Cambridge Exam Preparation

If you need a certificate to prove your level of English, Cambridge exams are a brilliant solution. If you need a private tutor to help you prepare for your FCE, CAE or CPE, look no further! Find out more about the exams and how I can help you prepare for them below.

What are Cambridge exams?

Cambridge Exams are English language exams designed for non-native speakers to officially certify your level of English. They are part of the Cambridge English Qualifications which correspond to the levels on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The exams assess your English skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, and are widely recognised by universities, employers, and governments as evidence of your English proficiency. One of the big advantages of obtaining a Cambridge English certificate, and the reason that many people choose to study towards one, is that they are valid indefinitely.

Why should I consider taking a Cambridge exam?

There are many advantages to taking a Cambridge exam. In addition to proving your English level, they also demonstrate that you can think critically about English and apply it across different contexts.

Here are some more reasons why Cambridge exams are worth taking…

Global Recognition

Cambridge exams are recognised by universities, employers, and governments , not only in the UK and Spain, but worldwide as proof of your English level.

Academic Opportunities

Many universities and colleges in English speaking countries require evidence of a certain level of English before they will grant you access to a course. Cambridge exams are one of the most commonly requested certificates to prove your level.

Employability

Many jobs here in Spain, and around the world, now ask you to have a certain level of English in their job specifications. Cambridge exams are widely accepted by employers in Spain (and around the world!) and never expire.

Visas and Immigration

If you are thinking about moving to an English speaking country outside of the EU, you will probably need a visa. Most countries will ask for evidence of your English level. Cambridge exams may be accepted for visas to the UK, Canada and Australia, subject to specific requirements.

Personal Achievement

Maybe you just love learning languages and have a personal goal to reach a certain level. A Cambridge exam certificate is evidence of your commitment to English and demonstrates that you can not only function, but communicate well in English.

What do Cambridge exams involve?

I can help you with the First Certificate Exam (FCE – B2), Cambridge Advanced Exam (CAE – C1), and Cambridge Proficiency Exam (CPE – C2).

Find out more about the exam format by clicking on the corresponding tabs below.

The Cambridge FCE exam consists of four papers, each designed to assess different language skills:

Reading and Use of English (1 hour 15 minutes):

There are seven parts to this exam.

Parts 1, 5, 6, and 7 test the candidates understanding of written texts from various sources and correct answers count towards your score for Reading.

Parts 2, 3 and 4 include tasks on grammar and vocabulary which test your knowledge of prepositions, prefixes and suffixes and ability to paraphrase. These parts count towards your Use of English score.

You need to pass both the Reading and Use of English parts to pass the exam.

Writing (1 hour 20 minutes):

There are two parts to this exam which require you to write two different pieces of writing.

Part 1 is always an essay. You will be given a topic and be expected to write a clear essay in a formal register. The essay should also be structured appropriately and show a good range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to the task.

Part 2 gives you the option between: a report, a proposal, a review and an email / letter. Part two exists to show the examiner that you can write in a different register, structure and tone.

Listening (approximately 40 minutes):

There are four parts to this exam.

You will need to listen for gist (general information) to summarise what you have heard to choose an appropriate answer from multiple choice questions.

You will also need to listen for specific information to complete gaps with the exact word or phrase that you hear.

Speaking (14 minutes):

There are four parts to this exam.

The speaking exam is conducted face-to-face with an examiner and another candidate.

Each of the four parts involves tasks such as an individual long turn, collaborative tasks with your partner, and a discussion.

The examiner in listening for your ability to express yourself clearly, compare and discuss information and most importantly, language to interact with your partner.

You can find out more about the exam format, along with more detailed information about the exams and sample papers from Cambridge's website by clicking here.

The Cambridge CAE exam consists of four papers, each designed to assess different language skills:

Reading and Use of English (1 hour 30 minutes):

There are eight parts to this exam.

Parts 1, 5, 6, 7 and 8 test the candidates understanding of written texts from various sources and correct answers count towards your score for Reading.

You need to pass both the Reading and Use of English parts to pass the exam.

Writing (1 hour 30 minutes):

There are two parts to this exam which require you to write two different pieces of writing.

Part 2 gives you the option between: a report, a proposal, a review and an email / letter. Part two exists to show the examiner that you can write in a different register, structure and tone.

Listening (approximately 40 minutes):

There are four parts to this exam.

You will need to listen for gist (general information) to summarise what you have heard to choose an appropriate answer from multiple choice questions.

You will also need to listen for specific information to complete gaps with the exact word or phrase that you hear.

Speaking (15 minutes):

There are four parts to this exam.

The speaking exam in conducted face-to-face with an examiner and another candidate.

Each of the four parts involves tasks such as an individual long turn, collaborative tasks with your partner, and a discussion.

The examiner is listening for your ability to express yourself clearly, compare and discuss information and most importantly, language to interact with your partner.

You can find out more about the exam format, along with more detailed information about the exam and sample papers from Cambridge's website by clicking here.

The Cambridge CPE exam consists of four papers, each designed to assess different language skills:

Reading and Use of English (1 hour 30 minutes):

There are seven parts to this exam.

Parts 1, 5, 6, and 7 test the candidates understanding of written texts from various sources and correct answers count towards your score for Reading.

You need to pass both the Reading and Use of English parts to pass the exam.

Writing (1 hour 30 minutes):

There are two parts to this exam which require you to write two different pieces of writing.

Part 2 gives you the option between: a report, a proposal, a review and an email / letter. Part two exists to show the examiner that you can write in a different register, structure and tone.

Listening (approximately 40 minutes):

There are four parts to this exam.

You will need to listen for gist (general information) to summarise what you have heard to choose an appropriate answer from multiple choice questions.

You will also need to listen for specific information to complete gaps with the exact word or phrase that you hear.

Speaking (16 minutes):

There are three parts to this exam.

The speaking exam is conducted face-to-face with an examiner and another candidate.

Each of the four parts involves tasks such as an interview, collaborative tasks with your partner, and a discussion.

The examiner in listening for your ability to express yourself clearly, compare and discuss information and most importantly, language to interact with your partner.

You can find out more about the exam format, along with more detailed information about the exam and sample papers from Cambridge's website by clicking here.

How can I help you prepare for your Cambridge exams?

As an English teacher specialising in Cambridge exam preparation, I can help to ensure that you have the skills needed to pass your Cambridge exams. See below for some examples of how I can help you with each part of the exams.

Reading and Use of English

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- I can help you to understand the requirements of each task, the points available and which part of the exam they correspond to, and what you need to revise and practise in order to get the maximum amount of points possible for both the reading and use of English sections of the paper.

- Together we will practise common English collocations (words that usually go together) which will help you particularly with parts 1 and 4 of the R+UoE exam.

- We will develop your ability to paraphrase (say the same thing in a different way). This is an essential skill that all Cambridge students need to actively develop. This is particularly useful for part 4 of the R+UoE exam and also many parts of the Listening exam.

- I can also help you to develop your reading skills skills in skimming, scanning, and reading for comprehension.

Listening

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- I can help you to understand the requirements of each task, not only the points available, but also by helping you to identify what you need to practise in order to get the maximum amount of points possible for each task.

- We will actively develop different ways of listening to ensure success in the different types of task in the listening paper. Namely, listening for gist (the overall ideas), and listening for specific information. My lessons will help you develop and practise these different ways of listening in a fun and engaging way through the use of tv, film, and music.

Speaking

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- I can help you to understand the requirements of each task, not only the points available, but also helping you identify what you need to practise in order to get the maximum amount of points possible for each task.

- Together we will look at language to compare and contrast, language to hypothesise and speculate, language to interject, language to give and ask for opinions, language to interact with others, and language to structure what you want to say in a coherent manner. All whilst sounding natural and modern.

- I will also help you with pronunciation, focussing especially on the rhythm, intonation and connected speech patterns of English to ensure that you are able to speak clearly.

Writing

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- I can help you to understand the requirements of each task, not only the points available, but also helping you identify what you need to practise in order to get the maximum amount of points possible for each task.

- Together we will look at the different writing tasks and understand how to structure them.

- We will also focus on different vocabulary related to the different types of task. Paying particular attention to register (formality).

- We will also look at language to communicate your opinions, ideas, and arguments in a clear and coherent way.

- All writing that you produce will receive in depth feedback not only to help you correct any mistakes, but also to offer improvements.

How do I apply to become a private student?

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For more information about how to apply to become a student, see the step by step process below.

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What do my students say?

Yay! I am thrilled that you are considering taking classes with me.

For more information about how to apply to become a student, see the step by step process below.

Laura

Passed CAE

Richard has been my teacher for the last year, and I can tell he is a great teacher. You will have fun while learning! I've improved so much this year and I totally recommend learning with him.

Luis

Passed CAE

Richard has been my teacher for two years and my level has increased a lot. He's a great teacher and he prepares lots of entertaining activities to make us learn in a fun way.

Javi

Passed CAE

I highly recommend Richard as a teacher because he has a remarkable ability to motivate students and make the classes enjoyable. Last year he was my teacher, and due to his enthusiasm and his care about all his students, i insisted on attending his classes again this year. He is an unforgettable teacher!

Pablo

Passed CAE

Richard has been a great teacher. He knows the strengths and weaknesses of his students helping them to improve by putting a focus on their weaknesses. Furthermore, he makes the classes very fun and enjoyable, balancing between fun and the boring but necessary exercises.

Nerea

CAE Student

Excellent teacher! He is always supporting us, makes instructions clear and is very patient! He makes learning English much more dynamic and most of all interactive. Very kind since the beginning!

Ana

CAE Student

Richards classes have been really useful for my progress. He knows how to catch the students attention in a funny way, creating a fun, comfortable and relaxed atmosphere during class which makes me want to come to class. You have also encouraged me to continue studying English next year!

Lola

CAE Student

I think Richard is a really good teacher because he makes classes enjoyable and fun, so that, the classes are very dynamic. I think I have learned a lot about every part of the official exam this year.

David

FCE Student

Richard is an excellent teacher. The effort he makes for each of his classes is incredible. Besides being an amazing person, he teaches very well and is always attentive to his students if they have any questions.

Elena

CAE Student

Thanks to Richard, a wonderful teacher, despite having a late afternoon schedule that left me very tired. Richard always managed to make the classes dynamic and fun. I highly recommend him as a teacher. Thank you for this year of teaching.

Any Questions??

If you have any questions or would like to contact me, please get in touch by completing the form below.