LEVEL A1 / A2 OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE'S COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK FOR MODERN LANGUAGE
The Cambridge Young Learners English Tests are a series of tests intended for children aged 7 to 12 studying English as a foreign language. The tests have been designed to be accessible and interesting and, while avoiding an evaluation that distinguishes between pass and fail, they still offer students recognition of their commitment.
The tests are available in three levels - Starters, Movers and Flyers. The Flyers level is comparable to that of the Cambridge Key English Test (KET - A2), thus constituting a first step towards the internationally recognized core group of Cambridge exams for adolescents and adults.
The tests are designed for children of all nationalities, regardless of their mother tongue. The material used is fun and interesting.
The tests cover the four main language skills, namely Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing, and therefore offer a comprehensive assessment of the general level of language proficiency
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The Cambridge Young Learners English Tests are a series of tests intended for children aged 7 to 12 studying English as a foreign language. The tests have been designed to be accessible and interesting and, while avoiding an evaluation that distinguishes between pass and fail, they still offer students recognition of their commitment.
The tests are available in three levels - Starters, Movers and Flyers. The Flyers level is comparable to that of the Cambridge Key English Test (KET - A2), thus constituting a first step towards the internationally recognized core group of Cambridge exams for adolescents and adults.
The tests are designed for children of all nationalities, regardless of their mother tongue. The material used is fun and interesting.
The tests cover the four main language skills, namely Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing, and therefore offer a comprehensive assessment of the general level of language proficiency
The preparation of the tests for children belonging to this age group required careful elaboration, in compliance with the same qualitative standards used for the Cambridge exams for adults, but using activities and topics more suited to the young age of the candidates.
Each test consists of three tests:
Reading and Writing 40 - 60 minutes
Listening 40 - 60 minutes
Oral communication (Speaking) 5 - 10 minutes
The students' oral tests are evaluated by highly qualified examiners present in the authorized centers during the exams. All other tests are sent to Cambridge and are here corrected by Cambridge ESOL examiners.
All candidates who complete the test receive an acknowledgment, expressed with a grade between 1 and 5 (represented by "badges") for each of the language skills assessed: reading and writing (Reading and Writing), listening (Listening), oral communication (Speaking).
The Cambridge Young Learners English Tests have been conceived in close collaboration with Homerton College of Cambridge, which has to its credit the publication of a wide range of teaching material - traditional and multimedia (also on CD) - for language teaching. English to students of this age group.
LEVEL A2 OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE'S COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK FOR MODERN LANGUAGE
The Cambridge Key English Test (KET) is the first level of the Cambridge in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) exams. Inserted at level A2 by the Common European Framework of the Council of Europe, the KET is an exam that evaluates the daily communication skills in written and spoken language at a basic level.
Considered the ideal first step to obtain further and greater qualifications in the English language, it represents a level of proficiency in the language that is useful and sufficient for traveling to English-speaking countries. Candidates who pass the exam are awarded a certificate recognized by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examination and given a report on the results of all three tests.
The KET is part of the leading Cambridge English exams, closely linked to the Council of Europe's Common European Framework for modern languages (CEF) and accredited by QCA - the UK government's exam supervisory body.
The KET is aimed at those students who have acquired basic knowledge of the English language necessary and sufficient to travel to foreign countries. Passing this exam indicates that the candidate is able to understand the main points of elementary texts, to communicate in most known situations and to understand short standard information and simple verbal indications.
Like other Cambridge ESOL exams, the KET is based on the language used in real situations; therefore it offers an assessment of practical knowledge and encourages the development of those skills to be used during travel, study and work.
The KET includes three tests:
The reading and writing test (I hour and 10 minutes) certifies the candidates' ability to read and understand texts extracted from indications, brochures, newspapers and magazines. Candidates must be able to grasp key messages and use strategies for dealing with unfamiliar words and structures. Language proficiency is assessed based on candidates' ability to complete simple texts with missing words, transcribe information on forms, complete daily writing tasks, and finally write a short note or short message (approx. 20-25 words) which highlight checking for structure, vocabulary, spelling and punctuation.
The Listening Test (25 minutes) assesses candidates' ability to understand recorded material at a moderate speed, such as announcements and monologues, and to gather simple factual information.
The oral test (8-10 minutes) evaluates the candidates' ability to interact in conversations in English in which two examiners and another candidate participate. Candidates must be able to answer the questions addressed to them and ask them themselves, give information on the facts using suggestion cards, demonstrate that they know how to use strategies to overcome any difficulties in communication, such as asking for clarification.
LEVEL B1 OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE'S COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK FOR MODERN LANGUAGE​
The Cambridge Preliminary English Test (PET) is the second level of the Cambridge in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) exams. It is included at level B1 by the Common European Framework of the Council of Europe and evaluates the daily communication skills in written and spoken language.
Candidates who pass the exam are awarded a certificate recognized not only by the ESOL Examination of the University of Cambridge but also in university and professional circles around the world, which see PET as an initial qualification of knowledge of the English language. Furthermore, candidates are given a report on the results of all three tests, which is very useful for preparing for subsequent exams, such as the First Certificate in English (FCE).
PET is part of the leading Cambridge English exams, closely linked to the Council of Europe's Common European Framework for modern languages (CEF) and accredited by QCA - the UK government exam supervisory body.
Successful candidates have a broad knowledge of vocabulary and are able to use communication styles appropriate to various situations. They begin to grasp more than just facts, perceiving opinions, attitudes and moods in spoken and written English.
More than 80,000 applicants in over 80 countries take this exam annually, which is a valuable qualification for anyone wishing to work or study abroad or pursue a career internationally, as well as a useful preparation for the higher-level exams. .
Taking its cue from everyday situations and using material taken from posters, newspapers, magazines, the PET not only attests to the four language skills - reading, writing, listening and speaking - but also evaluates grammar and lexical knowledge. Therefore, it documents sufficient linguistic competence for practical use in the clerical, secretarial and managerial fields, and in sectors, such as tourism, where it is almost daily necessary to have contact with people who speak the English language. PET includes three tests:
The reading and writing test (1 hour and 30 minutes) certifies the candidates' ability to read and understand texts of practical use extracted from posters, brochures, newspapers and magazines. Candidates must be able to understand the main messages and the effect they might have on a reader, to write texts in English ranging from elementary sentences to free or imposed texts.
The Listening Test (30 minutes) evaluates candidates' ability to understand recorded material, such as announcements and dialogues played at a moderate speed. Candidates must be able to grasp the information on the facts, as well as determine the attitudes and intentions of the speaker.
The oral test (10-12 minutes) evaluates the ability to interact in a conversation: candidates must be able to answer and ask questions themselves, as well as speak freely about their tastes.
LEVEL B2 OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE'S COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK FOR MODERN LANGUAGE
The Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE) represents the third level of the Cambridge in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) exams. Considered an intermediate-high level exam and inserted at level B2 by the Common European Framework of the Council of Europe, the FCE assesses the ability to master a wide range of written and oral communications.
The FCE is aimed at those who possess an adequate command of the English language for various concrete situations of daily life - for example, work and study. By passing the exam, candidates demonstrate that they are able to manage a large vocabulary, to be able to support well-constructed arguments, to be able to use communication styles appropriate to the various contexts, as well as to know the social and formal behaviors and conventions as expressed in the language.
Successful candidates are awarded a certificate recognized not only by Cambridge University ESOL Examination but also by other universities and companies around the world. Furthermore, candidates are given a report on the results of all five tests that make up the exam.
The FCE is part of the leading Cambridge English exams, closely linked to the Council of Europe's Common European Framework for modern languages (CEF) and accredited by QCA - the UK government's exam supervisory body.
Exam structure:
Reading and comprehension (60 minutes): Students should be able to understand a range of texts, including the opinions contained therein. The texts come from sources that are familiar to children of this age group, such as newspapers, articles, advertisements.
Listening and Understanding (40 minutes): Be able to follow and understand a wide range of oral material such as news and announcements, always on topics designed to meet the interests of young learners.
Conversation (14 minutes per pair of candidates): A test that takes place in a face-to-face test mode with one or two candidates plus an examiner. Students must demonstrate that they are able to confidently engage in a conversation with another candidate (s) and an examiner.
Writing (1 hour and 20 minutes): Students have to produce two written compositions; the first composition is mandatory and usually consists of a letter an email of 120-150 words. For the second, you can choose between an article, an essay, a letter, a report or a short story (120-180 words)
Use of English (45 minutes): This test allows you to demonstrate your knowledge of grammar and vocabulary.
LEVEL C1 OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE'S COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK FOR MODERN LANGUAGE
Cambridge English: Advanced (known as Certificate in Advanced English - CAE) is a serious and reliable assessment of language knowledge. The Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) represents the fourth level of the Cambridge in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) exams.
Even if the level of proficiency in the language is not the same as the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English, the CAE evaluates the ability to communicate and deal with most aspects of daily life in a fluent English. Candidates who pass the exam, together with a certificate recognized not only by the ESOL Examination of the University of Cambridge but also by academic and professional circles around the world, are given a report on the results of all five tests that make up the 'examination.
The CAE is aimed at students who have reached a satisfactory level of knowledge of the English language for their professional and study purposes. Passing this exam indicates the ability to use the language effectively, the possession of a certain confidence in social and professional situations and in higher education.
Exam structure:
Reading (1 hour and 15 minutes) The reading test certifies the candidates' ability to read and understand texts extracted from books, newspapers and magazines. Candidates must be able to understand the substance, the main points, but also the details, the structure of the text, specific information, as well as deduce meanings or recognize opinions and attitudes.
Writing (1 hour and 30 minutes) The writing test verifies the ability of candidates to write non-specialist texts, such as letters, articles, reports and reviews on a series of topics and in reference to a particular purpose, addressing a specific reader. Candidates are asked to write two texts. The first exercise is the same for everyone and involves the writing of a text, such as a journalistic article, a report, a letter (180-220 words). The second part instead presents a choice of five exercises. In the first four alternatives, candidates can opt for the drafting of a text for which the type, context and recipient are clearly indicated. Candidates should take these elements into consideration when choosing the content and form of their answers (220-260 words). As a fifth alternative, it is possible to prepare a text from a list of proposed books and respond to the submission based on the content of the latter (220-260 words).
Use of English (1 hour) During the English Use Test, candidates must demonstrate knowledge and control of the language system by completing different texts and sentence levels based on authentic texts. This test involves word entry, multiple choice exercises, word training, text completion exercises, and keyword transformation.
Listening (40 minutes) The Listening Test assesses candidates' ability to understand the meaning of spoken English and to grasp detailed and specific information from oral texts, capturing the speaker's attitude and opinion. The excerpts are drawn from different types of text, including interviews, discussions, readings and conversations.
Oral production (15 minutes) The oral test assesses the candidate's ability to interact during an English language conversation in various contexts.The test consists of four parts, including an interview section: an individual story, a collaborative assignment , individual verbal tasks and a discussion. Candidates' attention will be stimulated through the use of photographs and drawings. To be even more truthful and realistic, the oral exam takes place with two other candidates and in front of two oral examiners.
The exam can be taken in paper or computerized form; both formats issue the same internationally recognized certificate.
The computerized version of the exam is ideal for those who are more comfortable with a keyboard and mouse than with a pen and paper.
There are even more benefits:
- More sessions therefore greater flexibility in choosing when to take the exam
- Shorter registration times: You can register for the exam up to one week before the exam.
- Results in shorter times than the "traditional" paper version.
LEVEL C2 OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE'S COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK FOR MODERN LANGUAGES
The Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English is the highest level of the Cambridge in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) exams.
Candidates who pass the exam, together with a certificate recognized not only by the ESOL Examination of the University of Cambridge but also in academic and professional circles around the world, are given a report on the results of all five tests that make up the exam, very useful for continuing in the preparation of studies.
Offered by Cambridge ESOL - a department of the University of Cambridge - CPE is part of the leading Cambridge English exams, linked to the Council of Europe's Common European Framework for modern languages (CEF) and accredited by QCA, the UK's government supervisory body. exams.
The CPE is aimed at students who have acquired a good level of knowledge of the English language and are able to master it in almost all situations.
Passing this exam not only certifies a knowledge of the English language comparable to that of an educated native speaker, but, requiring a certain degree of personal and scholastic maturity, also represents the achievement of a significant individual goal. More than 45,000 people pass CPE exams every year.
It is an important qualification for those who intend to work, study or undertake a career that requires language skills, both in the economic-financial, engineering, medical, etc. fields. CPE certificates are recognized not only by higher education institutions in many countries, by nearly every university in the UK and by more and more US universities, but also by companies and entrepreneurs around the world.
CPE preparation helps students improve their command of the English language and stimulates them to use it in a wide range of contexts. Several elements of the exams are drawn from real situations.
Exam structure:
Reading (1 hour and 30 minutes) The reading test evaluates the candidates' ability to read and understand passages taken from texts of various kinds: fiction and non-fiction books, magazines, newspapers, periodicals. Candidates must be able to grasp the meaning of the written English text in relation to words, individual sentences, paragraphs and the complete text: this involves understanding the content of the text, arrangement and structure, developing ideas, opinions and attitudes.
Writing (2 hours) The writing test certifies candidates' ability to write non-specialist texts - such as letters, articles, reports and reviews - aimed at a given purpose and aimed at a given reader, on a wide range of topics.
Candidates are asked to write two texts, each of which is between 300 and 350 words in length. The first exercise is the same for everyone and involves the drafting of a text aimed at presenting and developing arguments and opinions; the second part presents a choice of four exercises. In the first three alternatives, candidates can opt for the drafting of a text for which the type, context and recipient are clearly indicated. Candidates should take these elements into consideration when choosing the content and form of their responses. As a fourth alternative, it is possible to prepare a text from a list of proposed books and respond to the submission based on the content of the latter.
Use of English (1 hour and 30 minutes) The test of use of English, requiring you to complete various tasks in terms of words, phrases and text, verifies the candidate's skills in mastering the language system: insertion and completion exercises are provided text, word training exercises, comprehension tasks and a summary, written task.
Listening (40 minutes) The listening test requires candidates to listen and understand passages taken from different types of text, such as interviews, discussions, readings and conversations: therefore, it evaluates the ability to understand the meaning of spoken English, extract information from a speech and grasp the attitudes and opinions of the speaker.
Spoken language (19 minutes) The oral test assesses the candidate's ability to interact during a conversation in various contexts. Stimulated by images and writings, candidates must take a test consisting of three parts: the answer to questions posed by the examiner, an interactive conversation and the presentation of topics with final discussion. To be even more truthful and realistic, the oral exam takes place with two other candidates and in front of two oral examiners.