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Here is where we will highlight key classes and strengths in our academic program.
Level 5: Proficient Communication
Who is this exam for?
This exam is for candidates who are applying for higher education in an English-speaking institution and/or
wishing to demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English for social, academic and professional purposes.
Candidates will be expected to understand stated and unstated functions and the explicit and implicit meaning
of the content of written and spoken communication in a wide range of social, academic and professional contexts, and to express themselves
in the spoken and written form effectively with a high degree of accuracy, appropriacy and style.
How is this exam structured?
The exam has a written paper (2 hours 55 minutes) and an oral test (15 minutes). The written paper
is divided into five tasks which are linked to a theme to which the candidates can relate.
Tasks 1 and
2: Listening (written paper)
Tasks 1 and 2 consist of two listening texts recorded on tape and candidates
will be asked to undertake some of the following tasks:
- make rough notes of key information heard on the tape and reorder it where necessary
- make comments and give qualified reasons about different aspects of the spoken discourse
- complete missing information from the spoken discourse
- complete a table or fill in a grid, diagram, map or picture with appropriate general and specific details from the spoken
discourse
- identify points or features of accompanying written text which relate to information or ideas heard on the tape
- mark statements about a picture or text as true or false or not stated
- summarise information from the spoken discourse
- write down responses to questions and statements about the spoken discourse
Task 3: Reading and Integrated Reading and Writing (written paper)
a) The first task will involve reading and processing information to complete a task such as taking extended
notes or making a summary.
b) The second task will involve reading different types of texts and analysing, interpreting, synthesising
and evaluating the source data and their implications. Written responses may include writing a biography, writing a
CV, making notes in preparation for an interview or talk or preparing an ‘abstract’ of a lecture which summarises
the main points.
Task 4: Reading (written paper)
Candidates read up to three texts of no more than 1300 words. Candidates may be asked to undertake
some of the following tasks:
- identify main and secondary ideas and supporting details, arguments and conclusions in the text
- compare, select and extract information from a text and transfer it to a diagram, map, picture, table or grid
- compare texts and make responses to questions and statements about the texts
- put a sequence of pictures, illustrations or sentences in order according to information in the text
- mark statements about a picture or text as true or false
- write short answers to questions on important features of the text
- explain the meanings or significance of key words or phrases
- summarise information from the texts
- make comments and give qualified reasons about different aspects of the texts
- match given words and phrases to words and phrases (or headings to paragraphs) in the text
- infer the meaning of words in the text
- analyse how the writer constructs a text, organises information or uses language in order to achieve the purpose for which
the text is written, e.g. to
- form, persuade, entertain or instruct
- insert additional or missing information into a suitable point in the text
Task 5: Writing (written paper)
Candidates will be required to write one of the following:
- A discursive essay in response to a specific statement and/or question, e.g. People often say that travel broadens the
mind. Do you agree?
- A newspaper article or critical review advancing arguments or discussing specific activities, projects, findings, advice
or conclusions, based on the scenario of the test.
Oral Tests
Oral tests are conducted by an interviewer and an assessor. Candidates will be assessed in pairs and are expected to ask
and respond to each other’s questions, as well as to respond to questions and prompts from the interviewer
Candidates should demonstrate that they can:
- speak and hold their own on a wide range of general and professional topics in a wide range of complex situations and
describe experiences in detail
- express, qualify and discuss ideas and personal opinions using expressive and persuasive language
- cope with and respond to controversial and emotionally-charged points of view and reach a conclusion in extended and complex
discussions.
Level 4: Advanced Communication
Who is this exam for?
This exam is for candidates who are applying for higher education in an English speaking institution and/or
wishing to demonstrate an advanced level in English for social, academic and vocational purposes.
Candidates will be expected to understand the explicit and implicit meaning of an extensive range of complex,
written and spoken communication in social, academic and professional contexts, and to express experiences, opinions and attitudes
accurately, appropriately, flexibly and effectively in the spoken and written form.
How is this exam structured?
The exam has a written paper (2 hours 30 minutes) and an oral test (12 - 15 minutes). The written
paper is divided into five tasks which are linked to a theme to which the candidates can relate.
Tasks
1 and 2: Listening (written paper)
Tasks 1 and 2 consist of two listening texts and candidates will be asked
to undertake some of the following tasks:
- make rough notes of key information heard on the tape and reorder it where necessary
- complete missing information from the spoken discourse
- identify points or features of the accompanying written text which relate to information or ideas heard on the tape
- complete a table or fill in a grid, diagram, map or picture with appropriate general and specific details from the spoken
discourse
- mark statements about a picture or text as true or false or not stated
- write down responses to questions
- summarise information from the spoken discourse
- make comments and give qualified responses about different aspects of the spoken discourse
Task 3: Reading and Integrated Reading & Writing (written paper)
a) The first task
will involve reading and processing information to complete a task such as taking notes or making a summary.
b)
The second task will involve reading, analysing, interpreting and synthesising relevant information and data from one or several
different source texts. Written responses might include writing a complex formal letter, writing a formal report or
compiling a leaflet or a brochure.
Task 4: Reading (written paper)
Candidates read up to 3 texts of no more than 1000 words in total. Candidates will be asked to undertake some of
the following tasks:
- identify and summarise main and secondary ideas, supporting details, arguments and conclusions in the text
- write short answers to questions on important features of the text
- explain the meaning of key words and phrases in the text
- compare, select and extract information from a text and transfer it to a diagram, map, picture, table or grid
- compare texts and make responses to questions and statements about the texts
- put a sequence of pictures, illustrations or sentences in order according to information in the text
- mark statements true or false about a picture or text or not stated
- summarise information from the texts
- make comments and give qualified reasons about different aspects of the texts
- match given words and phrases to words and phrases (paragraphs to headings) in the text
- infer the meaning of words in the text
- insert additional or missing information into a suitable point in the text
- analyse through multiple choice the writer’s use of language and text organisation to present information
or to persuade, inform or entertain their readers
Task 5: Writing (written paper)
Candidates will be required to write one of the following:
- A discursive essay in response to a specific statement and/or question, e.g. The popularity of gyms has more to do with
fashion than fitness. Do you agree?
- An article or review for a newspaper, magazine or educational journal, based on the scenario of the test.
Oral Tests
Oral tests are conducted by an interviewer and an assessor. Candidates will be assessed in pairs and are expected to ask
and respond to each other’s questions, as well as to respond to questions and prompts from the interviewer
Phase 1: Introduction
Candidates introduce themselves and talk about:
- school or university where they study or work
- company or government department where they work
- what they like and dislike about their study or work
- home town or village
Phase 2: Discussion related to the theme in the Written Test
Phase 3: Discussion arising from the visual stimulus
Level 3: Upper Intermediate Communication
Who is this exam for?
This exam is for candidates who use or will use an upper intermediate level of English for their personal,
social, educational or working life.
Candidates will be expected to understand and respond appropriately to the purpose, information and points
of view in spoken and written communication of the kind required in a variety of study, work, everyday and leisure-related
contexts in daily life.
How is this exam structured?
The exam has a written paper (2 hours) and an oral test (12 - 15 minutes). The written paper is divided
into five tasks which are linked to a theme to which the candidates can relate.
Tasks 1 and 2: Listening (written
paper)
Tasks 1 and 2 consist of two listening texts on which candidates will be asked to undertake some of the
following tasks:
- follow directions or instructions
- note down in short phrases key information heard on the tape
- write down one to four-word responses to questions and statements about the text
- complete sentences based on the information in the text
- complete a table or fill in a grid, diagram, map or picture
- mark statements about a picture or text as true or false
Task 3: Reading and Integrated Reading & Writing (written paper)
a)
The first task will involve reading and processing information to complete a task such as identifying the general idea of
the text, or taking brief notes.
b) The second task will involve reading, locating and synthesizing relevant
information before making an appropriate response. Written responses might include responding to a competition in the
form of an essay, completing a questionnaire which includes a section for additional comments and opinion, writing a report,
contextualised summary, public notice or letter.
Task 4: Reading (written paper)
Candidates
read up to three texts of not more than 800 words in total and will be asked to undertake some of the following tasks:
- compare, select and extract information from texts and transfer it to a diagram, map, picture, table or grid
- put a sequence of pictures, illustrations or sentences in order according to information in the text
- mark statements about a picture or text as true or false
- match texts with visuals
- match texts with headings or titles
- note down or list information about the text
- write down phrase or short sentence in response to questions and statements about the text
- multiple choice for response to questions/statements
- infer the meaning of words in the text
Task 5: Writing (written paper)
Candidates will be required to write one of the
following:
- an informal letter or another form of writing which might be descriptive, narrative or explanatory
- a discursive essay response to a specific statement and/or question, e.g. Tourists spoil the places they visit.
Discuss.
Oral Tests
Oral tests are conducted by an interviewer and an assessor. Candidates will be assessed in pairs and are expected to ask
and respond to each other’s questions, as well as to respond to questions and prompts from the interviewer
Candidates should demonstrate that they can:
- talk about different aspects of their personal, social, educational and working lives
- take part in conversation and express and discuss statements of fact, accounts and explanations
- take part in discussion and express and discuss ideas, points of view with explanations and developed arguments; express
advantages and disadvantages and give advice
Level 2: Intermediate Communication
Who is this exam for?
This exam is for candidates with intermediate English for practical use in study, work, travel and other everyday purposes.
Candidates will be expected to understand and express in speaking and writing information, ideas, feelings, opinions and
common functions about everyday situations in straightforward spoken and written language.
How is this exam structured?
The exam has a written paper (1 hour 35 minutes) and an oral test (12 minutes). The written paper is divided into
six tasks which are linked to a theme, to which the candidates can relate.
Tasks 1 and 2: Listening (written paper)
Tasks 1 and 2 consist of two listening texts recorded
on tape. Candidates will be asked to undertake some of the following tasks:
- follow directions or identify places on a map
- identify pictures and people based on information heard on the tape
- identify words, phrases or numbers based on information heard on the tape
- write down one or two-word responses to questions and statements about the text
- complete a table or fill in a grid, diagram, map or picture
- mark statements about a picture or text as true or false
Task 3: Explanatory Writing (written paper)
This task will involve a message, note, e-mail or
postcard which includes instructions and directions in reply to an invitation or suggestion for meeting and which is related
to the theme of the test and in response to a set of instructions, written prompts, picture prompts or another visual stimulus.
Task 4: Discourse Management (written paper)
a) Candidates read and match questions and responses
in a dialogue.
b) Based on a series of pictures to illustrate different communication contexts, candidates select the best
response from a range of options.
Task 5: Reading (written paper)
Candidates read up to three texts of not more than 600 words in
total. Candidates may be asked to undertake some of the following tasks:
- select or extract information from a text and transfer it to a diagram, map, picture, table or grid
- put a sequence of pictures, illustrations or sentences in order according to information in the text
- mark statements about a picture or text as true or false
- match texts with visuals
- match texts with headings or titles
- write down one or two-word or short phrase responses to questions and statements about the text.
Task 6: Writing (written paper)
Candidates will be required to write an informal, descriptive
or narrative account relating to present, past or future time, based on a set of instructions and a visual stimulus, such
as:
- a personal letter to a friend recounting specific events or activities and ideas, feelings and personal thoughts
- giving information on an everyday event or topic in the candidate’s own country
- a diary to a friend recounting specific events or activities and ideas, feelings and personal thoughts
- a story
Oral Test
Candidates should demonstrate that they can:
- talk about themselves and different aspects of their lives as well as everyday matters
- take part in simple conversation, describe hopes, plans, ambitions and dreams, justify opinions, feelings and reactions,
experiences and events
- take part in simple discussion and convey feelings, reactions, personal opinions and advice.
Visual materials will be provided and candidates will be expected to relate situations shown to their own experiences.
Level 1: Elementary Communication
Who is this exam for?
This exam is for candidates with a basic command of English sufficient to cope with language needs for social, travel and
everyday purposes.
Candidates will be expected to understand straightforward information and to express themselves in speech and in writing,
for simple practical purposes, in everyday situations.
How is this exam structured?
The exam has a written paper (1 hour 30 minutes) and an oral test (12 minutes). The written paper is divided into
five tasks which are linked to a theme, to which the candidates can relate.
Tasks 1 and 2: Listening (written paper)
Tasks 1 and 2 consist of two listening texts recorded on tape.
Candidates will be asked to undertake some of the following tasks:
- follow directions or identify places on a map
- identify pictures and people based on information heard on the tape
- identify words, phrases or numbers based on information heard on the tape
- write down one- or two-word responses to questions and statements about the text
- complete a table or fill in a grid, diagram, map or picture
- mark statements about a picture or text as true or false
Task 3: Explanatory Writing (written paper)
This task will involve a note, e-mail, message, postcard
or short letter in reply to an invitation or suggested meeting, or giving specific information, including instructions, about
an everyday event or topic, in response to a set of instructions, written prompts, picture prompts or other visual stimulus.
Task 4: Discourse Management (written paper)
a) Candidates read and match questions and responses
in a dialogue.
b) Based on a series of pictures, candidates select the best response from a range of options.
Task 5: Reading (written paper)
Candidates read one or two texts and will be asked to undertake
some of the following tasks:
- select or extract information from a text and transfer it to a diagram, map, picture, table or grid
- put a sequence of pictures, illustrations or sentences in order according to information in the text
- mark statements about a picture or text as true or false
- match texts with visuals
- match texts with headings or titles
- write down very short responses to questions and statements about the text
Task 6: Writing (written paper)
Candidates will be required to carry out one of the following
tasks:
- write an informal description
- write a narrative account related to the scenario of the test
- complete a simple application form
Oral Tests
Oral tests are conducted by an interviewer and an assessor. Candidates are assessed
in pairs. They will be required to answer questions on a series of topics related to themselves (family, hobbies, likes
& dislikes etc). Candidates will also be expected to answer questions and talk about a picture related to the theme
of the written test
Level A1: Foundation
Who is this exam for?
This exam is for candidates with a beginner level knowledge of English needed to survive for social, travel and everyday
purposes.
Candidates will be expected to understand very short, simple information and to express themselves simply and briefly,
in speech and in writing, for practical purposes in everyday situations.
How is this exam structured?
The exam has a written paper (1 hour 15 minutes) and an oral test (12 minutes). The written paper is divided into
five tasks which are linked to a theme. At Level A1 Foundation the theme is likely to be a series of everyday situations
which the candidate might encounter as a visitor in an English-speaking environment.
Tasks 1 and
2: Listening (written paper)
Tasks 1 and 2 can be a monologue or a conversation with 2 or more people.
Candidates may be asked to undertake some of the following tasks:
- follow directions or identify places on a map
- identify pictures and people based on information heard on the tape
- identify simple words, phrases or numbers based on information heard on the tape
- mark statements about a text as true or false
- complete pictures with information heard on the tape
Task 3: Reading (written paper)
Candidates read two or three short illustrated texts and will
be asked to undertake some of the following tasks:
- put a sequence of pictures, illustrations or sentences in order according to information in the text
- mark statements true or false about a picture or text
- match texts with visuals
- multiple choice for recognition of specific information in the text
- answer very simple questions requiring a few key words
Task 4: Discourse Management (written paper)
a) Candidates read and match questions and responses
in a dialogue.
b) Based on a series of pictures, candidates select the best response from a range of options.
Task 5: Writing (written paper)
Candidates will be required to write an account related to
the theme of the test. This could be in the form of:
- a postcard
- an application form
- an email
- a description of a picture(s)
- a message or set of instructions
Oral Tests
Oral tests are conducted by an interviewer and an assessor. Candidates will be assessed
in pairs and are expected to ask and respond to each other’s questions, as well as to respond to questions and prompts
from the interviewer
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