ABC Languages Cambridge - Exam Preparation, Cambridge ESOL, EFL Exams, Cambridge University Exams, CPE, CAE, FCE, PET, KET & IELTS

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PREPARING FOR AN EXAM

About examinations - which should I choose?
We will discuss your needs with you and assess your level and then suggest an appropriate examination for you to take. Here is a guide to some of the most popular examinations; others are available – please ask:

The ‘Cambridge’ Exams

First Certificate (B2): This is designed for students of upper-intermediate level and will give you the English you need to cope well with everyday situations. It is an internationally recognised examination and is a requirement of many employers, for example banks, airlines and hotels, where you have to deal with the public. Take this exam in March, June, July, August or December.

Certificate of Advanced English (C1): as the name suggests, an advanced exam, particularly suitable for those who are intending to work with English as a major part of their job. Take this exam in March, June, July, August or December.

Certificate of Proficiency in English (C2): the highest-level exam that most students will take. It is particularly useful for those who are going to teach English themselves, or to study at a high level, or who need more or less native-speaker skills for their work. Take this exam in March, June or December.

Other popular exams:

BMAT & GMAT

For entry to UNiversity courses in the Bio-Medical field, and for admission to MBA courses respectively. Our tutors have extensive experience in helping students through these tests.

Courses are delivered on a 1:1 basis, with the timetable designed to meet your needs.

If you need more support with your English, we recommend preparing for these exams through our Combined Group + 1:1 programme.

IELTS & TOEFL: The major English - language qualifications for university in English language speaking countries.

TOEIC: English for International Communication. Especially useful if you wish to work in the US, and a requirement of many international companies.

Group preparation for these exams is available during the summer. At other times, we offer short intensive courses, either on a 1:1 basis or as a Combined Group + 1:1 programme. Please enquire for more information.

Exam entry fees apply.

If you are interested in taking any specialist examinations, or need advice, we shall be very pleased to help.

Below you will find the basic Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) chart showing how it relates to some popular exams.

Each level, A1 – C2, describes your ability to do certain things in English, from very basic (I can buy a meal in a fast-food restaurant) to extremely advanced (I can write long, complex reports). These are known as the ‘can-do’ statements and cover all skills and different reasons for learning English – social, work and study.
The ‘definitions’ of these levels are shown in the table below:

THE COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK OF REFERENCE FOR LANGUAGES (CEFR) ‘CAN DO’ STATEMENTS

Can Do Statements: Overall general ability
General English	Academic	CEFR	Listening/Speaking	Reading	Writing
CPE *Certificate of Proficiency in English*	IELTS 9 7.5	*Mastery* C2	CAN advise on or talk about complex or sensitive issues, understanding colloquial references and dealing confidently with hostile questions.	CAN understand documents, correspondence and reports, including the finer points of complex texts.	CAN write letters on any subject and full notes of meetings or seminars with good expression and accuracy.
CAE *Certificate in Advanced English*	6.5	*Effective* *Operational* *Proficiency* C1	CAN contribute effectively to meetings and seminars within own area of work or keep up a casual conversation with a good degree of fluency, coping with abstract expressions.	CAN read quickly enough to cope with an academic course, to read the media for information or to understand non-standard correspondence.	CAN prepare/draft professional correspondence, take reasonably accurate notes in meetings or write an essay which shows an ability to communicate.
FCE *First Certificate in English*	5.5	*Vantage* B2	CAN follow or give a talk on a familiar topic or keep up a conversation on a fairly wide range of topics.	CAN scan texts for relevant information, and understand detailed instructions or advice.	CAN make notes while someone is talking or write a letter including non-standard requests.
PET *Preliminary* *English* *Test*	4.5	*Threshold* B1	CAN express opinions on abstract/cultural matters in a limited way or offer advice within a known area, and understand instructions or public announcements.	CAN understand routine information and articles, and the general meaning of non-routine information within a familiar area.	CAN write letters or make notes on familiar or predictable matters.
KET *Key English Test*	0	*Waystage* A2	CAN express simple opinions or requirements in a familiar context.	CAN understand straightforward information within a known area, such as on products and signs and simple textbooks or reports on familiar matters.	CAN complete forms and write short simple letters or postcards related to personal information.
	0	*Breakthrough* A1	CAN understand basic instructions or take part in a basic factual conversation on a predictable topic.	CAN understand basic notices, instructions or information.	CAN complete basic forms, and write notes including times, dates and places.

General English	International English Language Testing System	Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

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