B2 Business (BEC) Vantage

Section

Time

Description

# of items

Reading

1 hour

Part 1

Either four short texts on a related topic or one text divided into four sections and a series of statements. Candidates have to match each statement to the text or section where they can find the information.

7 questions

Part 2

A text with gaps and some sentences (A–G). Each gap represents a missing sentence. Candidates have to read the text and the sentences and decide which sentence belongs in each gap.

5 questions

Part 3

A single text with six comprehension questions. Candidates have to read the text and choose the right answer for each question (A, B, C or D).

6 questions

Part 4

A text with gaps. Each gap represents one word or phrase. Candidates have to read the text and choose the right word or phrase to fill each gap from a choice of four (A, B, C or D).

15 questions

Part 5

A text in which some lines are correct and some lines have an extra, unnecessary word. If the line is correct, candidates write 'CORRECT' on their answer sheet. If the line is not correct, they have to write down the extra word.

12 questions

Writing

45 minutes

Part 1

A description of a business situation. Candidates have to write an internal company communication (message, memo or email) using the information provided.

40-50 words

Part 2

Some material (letter, fax, email, note, notice, advert, graph, chart) to read. Candidates have to write a piece of business correspondence, a report or a proposal based on the information.

120-140 words

Listening

about 40 minutes

Part 1

Three monologues or dialogues. For each recording, candidates have to listen and fill in four gaps in a short text, such as a form.

12 questions

Part 2

Two sets of five short monologues (recordings of one person speaking). Each set is linked by a common theme and has a list of eight options (A–H). Candidates have to match each speaker to one of the options.

10 questions

Part 3

One longer conversation or monologue (interview, discussion, presentation, etc.) and some comprehension questions. Candidates have to listen to the recording and choose the right answer (A, B or C) for each question.

8 questions

Speaking

14 minutes per pair of candidates

Part 1

Conversation between the examiner and each candidate. The examiner encourages the candidates to give information about themselves and to express personal opinions.

Part 2

A ‘mini-presentation’ by each candidate on a business theme.

The candidates are given prompts which generate a short talk on a business-related topic.

Part 3

A collaborative task which candidates do together. The candidates are presented with a discussion on a business-related topic. The examiner extends the discussion with prompts on related topics.