| International
English Examinations for Young Learners |
New international qualifications are now available for the first time for this
age group, through the Cambridge Young Learners English Tests. Our students
have the advantage that Instituto Britanico will soon be the only authorised
centre for this examination in all Central America.
University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES)
The following text is taken from the website 'Cambridge EFL' (English as a
Foreign Language). Further information can be found at: www.cambridge-efl.org.uk
or at Instituto Britanico.
Introduction
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Every year more than
half a million people take Cambridge examinations in English as a Foreign
Language (EFL). They take them in order to improve their employment prospects,
to seek further education, to prepare themselves to travel or live abroad,
or because they want an internationally recognised certificate showing
the level they have attained in the language.
The Cambridge EFL
examinations are known all over the world and are recognised by universities,
employers and national education authorities in many countries.
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The examinations
cover the four language skills - listening, speaking, reading and writing.
They include a range of tasks which assess candidates' ability to use English,
so that in preparing for the examinations, candidates develop the skills
they need to make practical use of the language in a variety of contexts.
Above all, what Cambridge examinations assess is the the candidates' ability
to communicate effectively in English. |
English Tests for Young Learners
The English Tests for Young Learners are designed to assess the English of
primary learners between the ages of 7 and 12. There are three levels: Starters,
Movers and Flyers. The tests aim to sample relevant and meaningful language
use, measure ability accurately and fairly, present a positive impression of
international tests, and promote and encourage effective learning and teaching.
Each level has three components, all attractively illustrated in colour: Reading
and Writing, Listening, and Speaking.
| Reading
and Writing
This is a paper and pencil test which lasts between 20 minutes (Starters)
and 40 minutes (Flyers). Texts are short and are constrained by a specified
set of words and structures. Candidates perform simple operations such
as selecting and ticking, writing words and phrases in gaps, or answering
open-ended questions. Papers are sent to UCLES for marking.
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Speaking
This is a face-to-face test which lasts between 5 and 10 minutes with
suitably qualified, experienced and trained examiners. Children perform
various activities in response to prompts from the examiner using visual
stimuli, and give simple information about themselves.
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Listening
This is also a paper and pencil test which lasts between 20 minutes (Starters
and Flyers) and 25 minutes (Movers). As with the Reading and Writing paper,
texts are limited in the language assessed to what is specified in the
test specifications. Candidates listen to short recorded dialogues involving
both child and adult speakers, and perform simple operations such as drawing
lines, selecting, matching and colouring. Papers are sent to UCLES for
marking.
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Results
There is no pass or fail. Every candidate who attempts all three components
will receive an Award showing a number of badges (Cambridge crests) out
of five for each component. The minimum Award for children who have attempted
all three components is an Award with one badge for each component.
Children should receive their Awards within about one month of taking
their test.
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