Kolik jazyků znáš, tolikrát jsi člověkem

Index CV Language courses Cambridge exams Links Contact Quotes Česky
Česky


© 2011 Webdesign Kolín
TOPlist

The Cambridge ESOL exams

belong to the world's best-known qualifications for learners of English. The exams cover all four language skills - listening, speaking, reading and writing - and assess the candidates' ability to use a variety of structures and functions in authentic situations. The Cambridge general English exams are available at five levels - KET, PET, FCE, CAE, CPE.

Comparison of ESOL Cambridge exams with the Common European Framework language levels:

CEF-Common European Framework corresponding Cambridge exams
C2-Mastery CPE
C1-Effective operational proficiency CAE
B2-Vantage FCE
B1-Threshold PET
A2-Waystage KET
A1-Breakthrough -

The Common European framework of Languages was designed by the Council of Europe to provide a reference for language learning, teaching and assessment for all main European languages. It sets international standards for language syllabi, curriculum design and examinations. The complete text of the CEF can be found on the below website: www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/CADRE_EN.asp

KET - Key English Test

This test is suitable for candidates who have studied English for 1 year (120 -180 hours) and is also an excellent stimulus in learning English for children and young learners.

Contents of the Exam

  1. Reading and Writing - 1 hour 10 minutes
  2. Listening - approx. 30 minutes
  3. Speaking - approx. 8-10 minutes per pair of candidates

Marking and results

The minimal percentage to pass the exam is 70%. To successfully pass, it is not necessary to receive this percentage in all parts of the exam. Successful candidates will obtain a certificate listing one of these marks: "Pass with Merit" (A), "Pass" (B) or "Narrow Pass"(C). Unsuccessful candidates will receive "Narrow Fail" or "Fail".

PET - Preliminary English Test

This is a test for candidates who have studied English for about 2 years (380hours) and is suitable as an excellent stimulus for young learners of English and for employees of companies with receptionists and other lower administrative staff.

Contents of the exam

  1. Reading and Writing - 1 hour 30 minutes
  2. Listening - approx. 40 minutes
  3. Speaking - approx. 10-12 minutes per pair of candidates

Marks and results

The minimal percentage to pass the exam is 70%. To be successful, it is not necessary to receive this percentage in all parts of the exam. Successful candidates will obtain a certificate with either of these marks: "Pass with Merit" (first degree) or "Pass" (second degree). Unsuccessful candidates will receive "Narrow Fail" or "Fail".

FCE - First Certificate in English

This most frequently taken exam in the world is for candidates who have studied English for about 4-5 years (500-600 hours). It is an upper-intermediate level examination requiring knowledge of all the language skills. It is highly suitable for commerce and industry, e. g. for public contact or secretarial work in banking, airlines, catering, etc. Many universities recognize this exam as proof of adequate language skills.

Contents of the exam

  1. Reading - 1 hour 15 minutes
  2. Writing - 1 hour 30 minutes
  3. Use of English - 1 hour 15 minutes
  4. Listening - approx. 40 minutes
  5. Speaking - 14 minutes

Marks and results

To pass the FCE exam successfully, a candidate must reach a minimum of 60% of the total number of points but it is not necessary to reach this level of percentage in all parts of the exam. Successful candidates will obtain a certificate with either of these marks: "Pass with Merit" (A), "Pass" (B) or "Narrow Pass"(C). Unsuccessful candidates will receive "Narrow Fail" or "Fail".

CAE - Certificate in Advanced English

The CAE is for candidates who have studied English for approximately 7 years or more. It is recognised by the majority of British universities as proof of adequate language skills for courses taught and assessed in English.

Contents of the exam

  1. Reading - 1 hour 15 minutes
  2. Writing - 2 hours
  3. Use of English - 1 hour 15 minutes
  4. Listening - approx. 45 minutes
  5. Speaking - 15 minutes

Marks and results

To pass the exam a candidate must reach at least 60% of the total number of points. It is not necessary to reach this percentage level in all parts of the exam to pass it successfully. Successful candidates will obtain a certificate with either of these marks: "Pass with Merit" (A), "Pass" (B) or "Narrow Pass"(C). Unsuccessful candidates will receive "Narrow Fail" or "Fail".

CPE - Certificate of Proficiency in English

The CPE is suitable for candidates who have been studying English for 8 years or more. This level is close to the language skills of a native speaker. Holders of this certificate fulfill the language requirements needed to enter many European universities. Employers throughout the world also recognise CPE.

Contents of the exam

  1. Reading - 1 hour 30 minutes
  2. Writing - 2 hours
  3. Use of English - 1 hour 30 minutes
  4. Listening - approx. 40 minutes
  5. Speaking - 19 minutes

Marks and results

To pass the exam a candidate must reach at least 60% of the total number of points. It is not necessary to reach this percentage level in all parts of the exam to pass it successfully. Successful candidates will obtain a certificate with either of these marks: "Pass with Merit" (A), "Pass" (B) or "Narrow Pass"(C). Unsuccessful candidates will receive "Narrow Fail" or "Fail".