How to practice & improve vocabulary (Tips & List PDF) | B2 First (FCE)
Reading is the quickest and most effective way to learn new FCE vocabulary and phrases.
It may include reading articles or doing specifically prepared vocabulary exercises. Although you can also learn new vocabulary by listening to podcasts or watching YouTube videos, such exercises are not as efficient as reading.
Start reading regularly in English and learn new FCE vocabulary for about 9 months (or at least 5 to 6 months) before taking the exam. Improving English vocabulary will not happen quickly!
B2 First (FCE): Vocabulary Tips
Tip 1: Read articles and essays
When taking the B2 First (FCE) exam, you should improve your knowledge of English vocabulary on various topics. It seems to be slower to do so by reading novels or books (which are generally devoted to one subject).
Reading articles (as well as reviews and essays) is more effective in expanding your vocabulary on different topics. It will increase the possibility that the vocabulary you know appears on the exam.
Besides reading articles, you can also do vocabulary exercises (either online or in books).
Similarly to the articles, do exercises on topics and types of vocabulary commonly used during the exam.
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Tip 2: Learn Roots
Learn the roots of words. Most words in the English language are built from a common root, prefix, and suffix, usually with an origin in the Greek or Latin language.
Once you learn a root, you’ll begin to understand more words that use the same root. For example, -duc- (Latin root word) means to lead or to make, such as in the words produce or deduce.
Tip 3: Search for materials to read
Finding articles to read in English on common topics used in the exam isn’t difficult. Nevertheless, finding articles at the right level both for you and the exam might be challenging.
For instance, texts written for native English-speaking adults may be too complicated, and consequently, you may be confused and frustrated.
You can either read things designed specifically for FCE learners, texts intended for students with an intermediate level of English (very similar to FCE), or texts written for or by English-speaking young teenagers.
Below are some websites and resources for reading materials you can use:
Tip 4: Focus on specific types of FCE vocabulary
If you would like to succeed at the B2 First, you should focus on learning specific types of FCE vocabulary. Looking at the past exams, there are several topics which are often used.
We suggest focusing mainly on the topics listed below:
| The environment vocabulary connected to the weather, climate change, pollution, recycling, animals, plants, different types of habitats (deserts, sea, urban (e.g. towns and cities) etc… | Work vocabulary connected to different types of jobs and places of work, applying for a job, what people do in work etc… |
| Technology vocabulary connected to the internet, social networks, using computers etc… | Entertainment vocabulary connected to films/movies, books, music, concerts etc… |
| Travel vocabulary connected to ways of travelling, going on holiday, problems related to travelling etc… | Social activities and hobbies vocabulary connected to sports, hobbies, restaurants, shopping etc… |
| Education vocabulary connected to studying at school and university | Family and relationships vocabulary related to family, friends and other types of relationships |
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More than Practice Tests
Get your writing checked, track your progress online.
Sample papers, online practice tests & tips.
Tip 5: Memorize English better
Starting with just reading or hearing English, you will gradually improve your FCE vocabulary. However, it will take some time.
The best way to understand and memorize new vocabulary is to focus on guessing its meaning from the contexts.
Next, check the dictionary to make sure you are right, then make a sentence with a given word.
Tip 6: Keep track of your English vocabulary
It’s easy to forget new words if you don’t make note of what you are learning. Be sure to keep a list of the new words as you learn them.
Consider keeping a word journal. Looking at the progress you’ve made with English vocabulary will give you something to review. It will also give you the pride and confidence to keep learning.
B2 First (FCE): Vocabulary List
| THE ENVIRONMENT | |
|---|---|
| environment | place where people, plants, and animals live |
| environmental | relating to the environment |
| wildlife | animals, birds, and plants living in their natural habitat |
| carbon footprint | amount of carbon dioxide produced by a person or company’s activity |
| endangered species | animals or plants that may soon become extinct |
| become extinct | no longer exist (plants and animals) |
| extinction | a situation where an animal or plant does not exist |
| flood | when a place is covered with water |
| greenhouse effect | the gradual warming of the Earth due to pollution and gases |
| greenhouse gases | gases, especially carbon dioxide, that cause the greenhouse effect |
| fumes | gas or smoke which is usually dangerous |
| unsustainable | using more of something than can be replaced naturally |
| traffic | lots of cars, lorries etc using roads |
| congested roads | roads which are blocked with traffic |
| overpopulation | too many people in a place for the amount of food, space and resources |
| climate change | changes in the planet’s weather, particularly causing it to get warmer |
| global warming | the gradual increase in the earth’s temperature caused by greenhouse gases |
| emissions | gas that is sent out to the air |
| pollution | release of harmful materials into the environment |
| ozone layer | protective layer in the Earth’s atmosphere that protects from UV radiation |
| rising sea levels | the increasing level of the sea’s surface |
| deforestation | process of cutting down trees in a large area |
| toxic waste | poisonous waste |
| fossil fuels | fuel that comes from the ground, such as oil or coal |
| solar energy | energy from the sun |
| solar panels | a special panel which converts sunlight into electricity |
| wind energy | energy from wind |
| nuclear energy/power | energy produced by a nuclear reactor |
| natural resources | materials from nature which we can use such as wood, coal, minerals, water |
| environmentally friendly | not harmful to the environment |
| renewable resources | natural sources of energy which don’t run out, e.g. solar and wind |
| organic | free from artificial chemicals, in food and animals |
| sustainable | able to continue over a period of time and not harmful to the environment |
| recycle / recycling | use waste materials again |
| biodegradable | able to break down naturally |
| green energy | energy that is clean and doesn’t pollute the environment |
| conserve energy | save energy |
| cut down (on) | reduce, use less of something |
| reduce | do less of something |
| reforestation | planting lots of trees to replace ones that have been cut down |
| activist | person who takes action in order to make political change |
| protest | make a strong public expression of disagreement |
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| TECHNOLOGY | |
|---|---|
| internet | the extensive global system of connected computers that allows people to share information and communicate with each other |
| online | connected to the internet |
| wifi | using radio or microwaves rather than wires to connect to the internet |
| wifi hotspot | an area with an accessible wireless network, often a public place |
| internet connection | the link between a computer and the internet |
| viral | an image, video or piece of information that becomes very popular very quickly on the internet |
| e-book | a book published in digital form and read on a computer or other dedicated electronic device |
| e-commerce | commercial transactions conducted electronically on the internet |
| innovation | a new method, idea, product, etc. |
| (technological) breakthrough | an important discovery or event that helps to improve a situation or provide an answer |
| browse (the internet) | reading and scanning through data on the websites |
| surf (the internet) | look quickly through information on the websites |
| social media | term for websites and applications that focus on communication |
| cutting-edge | the latest or most advanced stage in the development of something |
| state-of-the-art | the newest technology, ideas, and features |
| outdated | old-fashioned and no longer useful |
| internet addiction | when a person has a compulsive need to spend a great deal of time on the Internet |
| privacy | level of privacy protection an individual has while connected to the Internet |
| spying | act or practice of obtaining secrets and information without the permission and knowledge of the holder |
| monitor | output device that displays information in pictorial or textual form |
| (a) keyword (for a search) | A word or phrase on web pages that is as close as possible to those typed into search engines |
| (to have a) subscription (to a site) | an amount of money that you pay regularly to receive a product or service |
| (to) upload (sth to a site) | to transfer (something, such as data or files) from a computer to the memory of another device |
| (a) bookmark | something on a computer screen that serves as a shortcut (as to a website) bookmark |
| (to) launch (a program) | starting up program |
| (to) share (content) | distribution of content across relevant social media platforms |
| remote control | control of a machine or apparatus from a distance |
| download | copy (data) from one computer system to another |
| log in | connect to a computer system by putting in a particular set of letters or numbers |
| plug in | connect an electrical appliance to the mains |
| post | a piece of writing, image, or other item of content published online |
| browser | a person who looks casually through publications or websites |
| website | collection of web pages and related content that is identified by a common domain name |
| upgrade | to improve the quality or usefulness of something |
| keyboard | a panel of keys that operate a computer |
| setback | event that delays your progress or reverses some of the progress that you have mad |
| brainchild | an idea or invention |
| TRAVEL | |
|---|---|
| timetable | a list of the times of trains, buses etc. |
| runway | a wide path from which airplanes take off and land |
| reservation | an arrangement to have sth (a room, table, seat etc.) |
| package tour | a holiday or tour, arranged by a travel agent |
| accommodation | rooms in a house or hotel in which to stay |
| destination | the place to which you are going |
| departure | the act of leaving a place especially to start a journey |
| travel agent | a person who works in or owns a travel agency |
| return ticket | a ticket for a journey to a place and back again |
| arrival | the act of arriving |
| a flight | a journey made by air, especially in a plane |
| a tour | a journey for pleasure, during which you visit several different towns, areas etc. |
| a cruise | a journey by sea, visiting different places, especially as a holiday |
| a drive | a journey in a car, especially for pleasure |
| a journey | (countable) an act of traveling from one place to another |
| an expedition | an organised trip whose purpose is scientific exploration of the environment |
| a trip | a short journey to a place and back again |
| a crossing | a journey from one side of the sea to the other |
| a voyage | a long journey in a ship or spacecraft |
| travel | (uncountable) the general activity of moving from place to place |
| platform | area alongside a railway track providing convenient access to trains |
| runway | a strip of hard ground along which aircraft take off and land |
| accomodation | a room, group of rooms, or building in which someone may live or stay |
| luggage | suitcases or other bags in which to pack personal belongings for travelling |
| delayed | be late or slow |
| book | reserve (accommodation, a place, etc.); buy (a ticket) in advance |
| check in | arrive and register at a hotel or airport |
| airport | a place where aircraft regularly take off and land |
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| EDUCATION | |
|---|---|
| to attend classes | to go to classes |
| bachelors degree | an undergraduate course which usually lasts 3-4 years |
| boarding school | a school where pupils live during term time |
| distance learning | a way of studying where tuition is carried out over the Internet or by post |
| face-to-face classes | as opposed to distance learning the traditional way of studying in a classroom with colleagues and a teacher |
| to fall behind with your studies | to progress less quickly than others |
| to give feedback | to offer guidance on a student’s work |
| a graduation ceremony | an event where a successful student receives his or her academic degree |
| higher education | education, usually in a college or university, that is followed after high school or secondary school |
| an intensive course | a course that offers lots of training in order to reach a goal in as short a time as possible |
| to keep up with your studies | to not fall behind |
| to learn something by heart | to memorize it |
| a mature student | a student who is older than average and who has usually returned to education after a period at work |
| masters degree | a period of study which often follows the completion of a bachelors degree or is undertaken by someone regarded as capable of a higher-level academic course |
| to meet a deadline | to finish a job or task in the time allowed or agreed |
| to play truant | to stay away from classes without permission |
| private language school | an independent school run as a business concern |
| public schools | exclusive independent schools in the UK |
| a single-sex school: | a school where only boys or girls attend (as opposed to a mixed-sex school) |
| to sit an exam | to take an exam |
| state school | a school paid for by public funds and available to the general public |
| to take a year out | to spend a year working or travelling before starting university |
| tuition fees | the money paid for a course of study |
| to work your way through university | to have a paid job whilst studying to support yourself financially |
| a nursery / kindergarten | a type of preschool that focuses on the children aged three to five years. |
| a primary school | a school for children between the ages of about five and eleven. |
| a secondary school | school intermediate between elementary school and college |
| private school | school that does not receive financial support from the government |
| college | university where you can study for an undergraduate |
| a state school | primary or secondary school that educates all students without charge |
| to apply to a university | ask to be accepted as a student at colleges or universities by filling out |
| graduate | to receive an academic degree or diploma |
| coursework | work set at regular periods as part of an educational course |
| WORK | |
|---|---|
| To be out of a job | to no longer have the job one has had |
| To look for a job | the process of trying to find a job |
| To turn in an application for a job | sending a letter or form detailing your qualifications, skills and experience |
| To get a job | find employment |
| interview | a conversation which occurs between a potential employer and a job applicant |
| make redundant | dismiss (a person who is no longer needed) from a job |
| To be fired | dismiss (an employee) from a job |
| To resign from a job | to quit or retire from a position |
| earn | to receive money as payment for work that you do: |
| work shifts | a work schedule that is performed in rotations |
| part-time job | a form of employment that carries fewer hours per week than a full-time job |
| full-time job | a set work week, usually with eight-hour days and 40 hour weeks |
| To work overtime | to spend time working at one’s job in addition to one’s normal working hours |
| accountant | someone whose job is to look after money accounts |
| agency | a business that provides a service to other people or organizations |
| leadership | the action of leading a group of people or an organization |
| customer services | the support you offer your customers |
| health service | a public service providing medical care |
| management | the control and organization of something, esp. a business and its employees |
| promotion | when an employee moves from one job to another, which is higher in pay |
| badly paid | not earning or paying much money |
| duty roster | a roster is a list which gives details of the order in which different people have to do |
| skilled | having or showing the knowledge, ability, or training to perform a certain activity or task well. |
| well paid | earning or paying much money |
| under pressure | being in a state of stress or anxiety due to having too much to do |
| occupation | a job or profession |
| labour market | the place where workers and employees interact with each other |
| company | a commercial business |
| motivation letter | a written document whose purpose is to express your interest in a job, scholarship, internship or a place on a Master’s degree |
| development | the process of growing or changing and becoming more advanced: |
| employee | a person who is paid to work for someone else |
| employer | a person or organization that employs people |
| workplace | a place where people work, such as an office or factory |
| apply for a job | participate in the job recruitment process |
| job search | the process of trying to find a job |
| physical worker | work you do with your hands (chopping wood, moving furniture etc) |
| office worker | a person who does their job in an office |
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| ENTERTAINMENT | |
|---|---|
| ovation | cheering or applause to express approval, welcome etc |
| performance | the act of performing a play, concert etc. |
| review | a report in a newspaper or magazine, or on the Internet |
| admission | being allowed to go in |
| amusement park | a large park with many special machines that you can ride on |
| musical | A film or theatre production in which dancing and singing play an integral part |
| play | A theatre production/performance |
| audience | The people watching a particular show/event |
| classical | A musical genre that uses traditional instruments and follows established principles and convention |
| competition | You enter one of these to win a prize. |
| festival | an organized series of concerts, plays, or films, typically one held annually in the same place. |
| carnival | a travelling fair having merry-go-rounds, etc |
| to invite | make a polite, formal, or friendly request to (someone) to go somewhere or to do something. |
| free time | time when you do not have to work, study, etc. and can do what you want: |
| to feast | a large meal, typically a celebratory one. |
| nightclub | an entertainment venue |
| leisure time | free time |
| take up a hobby | when you become interested in it and spend time doing it |
| channel | television station and its programs |
| circus | a travelling company of entertainers such as acrobats, clowns, trapeze artistes, and trained animals |
| exhibition | a public display of art, products, skills, activities, etc |
| concert | a performance of music by players or singers that does not involve theatrical staging |
| garden party | a social gathering held in the grounds of a house, school, etc, usually with light refreshments |
| SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AND HOBBIES | |
|---|---|
| go for a walk | activity of going for long walks |
| have a quiet night in | just stay at home and relax |
| throw a party | Organize a social gathering |
| be keen on (sth) | enjoy doing something |
| have a passion for (sth) | an extreme interest in or wish for doing something |
| eat out | eat away from home (e.g. in restaurant) |
| (to be) crazy about (sth) | to be very interested in something or love someone very much |
| take part in (an activity) | do an activity with other people |
| chill out | relax |
| get together | meet |
| come round | come to someone’s house |
| be into | be interested in something |
| take up a hobby | start a new hobby |
| gardening | the job or activity of working in a garden |
| rollerblading | skate using Rollerblade |
| window shopping | the activity of going to a store or website to look at goods rather than to buy anything: |
| scuba diving | the sport of swimming underwater with special breathing equipment |
| hunting | the activity or sport of chasing or searching for wild animals or birds with the intention of killing or catching them |
| hiking | the activity of going for long walks, especially across country |
| board games | a game (such as checkers, chess, or backgammon) played by placing or moving pieces on a board. |
| bowling | sport and recreational activity in which a player rolls a ball toward pins |
| surf the web | to spend time visiting a lot of websites |
| crosswords | a game in which you have to fit words across and downwards into spaces with numbers in a square diagram |
| birdwatch | observe their actions and habits in their natural habitat as a recreation |
| yoga | physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in ancient India. |
| jogging | the activity of running at a slow, regular speed |
| sewing | activity of making or repairing clothes or other things made from cloth |
| knitting | the activity of knitting something |
| do model building | the activity of making models, miniature representations of things. |
| stamps collecting | the act of collecting postage stamps as a hobby |
| horse-riding | the sport or activity of riding a horse |
| sailing | the sport or activity of using boats with sails |
| rock climbing | activity in which participants climb up, down or across natural rock formations |
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| FAMILY AND RELATIONSHIPS | |
|---|---|
| colleague | a person who works with you |
| fiancé | the man to whom a woman is engaged to be married |
| son-in-law | a daughter’s husband |
| niece | the daughter of you brother or sister |
| mother-in-law | the mother of your husband or wife |
| acquaintance | a person whom you know |
| nephew | the son of your brother or sister |
| fiancée | the woman to whom a man is engaged to be married |
| workmate | a person that you work with |
| relative/relation | a person who is in the same family as somebody else |
| descendant | your child, grandchild |
| divorced | no longer married |
| widow | a woman whose husband is dead |
| flatmate | person who shares a flat with one or more others |
| engaged | having given a promise to marry someone |
| adult | fully grown |
| ancestor | a person in your family who lived a long time ago |
| neighbour | someone who lives near you |
| acquaintance | a person one knows slightly, but who is not a close friend |
| anniversary | a day when we remember or celebrate something important that happened on that day in a previous year |
| community | a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common |
| couple | two people who are married or otherwise closely associated |
| engagement | a formal agreement to get married. |
| flatmate/housemate/roommate | a person with whom you share an apartment or house |
| fall in love (with someone) | to be very attracted to someone and begin to love them |
| fall out (with someone) | you have an argument and stop being friendly with them. |
| get in touch (with someone) | to initiate or establish contact or communication with one |
| get on well (with someone) | you have a friendly relationship with them |
| make up with someone | to forgive someone and be friendly with them again after an argument or disagreement |
| propose to someone | ask someone to marry you |
B2 First (FCE): Vocabulary List – Download PDF
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