FCE PRACTICE TEST 1

Reading and
Use of English
Name: ..................................................................

Part 1

For questions 1-8, read the text below and decide which answer (A, B, C or D) best fits each gap. There is an example at the
beginning (0).

Example:

0 A normal B typical C native D local

British Species Disappearing

Many species of animals and birds that are (0) ..... to the British countryside are disappearing fast. A recent survey of the
creatures that people see (1) ..... in their back gardens shows that most are seen less frequently than they were a decade ago,
while only a few are (2) ..... to thrive.

One species that is (3) ..... threat is the hedgehog. It is estimated that their numbers have (4) ..... by about a third since the year
2000. Hedgehogs used to be a (5) ..... sight all over the country but their habitat has been destroyed by development. Only
21 percent of people in Britain (6) ..... ever having seen one in their gardens. In contrast, the common frog is seen on a monthly
(7) ..... according to over half of the people in the survey.

It’s a sad thought that the (8) ..... majority of young people today are more likely to have seen such animals in books than in
real life.

1 A unchangingly B definitely C punctually D regularly

2 A coping B succeeding C managing D competing
3 A in B under C towards D about
4 A fallen B reduced C discounted D cut
5 A famous B familiar C casual D known
6 A reported B told C claimed D said
7 A event B occasion C basis D routine
8 A complete B absolute C wide D vast

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 FCE PRACTICE TEST 1
Reading and
Use of English
Name: ..................................................................

Part 2

For questions 9-16, read the text below and think of the word which best fits each gap. Use only one word in each gap.
There is an example at the beginning (0). Write your answers IN CAPITAL LETTERS.

Example: 0 I S

Guy Fawkes Night

Every year on November 5th, the British celebrate Bonfire Night with bonfire parties and firework displays. This tradition
(0) ........................... also known as “Guy Fawkes Night”, but who was Guy Fawkes? To answer this question, we must go
(9) ........................... in time to 1605, when James I was King of England.

Guy Fawkes belonged (10) ........................... a group who wanted to kill King James and replace him with a Catholic king.
The group knew that the king would be in the Houses of Parliament on the evening of November 5th. They planned to kill him
(11) ........................... blowing up the building using gunpowder hidden in a cellar. It was Guy Fawkes (12) ...........................
was chosen to light the gunpowder. Luckily, the “Gunpowder Plot” was discovered just (13) ........................... time. Guy
Fawkes was sentenced to death.

Historical records show that (14) ........................... early as 1607, celebrations with bonfires were held on November 5th
to mark the day the king’s life (15) ........................... saved. The British people have been celebrating the anniversary
(16) ........................... since.

Part 3

For questions 17-24, read the text below. Use the word given in capitals at the end of some of the lines to form a word that
fits in the space in the same line. There is an example at the beginning (0). Write your answers IN CAPITAL LETTERS.
Example: 0 R O M A N T I C

21st-Century Pirates
Thanks to films like Pirates of the Caribbean, many people think of pirates as (0) ........................... ROMANCE
and exciting figures of the past.
But pirates are still around, although they no (17) ........................... fight with swords on sailing LONG
ships. (18) ........................... old-fashioned pirates, today’s pirates are often members of gangs LIKE
that use sophisticated hi-tech equipment to locate ships which they believe are worth
(19) ........................... . ATTACK
In the past, pirates would go after ships carrying (20) ........................... items, such as gold and VALUE
silver. Today these (21) ........................... organised gangs are more interested in stealing the HIGH
cash and personal (22) ........................... of a ship’s crew, or even the ship itself. Pirates have BELONG
been known to attack tankers and ships of all sizes. Small motorboats are (23) ........................... SPECIAL
at risk of being attacked and stolen.
Coastal areas in Southeast Asia and Africa are the places where the majority of pirate attacks
take place. Although piracy has decreased with the help of the prompt action of coastguard
(24) ........................... , these waters are still considered to be dangerous. SERVE

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 FCE PRACTICE TEST 1
Reading and
Use of English
Name: ..................................................................

Part 4

For questions 25-30, complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the word given.
Do not change the word given. You must use between two and five words, including the word given. Here is an example (0).

Example:
0 The company is now being managed by Bob Miller.
TAKEN
Bob Miller ........................................................................................................................... of the company.

The gap can be filled by the words ‘has taken over the management’, so you write:

Example: 0 HAS TAKEN OVER THE MANAGEMENT

Write only the missing words IN CAPITAL LETTERS.

25 It was wrong of you to leave without saying goodbye.

SHOULD
You ........................................................................................................................... saying goodbye.

26 If you complain to your teacher, it won’t help.

NO
It’s ........................................................................................................................... to your teacher.

27 People say our neighbour caused the accident.

SAID
Our neighbour ........................................................................................................................... the accident.

28 All this happened because you didn’t listen to me.

NONE
If you had listened to me, ........................................................................................................................... happened.

29 We were prevented from entering the building by the security guard.

LET
The security guard ........................................................................................................................... the building.

30 John said he had really enjoyed himself at the party.

TIME
John said he had ........................................................................................................................... at the party.

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 FCE PRACTICE TEST 1
Reading and
Use of English
Name: ..................................................................

Part 5

You are going to read a magazine article in which an actress describes her life in London. For questions 31-36, choose the
answer (A, B, C or D) which you think fits best according to the text.

Home Away from Home

Actress and TV presenter Amanda Buxton talks about London, her newly adopted home.
I suppose I’d been considering relocating to the capital for some time. Since I made the move from provincial
theatre to television, I’ve found most auditions for major TV series are held here in the city. I have an agent
here, which is a great help. When I was up north, it was like trying to manage my career by remote control.
You have to be on hand, at the heart of things, if you’re serious about building a future in television, or
international acting for that matter. Let’s face it, London has the country’s best theatres, TV and film studios,
so it’s not that you have a choice, really. I don’t regret the move. In fact, there’s a lot about this city I
have come to love.
I grew up in a town that was built in the 1930s, so I really appreciate the sense of history here and all the different
styles of architecture. Even some of the neglected, run-down areas have character, in my opinion. Another aspect
of London I have always appreciated is the parks. Major urban centres need green areas and London has these in
abundance. You’re spoilt for choice. And the city council really knows how to make the most of them. Throughout
the summer the parks are alive with entertainment, concerts and plays. I remember the first time I saw
Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Regents Park. Watching theatre in the open air under the stars is an
experience second to none.
And when it comes to holidays, London isn’t a bad choice at all. Just after I’d moved here, I was working 14-hour
days on a new TV series and felt in desperate need of a break. Everyone kept urging me to take off to some
exotic corner of the Pacific just to laze around on a white beach with palm trees. When the rehearsals
for the series finally ended, I couldn’t face a beach – I would have gone crazy with nothing to do after all that
excitement and activity.
A relaxing beach holiday can be great but I realized I needed lots of stimulation of another kind. I needed to
wind down gradually, I suppose. So when it came to the crunch, I stayed here. While it’s true that London’s a
non-stop, hectic city, sometimes that’s just what I need to recharge my batteries. Having been so busy, I’d
hardly had time to get to know the city. At first I couldn’t get over the shops – I spent most of my time just
wandering wherever the mood took me and hunting for unusual bits and pieces to decorate the flat that I’d just
bought in Hampstead, north London.
line 26 “Why there?” you may ask. Well, Hampstead offers you the best of both worlds. It’s the heath, you see.
I love walking the heath with my dog, Lucas. It’s almost like being out in the country. It’s also my retreat,
where I hide away from celebrity life and relax, especially when I’m not in the mood to be with people. When my
TV series became such a big hit, privacy began to be an issue for me. I’m frequently recognised now and
in some of the places I’ve visited on holiday, I’ve turned into one of the tourist attractions. So I really
appreciate the opportunity to be alone at home with a view of fields and flowers, and London’s skyline in the
distance. I suppose you’d say my home has become my favourite holiday destination.

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 FCE PRACTICE TEST 1
Reading and
Use of English
Name: ..................................................................

31 What was the writer’s main reason for moving to London?

A There are few theatres or TV studios in her home town.
B Leading roles in TV, films and theatre are cast there.
C She needed an agent in London to represent her.
D It had always been a place she loved to visit.
32 The writer enjoys being in London because
A she knows a lot about the architecture there.
B the area she lives in has a lot of character.
C it’s very different from her home town.
D it has the most modern buildings in the country
33 According to the writer, what is special about London’s parks?
A You can enjoy a business lunch outdoors.
B They are located far from the noise of traffic.
C They are lively places to choose to spend your time.
D They offer a unique summer programme of cultural events.
34 According to the writer, how did she benefit from a holiday in London?
A There were great bargains on sale in the shops.
B It was a pleasant change from a sunny beach holiday.
C The city’s pace made her feel more energetic.
D She became familiar with less well-known parts of the city.
35 What does the writer mean by ‘the best of both worlds’ in line 26?
A the benefits of rural and urban life
B the enjoyment of a home and a holiday
C the convenience for work and home
D the opportunity for privacy and fame at the same time
36 What do we learn about the writer in the last paragraph?
A She rarely has time for holidays.
B She is not a very sociable person.
C She is approached by fans at home.
D She feels that fame has its drawbacks.

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Name: ..................................................................
Part 6
You are going to read an article about a children’s hospital. Six sentences have been removed from the article. Choose from the
sentences A-G the one which fits each gap (37-42). There is one extra sentence which you do not need to use.
Evelina Children’s Hospital
Nurse Gemma Morton talks about the unusual hospital where she works and how it was designed.
“Going into hospital is not much fun. And for children
it can be especially difficult,” explains senior nurse Gemma
Morton. “Away from home, separated from their parents,
and sometimes quite ill, younger patients find a hospital a
frightening place. The traditional environment of long,
empty corridors and row after row of identical beds doesn’t
help much either.” But perhaps this new children’s hospital
has changed all that. The Evelina Children’s Hospital
opened in October 2005, and has been described as
“a hospital unlike any other”. What makes it unique is,
firstly, the role played by the children in its creation, and
secondly, the building itself. “At every stage of the design
process, young patients and their families were involved in
shaping this new environment and its unusual architecture,”
says Gemma.
“You see, when the architects began working on the project,
their aim was to create a hospital that does not feel
like a hospital. We all felt the building had to be attractive,
fun and friendly, with the atmosphere of a playground,”
Gemma adds. 37 But other challenges also faced the
architects; the chosen site was next to a busy road and
surrounded by the older, existing buildings of St Thomas’s
hospital.
To counteract this sense of being closed in, architects
incorporated a remarkable feature into the building –
a huge atrium, reaching from the ground to the roof and
made entirely of glass. 38 The wards on each floor
can be reached by lifts in towers located in this central
space. “The lifts are red and shaped like rockets and are just
one example of many fun features included in the design.
It’s very child-oriented,” says Gemma proudly.
A The system not only appeals to children but also removes
the need for directions in different languages.
B Attention to such details makes a world of difference to
sick children, and by trying to answer the young
patients’ needs, the hospital provides for their medical,
emotional and educational well-being.
C It became apparent that children wanted an environment
they could relate to, with wards named after animals for
example, instead of having names that meant nothing to
them.
FCE Practice Test 1 Photocopiable
FCE PRACTICE TEST 1
Reading and
Use of English
“The theme of the building is the natural world and the
design of each floor is devoted to a different aspect of it.
For example, the ground level, coloured blue, represents
the sea and the top level, in purple, is the sky. To find
your way about, you follow signs bearing symbols
representative of each floor, like a fish for sea level or
a star for sky level. 39 After all, the hospital is
located in one of London’s most multi-ethnic districts.”
The design ideas were based on the views of young
patients in other hospitals and of local schoolchildren.
They were asked to describe what they liked and disliked
about hospitals. 40 “Their comments helped not only
the architects but also us, the hospital staff, understand
what makes the difference between a happy stay in
hospital and an unhappy one,” says Gemma.
“For example, each patient’s bed has a pull-down bed
alongside it so that parents can spend the night. And as
nurses, we wear animal T-shirts and badges instead of
plain uniforms,” she says. 41 Daily instruction is
provided in small groups for patients. The curriculum
covers academic subjects such as science, technology and
art, and mandatory studies in literacy and maths.
42 And as Gemma points out, “Evelina Children’s
Hospital is proof that a hospital doesn’t have to be cold
and impersonal, but it can be a place of imagination and
fun instead. And I believe that other hospitals will soon
follow our example.”
D At the same time, it also needed to meet all the
requirements of a working hospital.
E As a result, this conservatory is filled with daylight and
sunlight and gives the impression of being outside.
F These include a play area, a restaurant and a school for
long-term patients.
G Furthermore, children on extended stays in hospital or
those who require regular ongoing treatment may attend
the hospital school.
© Burlington Books 6
 FCE PRACTICE TEST 1
Reading and
Use of English
Name: ..................................................................

Part 7

You are going to read a magazine article in which four people describe locations in Ireland that they love. For questions
43-52, choose from the people (A-D). The people may be chosen more than once.

Which person

describes the seasonal beauty of their favourite place? 43

makes a comparison with other places? 44

mentions how enjoyable it is to visit local shops there? 45

discovered their favourite place by chance? 46

is impressed by the lasting quality of the place? 47

regrets not being able to spend more time there? 48

appreciates the fact that you can escape from a busy routine there? 49

discusses the place’s religious significance? 50

recommends the place for its sports activities? 51

has made a home in their favourite place? 52

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Name: ..................................................................
My Ireland
Four people talk about places they love in Ireland.
A SHANNON
When I was child, the annual family holiday meant
“getting away from it all”. Since my parents owned a
cabin cruiser, every summer we sailed the Erne
waterway. It’s a paradise for bird life, wild flowers and
fishermen, with unrestricted boating around 154 islands,
set in 500 miles of waterway. It contrasts so strongly with
the urban sprawl of modern cities. And if you’re looking
for a pristine spot for camping or a simple picnic, you’re
spoilt for choice here. My favourite place is Boa Island.
As children, we’d let our imaginations run wild as we
played among ancient Celtic statues of two-faced pagan
gods or explored the Navar forests. Watching the sun set
over the Donegal mountains has always left me with a
feeling of tranquillity – so hard to find in this hectic
world today.
B LIAM
It’s the mile walk along the 17th-century city walls that
always brings me back to Londonderry – a city steeped in
history that perches on top of the hill at the mouth of the
River Foyle. Being on the coast, Londonderry has
withstood attacks from land and sea, and its city walls
still stand unbroken today. Another favourite walk is
along the main thoroughfare Shipquay Street, though it’s
very steep. You can lose yourself in the maze of narrow
streets leading off it as you browse the stores and craft
village tucked in behind the ancient tower. It’s this old-
world charm in the heart of a thriving, modern city that
lures me back time and again. And there’s a sense of
permanence about Londonderry. In hundreds of years’
time, it will still be standing like a guard at the gate of
Ulster.
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FCE PRACTICE TEST 1
Reading and
Use of English
C ANGELA
Popular songs have made the Mourne mountains
probably the most famous peaks in Northern Ireland.
Tucked away in a remote south-east corner of Ulster,
there are 12 summits rising over 2,000 feet. A
spontaneous decision to join a hiking trip brought me to
the barren peak of Slieve Donard which dominates the
mysterious blue landscape. Since then, I’ve made the
climb of almost 3,000 feet alone. It takes a good few
hours to do, but reaching the summit is always worth it.
Offering a panorama across the Irish Sea, the view takes
your breath away. Working as a journalist precludes my
visiting as often as I’d like, but when I do, I stay in a
small B & B in Newcastle. It’s situated on a coast
notorious for smuggling in the 18th century, but today it’s
more famous for its scenic walks, horse riding and golf
courses.
D SEAN
Once referred to as my sweet hill by St Patrick, Armagh
was the spiritual capital of Ireland for over 1,500 years.
As it expanded, numerous public buildings, including
two cathedrals, were erected. The builders of Armagh’s
Georgian townhouses were delighted to find a unique
local limestone. When polished, its pink, red and yellow
stones make the city glow even on a cloudy day. I spent
my childhood playing hide and seek in its elegant streets
and can’t imagine living anywhere else. My favourite
getaway is a short drive north of the city to the rich fruit-
growing country often called the orchard of Ireland. On
Apple Blossom Sunday, in late May, the orchards are a
mass of pink and white flowers, whose fragrance fills the
air. And from August onwards, roadside stalls are laden
with fruit pies spiced with cinnamon.
© Burlington Books 8
 FCE PRACTICE TEST 1
Writing
Name: ..................................................................

Part 1

You must answer this question. Write your answer in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.

1 In your English class you have been talking about learning foreign languages. Your English teacher has asked you
to write an essay for homework.

People who speak English don’t really need to learn other languages.
Do you agree?

Notes
Write about:
1. travel
2. career
3. your own idea

Write your essay. You must use grammatically correct sentences with accurate spelling and punctuation in a style
appropriate for the situation.

Part 2

Write an answer to one of the questions 2-4 in this part. Write your answer in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.

2 Your teacher has asked you to write a story for the school magazine. The story must begin with the following words:
It was going to be a small birthday celebration, so I had no idea it would turn out to be such a big event.
Your story must include:
an unexpected guest
a song
Write your story.
3 You recently saw this notice in an English-language magazine called Book World.

Reviews needed!
We are interested in what you have to say. If you have read an interesting book recently, share your
opinion with us. Write a review including information on the genre, characters, setting and story.
Say whether you would recommend the book to other people.

Write your review.

4 This is part of a letter you have received from your English friend, Jo.
My family are thinking of coming to your country on holiday this summer but we’re not sure where to go. Could you
recommend somewhere near where you live? Please tell me a bit about the places where we could go sightseeing and what
kind of activities there are for young people.
Thanks, Jo
Write your letter.
 FCE PRACTICE TEST 1
Listening
Name: ..................................................................

Part 1

You will hear people talking in eight different situations. For questions 1-8, choose the best answer (A, B or C).

1 You hear a woman talking about her first attempt 5 You hear a review of a computer game on the radio.
at skiing. What is the man’s opinion of the game?
What problem did she have? A There are too many rules to follow.
A She kept falling over. B It’s not suitable for people with no
B She suffered from the cold. knowledge of football.
C She lost one of her ski poles. C The animation could have been done better.
2 You overhear two friends talking about yoga classes. 6 You overhear a man and a woman talking about a film.
What was it about the classes that didn’t suit the What kind of film is it?
woman? A a film about a superhero
A the time B a documentary
B the number of people in the class C a horror film
C the location
7 You hear a woman talking to a group of people in a
3 You hear part of a radio interview with a man national park.
who went to live on a small island. What does she advise them against?
Why did he go there? A leaving the hiking trails
A He wanted to escape city life. B lighting fires
B He received a job offer there. C climbing rocks
C He considered it a worthwhile experience.
8 You overhear two people talking.
4 You overhear a woman talking on the phone. How did the man feel when he lost his job?
Who is she talking to? A afraid
A her neighbour B stressed
B her gardener C relieved
C her husband

Part 2

You will hear a young man called Steve Carter talking about the time he spent as a volunteer teacher in Mali, West Africa.
For questions 9-18, complete the sentences.

LIFE IN MALI

Steve’s first job was as a 9 in Mali.

Mali is the 10 country in the world.

Steve found it difficult to get used to the 11 between Mali and the UK.

Steve had to learn the correct way to 12 people he met there.

In Malian society, a lot of importance is placed on the 13

In Mali, looking directly at a person may be seen as a 14

Steve was glad that he took his 15 abroad with him.

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 FCE PRACTICE TEST 1
Listening
Name: ..................................................................

Steve often saw Malian children playing with 16 in the streets.

In Mali, joking cousins exchange 17 with each other.

Steve hardly ever felt 18 during his stay in Mali.

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 FCE PRACTICE TEST 1
Listening
Name: ..................................................................

Part 3

You will hear five different people talking about student life at a university in a city in the north of England. For questions
19-23, choose from the list A-H what each speaker says. Use the letters only once. There are three extra letters which you
do not need to use.

A I’m impressed by the low cost of living in the north.

Speaker 1 19

B I’ve enjoyed promoting the university.

Speaker 2 20
C Money has been my main problem.
Speaker 3 21
D I’ve had no problem making friends.
Speaker 4 22

E There are plenty of job opportunities for students.

23
Speaker 5
F I’ve had to make an extra effort to enjoy student life.

G I find it hard to find enough time to study.

H The nightlife offers something for everyone.

Part 4

You will hear part of an interview with Lynda Bryant, producer of a special kind of reality TV show. For questions 24-30,
choose the best answer (A, B or C).

24 What was the original purpose of “historical” reality TV? 28 How does Lynda explain the success of historical
A to mark the anniversary of Channel 4 reality TV?
B to show how people used to live A It gives people the chance to experience
C to compare past and present technology life without technology.
B Viewers identify with the participants
25 According to Lynda, participants in The 1900 House more closely.
A disliked dressing up in such old-fashioned C It combines historical documentary
clothes. with drama.
B helped to ensure the historical details
were correct. 29 What kind of person does Lynda say is suitable
C could only use products available 200 for a historical reality TV show?
years ago. A someone willing to try the life of
a celebrity
26 What does Lynda say about the children in B someone with a great deal of
The 1900 House? historical knowledge
A Some of them missed school. C someone who is tough enough to
B They had to act as a family. face the challenges
C They were all teenagers.
30 In the show The Manor House,
27 Following the success of The 1900 House A some participants worked harder than
A a similar programme was made in others.
the USA. B a participant found being cut off from
B the programme was nominated for modern life difficult.
an award. C some participants found the
C the participants returned for a further experience boring.

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 FCE PRACTICE TEST 1
Listening
Name: ..................................................................

six months.

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