond to higher CEFR levels.
Not studying with us yet, but would like to?
Lexis Byron Bay delivers academic excellence in arguably Australia’s most desirable study location where you can combine your studies with the great outdoors. Studying at Lexis Byron Bay is more than an experience, it’s a lifestyle! Lexis Byron Bay offers an unrivalled afterschool activity calendar that includes surf lessons, cooking classes, artistic activities, afternoon escapes to surrounding hotspots and full-day weekend adventures. Our next Cambridge intake is on 2 January. If you want more information on this or any of the courses that we offer, click here.
Learn English in Byron Bay. Lexis English students study General English, IELTS, FCE, CAE, and English plus Surfing in a friendly and professional school right in the heart of Byron Bay and only 15 minutes from the beach.
