Which Cambridge Examination?
The exams assess all four language skills: listening, oral communication, reading and written communication. They provide assignments that aim to assess candidates’ skills in using English, so that at the very moment they are preparing for the exam, candidates can develop the skills needed to make practical use of the language in a wide variety of contexts. In fact, the Cambridge Assessment English exams are primarily intended to assess the ability to communicate effectively in English.
Cambridge Assessment English exam assessment is linked to an international scale consisting of five levels, established by the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE) used for a wide range of European languages.
Cambridge Assessment English is a member of ALTE. This association aims to develop and implement common language assessment standards throughout Europe.
Several universities in Britain, North America and the rest of the world accept Cambridge certificates corresponding to Levels 4 and 5 as proof of a satisfactory standard of proficiency in the use of English for the purpose of admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
For detailed and up-to-date information on exams designed for those studying English as a foreign language, you can visit the official website of
Cambridge Assessment English
Level 1 (ALTE A2)
Level elementary
Mastery of the simplest and most elementary aspects of language in a range of familiar situations. For example, the person can understand and report simple messages.
Level 2 (ALTE B1)
Lower intermediate level
Limited but effective command of language in familiar situations. For example, the person may participate in a routine meeting on family matters, and in an exchange of simple information.
Level 3 (ALTE B2)
Upper intermediate level
Generally effective command of language in a range of situations. For example, the person can give input in discussions focused on practical issues.
Level 4 (ALTE C1)
Lower advanced level
Good functional command of the language in a wide range of real-world situations. For example, the person can participate effectively in discussions and meetings.
Level 5 (ALTE C2)
Upper advanced level
Fully functional command of the language at a high level and in most situations. For example, the person can sustain a discussion with confidence, effectively expressing and justifying his or her opinions.
Main levels and Cambridge exams
The Cambridge Assessment English: Young Learners tests are intended for 7 to 12 year-olds and are structured on three levels: Starters (pre-A1 level), Movers (A1 level) and Flyers (A2 level). They are designed so that children learn progressively. The highest level (Flyers) roughly corresponds to the A2 Key exam level.
CONTENT AND EVALUATION
The Young Learners tests cover three components: reading and writing (Reading and Writing), listening (Listening) and oral communication (Speaking).
Each candidate who takes a Young Learners receives a Cambridge diploma whose score can go up to a maximum of five cues (the Cambridge symbol) for each language skill: listening, reading and writing, and oral production.
LISTENING
- The duration for “Starters” is about 20 minutes. There are four parts and the following tasks: affixing, noting names and numbers, choosing pictures, and coloring.
- The duration for “Movers” is about 25 minutes. There are five parts and the following tasks: affixing, completing, choosing pictures, coloring, drawing, writing.
- The duration for “Flyers” is about 25 minutes. There are five parts and the following tasks: affixing, completing, choosing pictures, coloring, drawing, writing.
READING AND WRITING (READING AND WRITING)
- The duration for “Starters” is 20 minutes. There are five parts and the following tasks: true/false, hyphenation, filling in spaces in sentences, and open-ended questions.
- The duration for “Movers” is 30 minutes. There are six parts and the following tasks: appending, true/false, multiple choices and filling spaces in sentences.
- The duration for “Flyers” is 40 minutes. There are seven parts and the following tasks: appending, true/false, multiple choices and filling spaces in sentences.
ORAL COMMUNICATION (SPEAKING)
The examination takes place face-to-face between a candidate and an examiner.
- For “Starters” the duration is about 5-7minutes. The test is divided into two parts: in the first part, candidates answer simple questions based on pictures. In the second part, candidates answer questions about themselves.
- For “Movers” the duration is about 7-9 minutes. The test is divided into four parts: the first three parts are based on pictures from which candidates must find the differences, tell a story, and identify the intruder. In part four, candidates answer questions about themselves.
- For “Flyers,” the duration is about 9-11 minutes. The test is divided into four parts: the first three parts are based on pictures from which candidates must find differences, tell a story, and give and ask for information. In part four, candidates answer questions about themselves.
The Cambridge English A2 Key is an elementary level exam. Each year, more than twenty thousand people take this exam in over fifty countries.
A2 Key represents the first rung on the main scale of the Cambridge English exams (Cambridge Main Suite), which assess each person’s proficiency in general English, from beginner to advanced level. By Level 1, the person should have developed many of the language skills necessary for “survival,” that is, essential for interacting in social and work life in an English-speaking context. We refer, for example, to providing and understanding personal data, knowing how to ask for directions, etc.
As well as other Cambridge English exams, A2 Key covers the four main language skills, namely reading (Reading), written communication (Writing), listening (Listening) and oral communication (Speaking), in addition to grammar and vocabulary knowledge. The exam then assesses the person’s ability to communicate in English in real-life situations.
A2 Key is a first step for those who intend to continue toward B1 Preliminary (Cambridge Level 2) and other Cambridge English exams. Although the language level assessed through A2 Key is limited to relatively basic English, the skills one acquires have their own validity in a variety of situations both social and work-related.
CONTENT AND EVALUATION
A2 Key covers three components: reading and writing (Reading and Writing), listening (Listening) and oral communication (Speaking). The Reading and Writing component contributes 50 percent to the final assessment, while Listening and Speaking each contribute 25 percent.
The grade is based on the overall score achieved by the candidate in all papers.
READING AND WRITING (READING AND WRITING) – PAPER 1
Duration of the test: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Reading (Reading) – The proposed exercises focus on a range of short texts, including public notices and articles of general interest. Candidates demonstrate their ability to use a range of reading strategies aimed at understanding the general meaning of the text and extrapolating specific details.
- Writing (Writing) – Candidates complete 3 exercises: filling in gaps within a text, completing a form, writing a short note.
LISTENING (LISTENING) – PAPER 2
Duration of the test: about 30 minutes
- Candidates demonstrate their ability to extract practical content information from a series of recorded tracks, which include both short advertisements and longer conversations and monologues.
ORAL (SPEAKING) – PAPER 3
Duration of the test: 8-10 minutes
- Candidates are evaluated in pairs by two examiners on their ability to express and interact in English. Candidates must both interact with one of the examiners and converse with each other with the aid of supporting materials, asking and answering both personal and non-personal questions.
The Cambridge English B1 Preliminary is a lower intermediate level exam. Each year, more than sixty thousand people take this exam in over sixty countries.
B1 Preliminary represents the second rung on the main ladder of the Cambridge English exams (Cambridge Main Suite), which assess each person’s proficiency in general English, from beginner to advanced level. Passing Level 2 indicates that the student has now developed language skills such that he or she can handle largely predictable situations of social and work life in a context in which he or she must express himself or herself in English.
Many employers recognize Cambridge English certificates as proof of the holder’s ability to use English to communicate effectively. The language skills that are acquired through these exams have their own validity in a variety of situations both social and work-related.
As well as other Cambridge English exams, B1 Preliminary covers the four main language skills, namely reading (Reading), written communication (Writing), listening (Listening) and oral communication (Speaking), as well as knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. The exam also assesses the person’s ability to communicate in English in real-life situations.
CONTENT AND EVALUATION
B1 Preliminary covers three components: reading and writing (Reading and Writing), listening (Listening) and oral communication (Speaking). The Reading and Writing component contributes 50 percent to the final assessment, while Listening and Speaking each contribute 25 percent.
The grade is based on the overall score achieved by the candidate in all papers.
READING AND WRITING (READING AND WRITING) – PAPER 1
Duration of the test: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Reading (Reading) – Candidates should demonstrate the ability to understand public notices and signs and to read short texts of practical content in order to extract information from them. They should also be able to demonstrate an understanding of the structure of the language, the way the writer poses, and the effect the passages might have on the reader.
- Writing (Writing) – In addition to transforming given sentences and completing a form, candidates must be able to provide information, report facts, describe situations, express opinions, etc.
LISTENING (LISTENING) – PAPER 2
Duration of the test: about 35 minutes
- Candidates must be able to understand and respond to public announcements, be able to perceive salient points and understand conversations, demonstrating that they have grasped the attitude of the person who is speaking.
ORAL (SPEAKING) – PAPER 3
Test duration: 10-12 minutes
- Candidates are assessed in pairs by two examiners and must be able to actively participate in communicative situations, understand assigned questions and tasks, and respond appropriately
The Cambridge English B2 First is an upper intermediate level exam. Each year more than two hundred and fifty thousand people take this exam in over one hundred countries.
B2 First represents the third rung on the main Cambridge English exam ladder (Cambridge Main Suite). Passing this level indicates that the student has now developed language skills such that he or she can work and study in an English context and cope comfortably with travel to English-speaking countries, although difficulties may arise in unfamiliar situations or when the use of technical language is required.
Just like other Cambridge English exams, B2 First covers the four main language skills, namely reading (Reading), writing (Writing), listening (Listening) and oral communication (Speaking), as well as grammar and vocabulary knowledge. The exam then assesses the person’s ability to communicate in English in real-life situations.
Many companies around the world consider B2 First proof that the prospective employee is capable of filling a wide range of positions requiring the use of English, including secretarial duties, clerical and managerial positions, and jobs involving contact with the public in banks, catering services, and so on.
CONTENT AND EVALUATION
B2 First consists of four papers: reading and Use of English (Reading), writing (Writing), listening (Listening) and oral communication (Speaking).
There are four possible grades for B2 First:
- Pass at Grade A, indicates that the candidate is promoted (180 to 190 points)
- Pass at Grade B, indicates that the candidate is promoted (173 to 179 points)
- Pass at Grade C, indicates that the candidate is promoted (160 to 172 points)
- Statement of Result Level B1, indicates that the candidate is rejected, but has attested his or her English language proficiency at the B1 level (140 to 159 points)
The grade is based on the overall score achieved by the candidate in all papers.
READING & USE OF ENGLISH (READING & USE OF ENGLISH) – PAPER 1
Duration of the test: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- The reading test consists of three parts, each focusing on one or more texts, with related comprehension exercises. The style and content of texts are based on written material that candidates might encounter in everyday life, such as informational pamphlets, newspapers, magazines, and letters. Candidates should be able to locate main points, identify text structure, understand meaning, and report specific details.
- For English usage, candidates are asked to perform various types of exercises to test their ability to recognize and use the structures and vocabulary of the English language. Exercises include filling in blanks, sentence transformation and word formation.
WRITING (WRITING) – PAPER 2
Duration of the test: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- The writing test tests candidates’ ability to write non specialist texts, such as letters, articles, and reports on a range of topics, demonstrating skills in vocabulary and structure, organization and cohesion, accuracy, correct spelling and punctuation. Candidates are asked to write two texts, each between 140 and 190 words in length. The first task is the same for all and involves writing an essay; however, the second part presents a choice of three types of writing. Candidates may opt to write a text for which the type, context and target audience are clearly indicated. Candidates should consider these elements when choosing the content and form of their answers.
LISTENING (LISTENING) – PAPER 3
Duration of the test: about 40 minutes
- Candidates listen to some recorded excerpts, such as short dialogues and monologues, announcements and interview excerpts. Word-for-word comprehension is not required; instead, candidates’ ability to understand salient points and extract detailed information from the texts they hear is assessed.
ORAL (SPEAKING) – PAPER 4
Test duration: about 14 minutes
- Candidates are evaluated in pairs by two examiners on their ability to express and interact in English; candidates must both interact with one of the examiners and converse with each other. The test is divided into an introductory part, in which candidates answer personal questions, a presentation lasting about one minute, and a discussion in which both candidates take part.
Cambridge English C1 Advanced represents the fourth level of the Cambridge English exams. This is an advanced exam, included at the C1 level by the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework for modern languages (CEF). Although the level is not the same as Cambridge English C2 Proficiency, C1 Advanced assesses the ability to communicate and deal with most aspects of daily life with natural English.
Candidates who pass the exam, along with a certificate recognized not only by Cambridge Assessment English but also in academic and professional circles around the world, are given a report on the outcomes of all four tests that make up the exam.
C1 Advanced is part of the major Cambridge English examinations, linked to CEF and accredited by QCA, the UK’s governmental examination oversight body.
C1 Advanced is intended for students who have achieved a satisfactory level of English language proficiency for their professional and study purposes. Passing this exam indicates the ability to use the language effectively, possessing confidence in social and professional situations and in higher education.
Each year more than 50,000 people in more than 60 countries undergo C1 Advanced. This is an important qualification for anyone who intends to work, study or pursue a career that requires language skills, whether in business/finance, engineering, medicine, etc. It is also a useful preparation for those who want to prepare for the Cambridge English C2 Proficiency.
In many countries, higher education institutions consider C1 Advanced to attest to a level of language proficiency appropriate for courses taught and assessed in English. In addition, C1 Advanced is recognized not only by most universities in the United Kingdom and a growing number of those in the United States, but also by many companies around the world: at
https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/it/exams-and-tests/advanced/
a list of them is available.
Preparation for C1 Advanced helps students expand their language skills and use them in increasingly broader contexts.
The exams involve the performance of real tasks and attest to the ability to use the language in concrete situations. Candidates who have passed the exam are able to participate in meetings, express their opinions clearly, and write and understand texts of various kinds, including letters and business reports: above all, they have learned different styles of English, adapted to different circumstances.
Taking a C1 Advanced exam does not require taking a specific course, although many people choose to do so. If you are currently studying English, please consult your teacher for briefings on C1 Advanced preparation, otherwise contact us.
CONTENT AND EVALUATION
The C1 Advanced consists of four tests: reading and use of English, writing, listening and speaking.
There are four possible grades for C1 Advanced:
- Pass at Grade A, indicates that the candidate is promoted (200 to 210 points total)
- Pass at Grade B, indicates that the candidate is promoted (193 to 199 total points)
- Pass at Grade C, indicates that the candidate is promoted (180 to 192 points total)
- Statement of Result Level B2, indicates that the candidate is rejected but has attested his or her English language proficiency at the B2 level (160 to 179 points total)
The grade is based on the overall score achieved by the candidate in all papers.
Each written test is sent to Cambridge for correction and evaluation. The speaking test is conducted directly at authorized centers by two examiners accredited by Cambridge English.
The Cambridge English C2 Proficiency constitutes the highest level of the Cambridge English exams. This is a very advanced exam, placed at the C2 level by the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework for modernLanguages.
Candidates who pass the exam, along with a certificate recognized not only by Cambridge Assessment English but also by academic and professional circles around the world, are given a report on the results of all four tests that make up the exam, which is very useful in continuing their preparation for studies.
C2 Proficiency is part of the major Cambridge English exams, linked to the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework for modern languages (CEF) and accredited by QCA, the UK’s governmental examination oversight body.
C2 Proficiency is aimed at students who have acquired a good level of English language proficiency and are able to master it in almost all situations. Passing this exam not only attests to a knowledge of English 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. Each year more than 45,000 people pass the C2 Proficiency exams.
This is an important qualification for those who intend to work, study or pursue a career that requires language skills, whether in business, finance, engineering, medicine, etc. C2 Proficiency certificates are recognized not only by higher educational institutions in many countries, by almost all universities in the United Kingdom and an increasing number of those in the United States, but also by companies and entrepreneurs scattered around the world.
C2 Proficiency preparation helps students improve their command of the English language and encourages them to use it in a wide range of contexts. Several elements of the exams are taken from real situations.
Taking a C2 Proficiency exam does not require taking a specific course, although many people choose to do so. If you are currently studying English, consult your teacher for briefings on C2 Proficiency preparation, otherwise contact us.
CONTENT AND EVALUATION
C2 Proficiency consists of four parts: reading and use of English, writing, listening, and speaking. Each test is worth 20% of the total score.
There are four possible grades for C2 Proficiency:
- Pass at Grade A, indicates that the candidate is promoted (220 to 230 points total)
- Pass at Grade B, indicates that the candidate is promoted (213 to 219 points total)
- Pass at Grade C, indicates that the candidate is promoted (200 to 212 points total)
- Statement of Result Level C1, indicates that the candidate is rejected but has attested his or her English language proficiency at C1 level (180 to 199 points total).
The grade is based on the overall score achieved by the candidate in all papers. Each written test is sent to Cambridge for correction and evaluation. The speaking test is conducted directly at authorized centers by two examiners accredited by Cambridge English.
READING + USE OF ENGLISH (READING + USE OF ENGLISH) – PAPER 1
Duration of the test: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- The English reading and usage test assesses candidates’ ability to read and understand passages from texts of different genres: fiction and nonfiction books, magazines, newspapers, periodicals. Candidates must be able to grasp the meaning of written English text in relation to words, individual sentences, paragraphs and full text: this involves understanding text content, arrangement and structure, development of ideas, opinions and attitudes.
WRITING (WRITING) – PAPER 2
Duration of the test: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- The writing test tests candidates’ ability to write non specialized texts-such as letters, articles, reports and reviews-aimed at a given purpose and addressed to a given reader, on a wide range of topics. Candidates are asked to write two texts, each between 300 and 350 words in length. The first exercise is the same for all and involves writing a text aimed at presenting and developing arguments and opinions, while the second part presents a choice of four exercises. In the first three alternatives, candidates may opt to write a text for which the type, context and target audience are clearly indicated. Candidates should consider these elements when choosing the content and form of their answers. As a fourth alternative, it is possible to prepare a text from a list of proposed books and answer the delivery based on the content of the latter.
LISTENING (LISTENING) – PAPER 3
Duration of the test: 40 minutes (approximately)
- The listening test requires candidates to listen to and understand passages from different types of texts, such as interviews, discussions, readings and conversations: therefore, it assesses the ability to understand the meaning of spoken English, extract information from a speech and grasp the attitudes and opinions of the speaker.
ORAL (SPEAKING) – PAPER 4
Duration of the test: 16 minutes
- The oral test assesses the candidate’s ability to interact in conversation in various contexts. Stimulated by pictures and writings, candidates must take a test consisting of three parts: answering questions posed by the examiner, an interactive conversation, and exposition of topics with final discussion
