Reading (1 hour)
3 parts/30 questions 20% of the total mark
Shows you can deal confidently with different types of text, such as fiction, newspapers and magazines.
First Reading paper has different types of text and questions. In one part, you may have to read one long text or two or more shorter, related texts.
A text with some multiple-choice questions. Each question has four options (A, B, C or D) and you have to decide which is the correct answer.
A text with some empty spaces (gaps). After the text there are some sentences taken from the text. You have to choose the correct sentence for each gap.
A series of questions and a long text or several short texts to read. For each question, you have to decide which text or part of the text mentions some specific information.
DOs
Read the sources, titles and subtitles of the texts where given; they are there to help you.
Read each text carefully before you answer the questions to get an overall impression and understanding of it. This includes Part 3, the multiple matching task.
Remember, the missing word(s) may be forming part of an idiom, fixed phrase or collocation, so always check the words around the gap carefully. (Part 2)
Remember, the missing sentence must fit the context of the passage, so always check that the completed paragraph makes sense in the passage as a whole. (Part 2)
Keep an overall idea of the development of the text. You will need to check that the sentences chosen to fit the gaps in the base text fit the progression of the argument or narrative as a whole. (Part 2)
Read the questions carefully and check each option against the text before rejecting it. (Part 2)
Writing (1 hour 20 minutes)
2 parts 20% of the total mark
Requires you to be able to produce two different pieces of writing, such as letters, reviews and short stories.
Part 1: one compulsory question. How much do I have to write? 140–190 words
Part 2: one question from a choice of four: article, email, essay, letter, report, review, story. How much do I have to write?140–190 words
Writing a letter or email. You may have to apologise, compare, describe, explain, express opinions, justify, persuade, recommend, and/or suggest something.
From the choice of 5, and depending on the question, you will have to advise, compare, describe, explain, express opinions, justify and/or recommend something.
DOs
Read the whole question thoroughly and underline important parts.
Make a plan for each answer, including ALL points.
Use language that is appropriately formal or informal for the task.
Use of English (45 minutes)
4 parts/42 questions 20% of the total mark
Your use of English will be tested by tasks which show how well you can control your grammar and vocabulary.
Part 1 (Multiple-choice cloze)
Part 2 (Open cloze). A text in which there are some missing words (gaps). You have to find the correct word for each gap.
What's in Part 3? (Word formation)
A text containing ten gaps. Each gap represents a word. At the end of the line is a ‘prompt’ word which you have to change in some way to make the correct missing word and complete the sentence correctly.
What's in Part 4? (Key word transformations)
A sentence followed by a key word and a second sentence which has a gap in it. You have to use the key word to complete the second sentence so that it means the same as the first sentence.
DOs
Read the words following the gaps in Parts 1 and 2 as they may have an effect on the answer.
Make sure that any verb you write in a gap in Part 2 agrees with its subject.
Write the prompt word in your answer in Part 4 without changing it in any way.
Write between two and five words as your answer in Part 4.
Remember that the words you need to write in Part 3 might have to change into a negative or a plural.
Listening (about 40 minutes)
4 parts/30 questions 20% of the total mark
Requires you to be able to follow and understand a range of spoken materials, such as news programmes, presentations and everyday conversations.
Part 1 (Multiple choice)
A series of short, unrelated recordings of approximately 30 seconds each. You have to listen to the recordings and answer one multiple-choice question for each. Each question has three options (A, B or C).
Part 2 (Sentence completion)
A monologue (one person speaking), or a recording with two or more speakers lasting approximately 3 minutes.
Part 3 (Multiple matching)
A series of statements and short related monologues of approximately 30 seconds each. You listen to the recordings and choose which statement best matches what each speaker says.
A monologue or recording with two or more speakers which lasts approximately 3 minutes. You have to listen to the recording and answer seven multiple-choice questions. Each question has three options (A, B or C).
Part 4 (Multiple choice)
Listening for opinion, attitude, gist, main idea, specific information.
DOs
Listen to and read the instructions throughout the test. Make sure you understand what you are listening for and what you have to do.
Use the preparation time before each recording is played to read through the question and think about the context.
Use the information on the page to help you follow the text.
Look carefully at what is printed before and after the gap in Part 2 and think about the kind of information that you are listening for.
Speaking (14 minutes per pair of candidates)
4 parts 20% of the total mark
Tests your ability to communicate effectively in face-to-face situations. You will take the Speaking test with one or two other candidates.
Part 1 (Interview)
Conversation with the examiner. The examiner asks questions and you may have to give information about yourself, talk about past experiences, present circumstances and future plans.
Part 2 (Long turn)
The examiner gives you a pair of photographs to talk about and you have to speak for 1 minute without interruption. The questions you have to answer about your photographs are written at the top of the page to remind you what you should talk about. When you have finished speaking, your partner then has to answer a short question from the examiner about your photographs.
Part 3 (Collaborative task)
Conversation with the other candidate. The examiner gives you some pictures and a decision-making task to do. You have to talk with the other candidate and make a decision.
Part 4 (Discussion)
Further discussion with the other candidate about the same topic as the task in Part 3.
DOs
Make sure you are familiar with what happens, and what skills you need to show, in each part of the test.
Practise speaking English as much as possible in groups and in pairs, both inside and outside the classroom.
Listen carefully to the instructions and questions during the test and respond appropriately.
Speak clearly, so that both the interlocutor and assessor can hear you.
Use all the opportunities you're given in the test to speak, and extend your responses whenever possible.
Ask for clarification of instructions or a question if you're not sure.
Be prepared to initiate discussion as well as responding to what your partner says.
Make full use of the time so that the examiner who is listening hears plenty of your English.
