fce

Dear students, check this out, I got it from "learning English is easy as pie". (facebook)

inking words.
Giving examples

For example
For instance

Namely

The most common way of giving examples is by using for example or for instance.

Namely refers to something by name.
"There are two problems: namely, the expense and the time."

Adding information

And
In addition
As well as
Also
Too
Furthermore
Moreover
Apart from
In addition to
Besides
Ideas are often linked by and. In a list, you put a comma between each item, but not before and.

"We discussed training, education and the budget."
Also is used to add an extra idea or emphasis. "We also spoke about marketing."

You can use also with not only to give emphasis.
"We are concerned not only by the costs, but also by the competition."

We don't usually start a sentence with also. If you want to start a sentence with a phrase that means also, you can use In addition, or In addition to this…

As well as can be used at the beginning or the middle of a sentence.
"As well as the costs, we are concerned by the competition."
"We are interested in costs as well as the competition."

Too goes either at the end of the sentence, or after the subject and means as well.
"They were concerned too."
"I, too, was concerned."

Apart from and besides are often used to mean as well as, or in addition to.
"Apart from Rover, we are the largest sports car manufacturer."
"Besides Rover, we are the largest sports car manufacturer."

Moreover and furthermore add extra information to the point you are making.
"Marketing plans give us an idea of the potential market. Moreover, they tell us about the competition."

Due to / due to the fact that
Owing to / owing to the fact that

Because
Because of
Since
As

Due to and owing to must be followed by a noun.

"Due to the rise in oil prices, the inflation rate rose by 1.25%."

"Owing to the demand, we are unable to supply all items within 2 weeks."

If you want to follow these words with a clause (a subject, verb and object), you must follow the words with the fact that.

"Due to the fact that oil prices have risen, the inflation rate has gone up by 1%25."

"Owing to the fact that the workers have gone on strike, the company has been unable to fulfil all its orders."

Because / because of

Because of is followed by a noun.

"Because of bad weather, the football match was postponed."

Because can be used at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. For example, "Because it was raining, the match was postponed."

"We believe in incentive schemes, because we want our employees to be more productive."

Since / as

Since and as mean because.

"Since the company is expanding, we need to hire more staff."

"As the company is expanding, we need to hire more staff."

I think you will all find it useful.

FCE Writing

DOs

1.     Read the whole question thoroughly and underline important parts.

2.     Make a plan for each answer, including ALL points.

3.     Expand the points in Part 1 if you can, using relevant ideas and information.

4.     Write in paragraphs, whenever appropriate.

5.     Use a range of vocabulary, even if you are unsure of the correct spelling.

6.     Check tense endings, plural forms and word order in sentences.

7.     Check irregular past tenses and question formation.

8.     Check irregular past tenses and question formation.

9.     Use language that is appropriately formal or informal for the task.

10.  Choose a Part 2 question that you feel confident you can write about.

11.  Write clearly, so that the examiner can read your answer.

DON'Ts

12.  Don't misspell key words which appear on the question paper.

13.  Don't use the exact words from the question paper too much.

14.  Don't mix formal and informal language.

15.  Don't use formal linkers in an informal letter.

16.  Don't waste time writing addresses for a letter, as they are not required.

17.  Don't answer Question 5 if you haven’t read one of the books.

18. Don't worry if you run slightly over the word limit. 

spelling rules British vs American

FCE

Dear students, check these links to practise word formation.

http://www.flo-joe.co.uk/fce/students/tests/2_wfmtst4.htm
http://www.examenglish.com/FCE/fce_use_of_english_part3.htm

FCE Use of English Dos and Don'ts

• Use of English DOs and DON’Ts

DOs

1.     Read the words following the gaps in Parts 1 and 2 as they may have an effect on the answer.

2.     Make sure that any verb you write in a gap in Part 2 agrees with its subject.

3.     Write the prompt word in your answer in Part 3 without changing it in any way.

4.     Write between two and five words as your answer in Part 4.

5.     Remember that the words you need to write in Part 3 might have to change into a negative or a plural.

6.     Check your spelling in all parts of the test

7.     Make sure that you transfer your answers to the answer sheet accurately.

DON'Ts

8.     Don't write the answers to any of the examples on your answer sheets.

9.     Don't choose your answer in Part 1 before you have read all the options.

10.  Don't write out the full sentence when answering the questions in Part 4.

11.  Don't leave the base word in Part 3 unchanged.

12.  Don’t decide on your answer before reading the whole of a sentence in all parts.

13.  Don't give alternative answers for any questions. 

FCE Use of English

Dear students, for further practice on Multiple choice cloze, please visit:

http://www.examenglish.com/FCE/fce_use_of_english_part1.htm

http://www.flo-joe.co.uk/fce/students/tests/mchtst3.htm

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