English Language Exams www.macmillanenglish.com
Explanation and preparation
WHY TAKE ENGLISH LANGUAGE EXAMS? The reasons behind taking an exam will obviously affect the enthusiasm and performance of students preparing for an exam. Here are the main reasons students prepare for English language exams. Personal Development With so much work going into learning English it is a great record of personal achievement.
Professional Development Solid proof of English proficiency is often required for many jobs and may give students an advantage over others in the employment market and give them access to higher paid jobs.
International Recognition Many exams are recognised worldwide. Wherever in the world, success in an exam can immediately be understood elsewhere.
Motivation Learning and proficiency can often be encouraged by having something to work for. Without the end goal of an exam the breadth and variety of skills and language may not be otherwise be achieved.
Obligation In many schools and universities it is compulsory to take an English Language Exam.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE EXAMS This booklet will explain some of the most internationally accepted English language exams, who they best suit, when and how to take them and how to prepare. TYPES OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE EXAM GENERAL ENGLISH
ACADEMIC ENGLISH
BUSINESS ENGLISH
CONTENTS
KET page 3 PET page 4 FCE page 5 CAE page 7 CPE page 9 IELTS page 10 TOEIC page 11 TOEFL page 12 BEC page 13 LCCI page 14 Quick Reference grid page 15
Preparation for
KET
Find your nearest centre at: www.CambridgeESOL.org/nextstep
Full Name: Key English Test (for Schools version available for YL) Exam Board: Cambridge ESOL British English CEF Level: A2
This is a low level test of English that often acts as the first step in English Language qualifications. It covers input for a range of everyday situations which require basic and predictable use of language.
EXAM STRUCTURE Paper 1 Reading/ Writing 1hr 10 mins
Parts 1-5
Reading skills tested with a range of texts
Parts 6-9
Basic Writing Skills tested
Paper 2 Listening 30 mins Paper 3 Speaking 8-10 mins per candidate
5 parts with a variety of listening pieces Part 1
Students interact with examiner
Part 2
Students interact with each other
MARKING The final score is an aggregate of all three papers Pass with Merit – approx. 85% Pass – approx. 70% Narrow fail – within 5% of passing
Where: Recognised Camb ESOL testing centre When: Monthly (paper-based exam not available Jan, April, July, Aug, Sept, Nov) How: Paper or computer-based More info: www.cambridgeESOL.org
PREPARATION KET Testbuilder TESTS THAT TEACH Four complete practice tests Guided analysis of answer key Focus on common problem areas For more information on the preparation materials visit www.macmillanenglish.com
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PET
Preparation for
Find your nearest centre at: www.CambridgeESOL.org/nextstep
Full Name: Preliminary English Test (For Skills version also available) Exam Board: Cambridge ESOL British English CEF Level: B1
The PET exam assesses all four skills needed in real life situations and reflects the student’s language proficiency in terms of their overall communicativeability. At this level entrants should be able to understand opinions, attitudes, moods and wishes not only facts.
EXAM STRUCTURE Paper 1 Reading/ Writing 1hr 30 mins
Parts 1-5
Variety of reading tasks presented
Parts 6-8
Range of writing skills tested
Paper 2 Listening 30 mins
4 parts ranging from short exchanges to longer mono/dialogues
Paper 3 Part 1 Speaking 10 -12 mins per candidate Part 2
Interaction with examine
Part 3
MARKING Final score is a total of all four papers. Each paper holds an equal weight. Pass with Merit – 85-100 Pass – 70 – 84
Interaction with other candidates Extended individual speaking Where: Recognised Camb ESOL testing centre When: Monthly (paper-based exam not available Jan, April, July, Aug, Sept) How: Paper or computer-based More info: www.cambridgeESOL.org
PREPARATION Ready for PET
PET Testbuilder
In-depth exam training for students preparing for PET
Four complete practice tests with a guided analysis of answer key and a focus on common problem areas
CODE
Check your Vocabulary for PET
A preparation course for teenage students – ideal for PET
Laser A preparation course for teenage students – ideal for PET
Activities to help build, improve and revise vocabulary for the PET exam
Macmillan Practice Online – PET Web-based exercises to practise the skills and topic areas needed by PET students www.macmillanpracticeonline.com
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Preparation for
FCE
Find your nearest centre at: www.CambridgeESOL.org/nextstep
Full name: First Certificate in English Exam Board: CambridgeESOL British English CEF Level: B2
This widely-taken exam again reflects the ability of the candidate to communicate effectively in English. In many countries it is seen as the watershed of English language knowledge and is a requirement for employment. It is also taken in many schools as part of school leaving exams.
EXAM STRUCTURE Paper 1 Reading 1hour Paper 2 Writing 1hour 20 mins
Part 1
Text + 8 multiple-choice questions
Part 2
Text with 7 sentences removed that must be correctly inserted
Part 3
Long text or several short texts + 15 multiple-matching questions
Part 1
One compulsory question
Part 2
One task out of five)
Candidates are expected to write texts such as an article, an essay, an email, a report, a review or a short story. The writing may refer to one of the two set texts. Paper 3 Use of English 45 mins
Part 1
Modified cloze test with options
Part 2
Modified open cloze test
Part 3
Selecting the correct word from a provided word stem
Part 4
8 sentence creation questions
Paper 4 Part 1 Listening approx. 40 mins Part 2
Paper 5 Speaking 14mins
8 shorts extracts with a multiple-choice question for each one Sentence completion task with 10 questions
Part 3
5 short, related monologues with five multiple-matching questions
Part 4
Monologue or text involving interacting speakers with 7 multiple-choice
Part 1
Conversation between candidate and examiner
Part 2
Individual ‘long turn’ for each candidate with brief response from 2nd candidate (visual and written stimuli, with spoken instruction)
Part 3
Two-way conversation between candidates
Part 4
A discussion on topics related to part 3
2010 Set Texts Wilkie Collins: The Woman in White Michael Crichton: Jurassic Park Available from Macmillan, for more inforrmation visit www.macmillanenglish.com/readers
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For more information on the preparation materials visit www.macmillanenglish.com
FCE
MARKING The final score is based on the total score for all five papers. In order to pass the examination not all five papers need to be at a satisfactory level. All papers are equally weighted and the total number of scores comes to 200 Results are given as A, B, or C for a pass and D or E for a fail. These grades are set according to statistics of candidature, success rates, examiner advice/recommendations, comparison with previous year’
Where: Recognised Camb ESOL testing centre When: Paper-based – March, May, June (twice), December (twice). Computer-based – February, April, July, August, November How: Paper or computer-based More info: www.cambridgeESOL.org
PREPARATION CODE A course for younger students preparing for the FCE exam and school leaving exams. It is fresh, engaging and introduces students with confidence to the exams.
Laser A preparation course for teenage students – ideal for bridging the gap between PET and FCE and easing students with confidence into the FCE and school leaving exams
Ideal for short courses or self-study Check your Vocabulary for FCE Activities to help build, improve and revise vocabulary for the FCE exam.
FCE Testbuilder Four complete practice tests with a guided analysis of answer key and a focus on common problem areas
FCE Language Practice Reliable and detailed approach to the grammar and vocabulary that is covered in the exam.
Ready for FCE In-depth exam training to build the confidence and skills of students preparing for FCE – Key exam focus areas and coverage of relevant topics.
Macmillan Practice Online – FCE Online practice tests for the FCE exam www.macmillanpracticeonline.com
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Preparation for
CAE
Find your nearest centre at: www.CambridgeESOL.org/nextstep
Full Name: Certificate in Advanced English Exam Board: Cambridge ESOL British English CEF Level: C1
This exam goes further in testing English language proficiency by reflecting candidates’ ease in their use of structure, register, fluency and their understanding of social and cultural linguistic elements.
EXAM STRUCTURE Paper 1 Reading 1hour 15mins
Paper 2 Writing 1hour 30mins
Part 1
3 texts on a similar theme, each has 2 multiple-choice questions
Part 2
Text with 6 paragraphs removed that must be correctly inserted in the correct order
Part 3
text followed by 7 multiple-choice questions
Part 4
Long text or several short texts + 15 multiple-matching questions
Part 1
One compulsory question
Part 2
One task out of five (including one on the set texts)
Candidates are expected to write texts such as an article, an essay, a letter, information sheets, a proposal, a report, a review, or a competition entry. Evaluation, hypothesis, persuasion, justification and expression of opinion are expected. Paper 3 Use of English 1 hour
Part 1
Modified cloze test with 12 gaps and 12 options
Part 2
Modified open cloze test with 15 gaps
Part 3
Selecting the correct word from a provided word stem to fit into a text
Part 4
5 questions, each with 3 discrete questions with one gap. These sentences must be completed with one word appropriate to each of the 3 questions
Part 5
8 questions, gapped sentences with give ‘key word’
Paper 4 Part 1 Listening approx. 40 mins Part 2
Paper 5 Speaking 15mins
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3 short extracts with 2 multiple-choice question for each one Sentence completion task with 8 questions
Part 3
A text involving interacting speakers with six multiple-choice questions
Part 4
5 short, related monologues with 10 multiple-matching questions
Part 1
Conversation between candidate and examiner
Part 2
Individual ‘long turn’ for each candidate with brief response from 2nd candidate (visual and written stimuli, with spoken instruction)
Part 3
Two-way conversation between candidates
Part 4
A discussion on topics related to Part 3
MARKING
CAE
The final score is based on the total score for all five papers. In order to pass the examination not all five papers need to be at a satisfactory level. All papers are equally weighted and the total number of scores comes to 200 Results are given as A, B, or C for a pass and D or E for a fail. These grades are set according to statistics of candidature, success rates, examiner advice/recommendations, comparison with previous year’
Where: Recognised Camb ESOL testing centre When: Paper-based – March, May, June, November, December (twice) Computer-based – March, April, July, September, October, How: Paper or computer-based More info: www.cambridgeESOL.org
2010 Set Texts Donna Leon: Through a Glass, Darkly John Steinbeck: Of Mice and Men Available from Macmillan, for more inforrmation visit www.macmillanenglish.com/readers
PREPARATION Ready for CAE In-depth exam training to build the confidence and skills of students preparing for CAE Key exam focus areas and coverage of relevant topics.
CAE Testbuilder Four complete practice tests with a guided analysis of the answer key and a focus on common problem areas
For more information on the preparation materials visit www.macmillanenglish.com
Macmillan Practice Online – CAE Web-based exercises to practise the skills and topic areas needed by CAE students www.macmillanpracticeonline.com
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Preparation for
CPE
Find your nearest centre at: www.CambridgeESOL.org/nextstep
Full Name: Certificate of Proficiency in English Exam Board: Cambridge ESOL British English CEF Level: C2
CPE is the highest level of Cambridge ESOL exam. Its high standard recognises an extremely advanced grasp of English.
EXAM STRUCTURE Paper 1 Reading 1hour 30mins
Four parts
40 questions
Paper 2 Writing 2 hours
Part 1
One compulsory question
Part 2
One question out of a choice of four
Candidates are expected to write texts such as an article, an essay, an email, a report, a review or a short story. The writing may refer to one of the two set texts. Paper 3 Use of English 1 hour 30mins
Five parts
44 questions
Paper 4 Listening 40 mins
Four parts
28 questions
Paper 5 Speaking 19 mins per pair of candidates
3 parts
MARKING All papers are equally weighted and the total number of scores comes to 200 Results are given as A, B, or C for a pass and D or E for a fail. These grades are set according to statistics of candidature, success rates, examiner advice/recommendations, comparison with previous year’
Where: Recognised Camb ESOL testing centre When: Paper-based – March, May, June, December (twice) How: Paper-based More info: www.cambridgeESOL.org
PREPARATION New Proficiency Testbuilder Four complete practice tests with a guided analysis of answer key and a focus on common problem areas
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Macmillan Practice Online – CPE Web-based exercises to practise the skills and topic areas needed by CPE students www.macmillanpracticeonline.com
Preparation for
IELTS
Find your nearest centre at: www.CambridgeESOL.org/nextstep
Full Name: International English Language Testing System Exam Board: Cambridge ESOL International English CEF Level: n/a
The exam is taken worldwide and many universities have now made it a requirement that foreign students should have a specific level before entering study. This is normally placed between bands 6 – 7.5
EXAM STRUCTURE The Reading Module (60 mins) The Writing Module (60 mins) The Listening Module (40 mins)
three passages, 40 questions.. Part 1
a factual description of data (150 words).
part 2
an essay in response to a given opinion or problem (250 words).
Parts 1 and 2
general listening situations
Parts 3 and 4
academic situations, normally including a lecture.
The Speaking Module (11-15 mins) 3 parts.
It covers personal life, given topics and more abstract questions.
MARKING Band scores are awarded between 1 and 9. For more information about the exam please visit www.ielts.org
Where: Recognised Cambridge ESOL testing centre When: Paper-based – March, May, June, December (twice) How: Paper or computer-based More info: www.cambridgeESOL.org
PREPARATION Improve Your IELTS Skills Series This series may be used together as a complete course, individually to supplement other coursebooks or as self-study guides.
IELTS Foundation/ Graduation A two level course, with accompanying study skills books. IELTS bands 4 - 7-7.5
Tips for IELTS Packed full of all the information you need to know about the IELTS exam
Check your Vocabulary for FCE Activities to help build, improve and revise vocabulary for the FCE exam.
Ready for IELTS
IELTS Testbuilder
In-depth exam training for the IELTS exam
Four complete practice tests in each level
Macmillan Practice Online – Academic English with IELTS Web-based exercises to practise the skills and topic areas needed by IELTS students www.macmillanpracticeonline.com
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TOEIC® Full Name: Test of English for International Communication Exam Board: ETS American English CEF Level: covers a range of levels
Used by companies and institutions to determine a potential employee’s English proficiency. It is based on real-life international scenarios. The new TOEIC® Speaking and Writing Tests have been added to the TOEIC English-language learning product line to test the full range of skills.
EXAM STRUCTURE Listening and Reading paper 7 parts – 2.5 hours
Section I
Listening (Photos, Question/Response, Short Conversation, Short Talks – 100 questions
Section II
Reading (Incomplete Sentences, Error recognition, reading comprehension) – 100 questions
Speaking Test 20 mins
11 questions
Read a text aloud, describe a picture, respond to questions, propose a solution, provide and opinion
Writing Test 60 mins
8 questions
Write a sentence based on a picture, respond to a written request, write an opinion essay
MARKING The TOEIC gives a score between 10 and 990:
Where: ETS Recognised testing centre How: Paper-based More Info: www.ets.org
PREPARATION Check your Vocabulary for TOEIC ® Activities to help build, improve and revise vocabulary for the TOEIC® exam
Macmillan Practice Online – TOEIC ® Web-based exercises to practise the skills and topic areas needed by TOEIC® students www.macmillanpracticeonline.com
For more information on the preparation materials visit www.macmillanenglish.com
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TOEFL® Full Name: Test of English as a Foreign Language Exam Board: ETS American English CEF Level: Covers a range of levels
Widely used by universities in the US and across the globe as an indicator of English proficiency and is required as a score for admission. Increasingly used by government agencies, scholarship programs and licensing/certification agencies.
EXAM STRUCTURE TOEFL ® iBT (internet) Reading (60-100mins) 3-5 passages from academic texts, 12-14 questions per text Listening (6090mins)
4-6 lectures and class discussion each 3-5mins long, 6 questions on each
Speaking (20mins)
2 tasks to express opinion
2-3 conversations each 3mins long, 5 questions on each. 4 tasks to speak on what is read and listened to
Writing (50mins)
1 task to write based on what is read and listened to. 1 task to support an opinion on a topic
EXAM STRUCTURE TOEFL ® Paper-based test Listening Comprehension (30-40mins) Structure and Written Expression (25mins) Reading Comprehension (55mins) Writing (30mins)
PREPARATION Check your Vocabulary for TOEFL ® Activities to help build, improve and revise vocabulary for the TOEFL exam
50 questions 40 questions 50 questions 1topic question.
MARKING TheTOEFL iBT gives a score between 0-120 The TOEFL CBT gives a score between 0-300 The TOEFL PBT gives a score between 200 - 677 Where: ETS Recognised testing centre How: Paper-based, computer-based or internet based More Info: www.ets.org
The Heineman TOEFL ® Preparation Course A principle preparation course, a supplement to a general English course or as a self-study guide
Macmillan Practice Online – TOEFL ® Web-based exercises to practise the skills and topic areas needed by TOEFL® students www.macmillanpracticeonline.com
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Preparation for
BEC Full Name: Business English Certificate Exam Board: Cambridge ESOL International English CEF Level: BEC Preliminary – B1 BEC Vantage – B2 BEC Higher – C1
Find your nearest centre at: www.CambridgeESOL.org/nextstep
The BEC exam has three examination levels and is one of the most common English language exams that focuses on the area of business. It is recognised by employers and institutions across the globe.
EXAM STRUCTURE Test of Reading and BEC Preliminary Writing 1hour 30mins
Reading – 7parts including 3-option multiple choice, matching, right/wrong/ doesn’t say, form-filling/note-completion exercises Writing – 2 parts – covering internal communication ( 30-40 words)and business correspondence (60-80 words) Test of Listening 40mins 4 parts including 3-option multiple choice, gap-filling and note-taking exercises. Test of Speaking 12mins 3 parts covering conversation between interlocutor and candidate, mini-presentation, collaborative task between candidates
BEC Vantage Test of Reading (1 hour)
5 parts covering matching, 4-option multiple choice, multiple choice cloze and proof-reading Test of Writing (45 mins) 2 parts – writing a message, memo or email (40-50 words) and writing business correspondence, a short report or a proposal (120-140 words) Test of Listening 40mins) 3 parts, gap-filling, multiple matching, multiple choice Test of Speaking 14 mins 3 parts covering conversation between interlocutor and candidate, mini-presentation, collaborative task between candidates
BEC Higher
Test of Reading (1hour) 6 parts – matching, 4-option multiple choice, 4-option multiple choice cloze, open cloze, proof-reading Test of Writing (1hour 2 parts – a short report ( 120 – 140 words) and a report, a proposal or a 10mins) piece of business correspondence (200-250 words) Test of Listening 40mins 3 parts – gap-filling, multiple-matching, 3-option multiple choice Test of Speaking 16mins 3 parts covering conversation between interlocutor and candidate, mini-presentation, collaborative task between candidates
MARKING Each level totals 120 marks after weighting and scores are given as either A, B, or C grades for a pass and D, or E for a fail.
PREPARATION BEC Testbuilders
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Four complete practice tests with a guided analysis of answers and a focus on common problem areas See also www.businessenglishonline.net
Where: Cambridge ESOL recognised test centre How: Paper-based or Computer-based More Info: www.cambridgeESOL.org
LCCI (EFB) Full Name: London Chamber of Commerce and Industry – English for Business Exam Exam Board: London Chamber of Commerce and Industry British English CEF Level: n/a
Available at 5 levels (Preliminary and Levels 1-4) this reading and writing based test examines English in a practical and business-related context in those who need English for their professional lives. There are also optional speaking and listening tests available.
EXAM STRUCTURE Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Compulsory Reading and Writing (2hours)
4 compulsory questions including compostion of a letter or memo; understanding and responding to a passage of business-related prose; read and think comprehension test, basedon graphic or numerical display; ‘read and write’ reformulation task using data to complete forms or diagrams
Optional Speaking (12 mins)
2 parts: warm up conversation on general topics (eg study, work ambitions); discussion of a topic chosen by the examiner
Optional Listening (30mins)
2 tasks: 10 multiple-choice questions; 20 multiple-choice questions about conversations or announcements.
Compulosry Reading and Writing (2 ½ hours)
3 questions including an extended writing task; a letter writing task and a reformulation task
Optional Speaking (13 mins)
2 parts, As above
Optional Listening (25 mins)
2 parts – as above
Compulsory Reading and Writing (3 hours)
4 questions: composition of a letter: draft internal report; comprehension task, reformulation task
Optional Speaking (15 mins)
As Above
Optional Listening (25 mins)
As above
MARKING Graded results of either, Fail, Pass, Credit, Distinction
Where: Registered LCCI centres How: Paper-based More info: www.lccieb.com
PREPARATION LCCI Testbuilders Four complete practice tests with a guided analysis of answers and a focus on common problem areas For more information on the preparation materials visit www.macmillanenglish.com
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PET Testbuilder
KET Testbuilder
Intermediate Language Practice
Intermediate Language Practice Destination B1 Check Your Vocabulary for PET
Elementary Language Practice
Upper Intermediate Readers
Intermediate Readers
Pre-intermediate Readers
Elementary Readers
SUPPLEMENTARY
Elementary CODE Blue Laser B1 Ready for PET
First Certificate Language Practice Destination B2 Check Your Vocabulary for FCE
Upper Intermediate Readers
GRAMMAR and VOCABULARY
KET Pre-intermediate B1 / ALTE 2 CODE Green Laser B1+ First Certificate Testbuilder
Advanced Language Practice Destination C1 & C2
TESTBUILDER
PET
Intermediate B1-B2 / ALTE 2-3 CODE Red Laser B2 Ready for FCE
CAE Testbuilder
Upper Intermediate Readers Macmillan Literature Collections
COURSE
Pre-FCE Upper Intermediate B2/ALTE 3 Ready for CAE
Destination C1 & C2
LEVEL
FCE
Advanced C1 / ALTE 4
New Proficiency Testbuilder
EXAM
CAE New Proficiency Passkey
Check Your Vocabulary for IELTS
Tips for IELTS Palgrave Study Skills www.palgravestudyguides.com
Check Your Vocabulary for TOEIC®
Check Your Vocabulary for TOEFL®
Business Grammar Builder Business Vocabulary Builder
Business English Handbook
IELTS Testbuilder 1 IELTS Testbuilder 2
The Heineman TOEFL ® Preparation Course BEC Preliminary Testbuilder BEC Vantage Testbuilder BEC Higher Testbuilder
IELTS Foundation IELTS Graduation Ready for IELTS Improve your IELTS Skills series
Proficiency C2 / ALTE 5
Intermediate to Advanced Preliminary B1 Vantage B2 Higher C1
CPE IELTS
TOEIC® TOEFL® BEC
LCCI
LCCI Testbuilder Level 1 LCCI Testbuilder Level 2 LCCI Testbuilder Level 3