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Cambridge exams

How long to study for B2 First or C1 Advanced: a study plan

Tell the planner your level, the weeks left and the hours you have. It shows if the time is enough and how to split a week.

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Plan your weeks

Exam

Your level now

Not enough time

72 hours available. Target: 240 hours.

Add hours per week, or think about a later exam date.

To reach the target you need about 20 hours a week, or 40 weeks at your pace.

A week, by paper

  • Reading and Use of English2 h
  • Writing1.5 h
  • Listening1.5 h
  • Speaking1 h

A rule of thumb: 200 guided hours per level, plus 40 hours of exam practice. Not a promise.

  • Target hours: starting one level below the exam adds 200 guided hours, the rule of thumb we use for a level. Every plan adds 40 hours of exam practice.
  • Status: on track means your hours reach the target. Tight means at least three quarters of it. Below that, not enough time.
  • The weekly split is a starting point: 35 percent Reading and Use of English, 25 percent Writing, 20 percent Listening, 20 percent Speaking.
  • Move hours to your weakest paper. Keep some Speaking every week, even in a short plan.

What a good week looks like

  1. 1

    Short sessions, often

    Four sessions of 45 minutes beat one of three hours.

  2. 2

    One task at a time

    Pick one part, such as key word transformations, and do a timed set.

  3. 3

    Write and get feedback

    One piece of writing a week, checked by a teacher, teaches more than three unchecked ones.

  4. 4

    Listen to real English

    Podcasts and talks at normal speed, with a short note on what you missed.

  5. 5

    Speak out loud

    Practise with a person or the Hub. Speaking fades fastest.

  6. 6

    Finish with a mock exam

    In the last weeks, do a full timed paper every week or two.

Time and plans in exam English

Talking about time and plans is common in the exam. Practise for and since, by and until, and the phrases for plans. Multiple choice cloze first.

Choose the word that fits each gap. B2 level.

Choose the correct word for each gap.

  1. 1. I have been studying English five years.
  2. 2. We must finish the report the end of the week.
  3. 3. She has already two hours on this exercise.
  4. 4. I fell behind, so now I must up on the lessons I missed.
  5. 5. Once you have a study plan, it is important to to it.
  6. 6. The exam takes place 9 June.
  7. 7. I'm good progress with my writing.
  8. 8. You should regular breaks when you study for a long time.

0 of 8 checked

Complete the second sentence so it means the same as the first. Use the key word without changing it. Write between two and five words, including the key word.

Complete the second sentence with the key word.

  1. 1. Lucas started learning French in January.

    SINCE
    LucasJanuary.

  2. 2. The exam is in ten days.

    AWAY
    The exam.

  3. 3. I'll finish this exercise and then I'll go out.

    BEFORE
    I'll finish this exerciseout.

  4. 4. It took me two hours to finish the test.

    SPENT
    Ithe test.

  5. 5. She hasn't been to the gym for a month.

    LAST
    Shea month ago.

  6. 6. I intend to take the exam in December.

    PLANNING
    Ithe exam in December.

0 of 6 checked

Questions

How many hours do I need to study for B2 First?
It depends on your start. A common rule of thumb is about 200 guided hours to go from one level to the next, plus exam practice. From a solid B2, less. Use the planner for your case.
Can I prepare for C1 Advanced in three months?
If you start from a solid B2 with regular hours, it can be tight but possible. From a weak B2, plan longer. The planner shows your gap.
How many hours a week is enough?
Most students need between four and eight hours a week, live classes and self study together. The right number is the one you can keep every week.
Which paper should I study most?
The one where you lose the most marks. A practice test shows it. Reading and Use of English has the most tasks, so it usually needs the biggest share.

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