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This presentation was given on Methodology Day on 18 April 2014 by Tatiana Polovinkina. "A Chinese proverb says, “When the winds of change blow, some people build walls and others build windmills”. Yes, there have been more updates to one of the most popular exams but there is no need to panic; in fact, there are all the reasons to be enthusiastic and embrace this change. In our session we will * analyse the update to Cambridge English: First and First for Schools for 2015 providing a brief rationale for the revision * outline the new structure of the exam, focusing on the papers that have undergone the biggest change * highlight continuity and teaching implications. We will also discuss whether/how we may need to adjust our teaching to meet the new exam specifications and ensure our students’ success in the exam."
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© UCLES 2013
An introduction to the Cambridge English: First update for 2015
© UCLES 2013
Aims of this seminar
• to introduce the update to Cambridge English: First for 2015
• to outline the changes to the exam, while highlighting continuity and teaching implications
• to provide a rationale for the revision
© UCLES 2013
The CEFR
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Level B2
‘Level B2 is required in everyday written and spoken situations, and achieving a certificate at this level proves that a candidate is becoming skilled in English.’
© UCLES 2013
Can Do statements
Reading Writing
• CAN scan texts for relevant information
• CAN read the media for information quickly and with good understanding
• CAN write a simple report of a factual nature and begin to evaluate, advise, etc.
• CAN express opinions and give reasons
Speaking Listening
• CAN keep up a conversation on a fairly wide range of topics
• CAN check that all instructions are understood
• CAN follow a talk on a familiar topic
• CAN ask for factual information and understand the answer
© UCLES 2013
Candidature
Cambridge English: First is aimed at
learners who want to:• start working in an English-speaking
environment• study at an upper-intermediate level, such
as foundation or pathway courses• live independently in an English-speaking
country.
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Why choose a Cambridge English exam?Quality:• extensive programme of research and
evaluation• continuous monitoring of marking and
grading• internationally recognised ISO 9001:2008
standard for quality management• accredited by Ofqual
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Five principles
• Validity
• Reliability
• Impact
• Practicality
• Quality
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Purpose
The purpose of the project was to revise Cambridge English: First in order to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of candidates, teachers, centres and other users in terms of content and length.
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Aims
To ensure the updated examination:• is suitable for use for further education study purposes
• is suitable for use for higher education foundation or pathway courses
• is suitable for use for work or career enhancement purposes
• retains appropriate and specific testing focuses for each paper
• is thoroughly validated and reflects the most up-to-date methodological approach to communicative language testing
• is more user-friendly in terms of its length.
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Stages of the process
1) Data collection
2) Development of exam specifications
3) Production of examination support materials
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Key changes made
• a reduction of the number of papers from five to four
• a reduction in the total assessment time from about 4 hours to about 3 hours 30 minutes
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Timings of papers1 hour 15 minutes
14 minutes
1 hour 20 minutes
40 minutes
Reading and Use of English
Speaking
Writing
Listening
= 3 hours 30 minutes
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Shared features
• Text-based tasks
• Similar strategies needed
• Pre-printed answer sheets used
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Reading and Use of English Part 1
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Reading and Use of English Part 2
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Reading and Use of English Part 3
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Reading and Use of English Part 4
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Reading and Use of English Part 5
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Reading and Use of English Part 6
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Reading and Use of English Part 7
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Writing Part 1
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Speaking paper quizMatch these numbers to the questions:
1 2 2 or 3 4141) How many minutes does the Speaking paper last?
2) How many candidates take the test together?
3) How many examiners are there?4) How many parts does the Speaking
paper have? 5) How many minutes is the ‘long turn’
in Part 2?
14
2 or 3
24
1
© UCLES 2013
Speaking Part 3 taskInterlocutor:Now, I’d like you to talk about something together for about 2 minutes.I’d like you to imagine that a town wants more tourists to visit. Here are some ideas they’re thinking about and a question for you to discuss. First you have some time to look at the task.Now, talk to each other about why these ideas would attract more tourists to the town.
© UCLES 2013
Aims of this seminar
• to introduce the update to Cambridge English: First for 2015
• to outline the changes to the exam, while highlighting continuity and teaching implications
• to provide a rationale for the revision
© UCLES 2013
Teaching Support website• Over 1 million visits• 100,000 registered
teachers• 500,000 downloads• Lots of features and
information to support teachers
www.cambridgeenglish.org/teach
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New microsite for revised exams• Information about
all the changes• Videos, specifications,
sample papers, teaching tips, classroom activities
teachingsupport.cambridgeenglish.org
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• CoursesEarn a certificate from Cambridge.
• WebinarsInteract with expert trainers.
• KnowledgeArticles with industry-leading ideas.
Join atwww.cambridgeenglishteacher.org
OnlineProfessionalDevelopment
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Further informationCambridge English Language Assessment1 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB1 2EU,United KingdomTel: +44 (0)1223 553997Fax: +44 (0)1223 553621
Keep up to date with what’s new via the website:www.cambridgeenglish.orgwww.cambridgeenglish.org
For important information about Cambridge English exams:www.cambridgeenglish.org/helpwww.cambridgeenglish.org/help
© UCLES 2013
Thank you!Authorised Cambridge ESOL Centre BKC-IH
8(495) 604 4584 [email protected]
BKC-IH Teacher Training Centre8(495) 234 0314
[email protected] Moscow8 (495) 737 5225
www.bkc.ru
