Understanding the "Set Text" option in Cambridge ESOL FCE, CAE and CPE exams

CPE Set Text: Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier

Fiona Joseph — Wed, 27 May 2009 21:38:51 GMT

This podcast is for CPE students preparing "Girl with a Pearl Earring" for the set text option. Listen to Fiona's plot summary and her analysis of the main characters, as well as her example of an exam-style question. All are welcome to leave comments...

FCE Set Text: Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

Fiona Joseph — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:58:49 GMT

New for the updated FCE in December 2008! This podcast is for FCE students thinking of doing "Great Expectations" for the set text option. Fiona gives an overview of the plot and discusses the important characters in the novel. Then she works through an exam-style question, giving essential tips for candidates. All are welcome to leave comments...

CAE Set Text: The Pelican Brief by John Grisham

Fiona Joseph — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 16:25:18 GMT

New for CAE December 2008! This podcast is aimed at candidates who are reading "The Pelican Brief" by John Grisham in preparation for their Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) in December 2008. Fiona gives an overview of the book and advice on how to approach the 'set text' question most effectively in the exam. She also works through a sample exam question. All comments are welcome from those who've read and would like to discuss this book - candidates, learners, teachers and book enthusiasts...

Analysis of 'The Cryptographer' by Tobias Hill

Fiona Joseph — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 11:55:48 GMT

Aimed at candidates who are preparing "The Cryptographer" for their Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) exam in 2007 and 2008, this podcast gives an overview of the book, offers advice on how to tackle the 'set text' question most effectively, and explores the theme of trust. All comments are welcome from those who've read and would like to discuss this book - candidates, learners, teachers and book enthusiasts...

Student Responses to 'Goodnight Mister Tom'

Fiona Joseph — Mon, 28 May 2007 18:50:57 GMT

This is a follow-up to the previous podcast on "Goodnight Mister Tom". In this episode Fiona introduces two presentations by Andrzej, a CPE candidate, in which he discusses the two themes that he found the most compelling: 'healing/recovery' and 'community'. All comments are welcome!

Analysis of 'Goodnight Mister Tom' by Michelle Magorian

Fiona Joseph — Sat, 19 May 2007 16:38:27 GMT

Aimed at candidates who are preparing "Goodnight Mister Tom" for their Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) exam in 2007 and 2008, this podcast gives an overview of the book and offers advice on how to tackle the question most effectively. All comments are welcome from those who've read and would like to discuss this book - candidates, learners, teachers and book enthusiasts...

Analysis of 'The Citadel' by A.J.Cronin

Fiona Joseph — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 18:17:56 GMT

This podcast is for candidates preparing 'The Citadel' by A.J.Cronin for their FCE exam. Listen to Fiona discussing who the main characters are and the plot summary, as well as talking you through an exam-style question. All comments welcome. Get more follow-up resources in FCE Exam Success Plus: http://www.flo-joe.co.uk/newsletter/fce/fceletter.htm