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The Reading test

The Reading test consists of 34 questions over four sections. The Reading paper lasts for 1hour 15 minutes.

A variety of text types are used including articles from newspapers, magazines, journals,extracts from books (fiction and non-fiction), promotional and informational materials.

The types of tasks used include multiple choice, matching and a gapped text task wherecandidates read a text from which six paragraphs have been removed and placed in a jumbledorder.

Test focus

The Reading test requires candidates to show they can understand and deal confidently withdifferent types of English language text.

It tests ability to understand the main ideas and detail of written text along with the opinion, tone,purpose, attitude, and text organisation features (such as exemplification, comparison,reference).

The Writing test

The Writing test consists of two tasks which require candidates to be able to write a variety ofdifferent text types such as essays, proposals, reports and reviews. The test lasts 1 hour and 30minutes.

Part 1 consists of one compulsory task. Candidates write an article, a report, a proposal or aletter based on material of up to 150 words.

In Part 2, candidates must complete one task from a choice of five. Two of the five questionsare based on set reading texts.

Test focus

Candidates must show they can write non-specialised types of English language text, such asan article, an essay, a letter, a proposal or a report.

Candidate responses are evaluated in relation to their choice and management of content andtheir control of organisation and cohesion, the range of structures and vocabulary used, andtheir use of register and format.

Candidates are required to show that they can use writing to communicate effectively,demonstrating ability to advise, persuade, compare, evaluate, express opinions, hypothesiseand justify.

Set texts 2012

One or both of the following texts may be read as preparation for the two optional set text tasks:

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William Golding: Lord of the Flies(Teachers may choose to prepare candidates for questions on this set text by studying a filmversion as well as, or instead of, the novel.)

P D James: The Lighthouse(There is currently no film version of this book .)

Set texts 2013

One or both of the following texts may be read as preparation for the two optional set text tasks:

William Golding: Lord of the Flies(Teachers may choose to prepare candidates for questions on this set text by studying a filmversion as well as, or instead of, the novel.)

P D James: The Lighthouse(There is currently no film version of this book .)

Candidates should be made aware that they should not attempt the set text question unlessthey have the necessary vocabulary and understanding of the text to answer the task set.Teachers are best placed to make a judgement as to which, if any, of the set texts and/or filmversions may be appropriate and stimulating for a given teaching situation.

The Use of English test

The Use of English test consists of 50 questions over five parts. The test lasts 1 hour.

The test uses a variety of tasks: multiple choice, gap-fill, word formation, key wordtransformation and gapped sentences.

Test focus

The Use of English test requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledgeof English vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to the C1 level.

The Listening test

The Listening test consists of 30 questions in four sections. It lasts 40 minutes.

Types of task used include multiple choice, sentence completion and multiple matching.Candidates must answer questions after listening to either short monologues or interactingspeakers.

Test focus

Different parts of the test focus on different types of listening experience and comprehension.The candidate is required to be able to follow and understand a range of spoken materials suchas lectures, speeches, interviews, discussions and anecdotes.

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Candidates must demonstrate understanding of gist and detail, feeling, attitude, opinion andpurpose expressed.

A variety of voices, styles of delivery and accents are heard in each paper to reflect theinternational contexts of the test takers.

The Speaking test

The face-to-face Speaking test uses a paired format where two candidates are assessed bytwo trained Cambridge ESOL examiners. One examiner acts as an interlocutor and conductsthe test, while the second examiner acts as an assessor and does not join in the conversation.

The Speaking test lasts 15 minutes.

The Speaking test requires candidates to carry out a range of speaking tasks:

Each candidate has a short conversation with the interlocutor about themselves and subjects

from daily life.

Each candidate then has a 1-minute turn where they are asked to make comparisons, expressopinions, describe and speculate about visual stimuli.

Both candidates are asked to engage in conversation together while completing a collaborativetask. They must then engage with the interlocutor in a wider discussion about the completedtask.

Test focus

The paired Speaking test format offers candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to

use spoken language skills effectively in a range of contexts.

By using a face-to-face test with paired candidates, we reduce the anxiety experienced bycandidates, create a more authentic exercise in communication and thereby get a more reliablemeasure of their ability to use English.

At Level C1, candidates are required to show their ability to organise their thoughts and ideasand express themselves coherently using appropriate language.

Candidates need to show they can exchange information, express and justify their opinions, andagree or disagree with one another.

They must also demonstrate that they are capable of discussing topics and certain issues indepth.