+

Cambridge Exam

Spring 2014

+The Common European Framework of Reference

+Exam overview

Reading & Use of English, 1 hour 30

minutes, 8 parts

Writing, 1 hour 30 minutes, 2 texts 220-260

words

Listening, 40 min, 4 parts

Speaking, 15 minutes, 4 parts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFdGudT4Wu0&list=PLHXxw_fD9hAeQs7D26CFYB1fPw6heRsky

+Your CAE result

Each of the listed components of the test counts for 25% of your total score.

To be awarded the Certificate in Advanced English you have to receive a pass grade (A, B or C).

Passing grade

Grade A: 80% or more

Grade B: 75-79%

Grade C: 60-74%

+Reading and Use of English

Part 1: Multiple choice cloze. Choose the correct word out of 4 alternatives. Phrases, collocations, idioms, linkers etc.

Part 2: Open cloze. Fill gaps in a text of about. Mainly “form words” such as prepositions, linkers etc. Tests grammatical and lexio-grammatical knowledge

Part 3: Word formation. Form words from a stem. Grammatical and lexical knowledge.

Part 4: Key word transformation. Transform information from one sentence to another using a given word.

+Reading and Use of English

Part 5: Multiple choice. Understanding opinions and details. Longer text with 6 questions.

Part 6: Cross text multiple matching: Match 4 statements with 4 shorter texts. Test ability of understanding opinion and attitude (NEW)

Part 7: Gapped texts. Decide where paragraphs belong in a text. Difficult. Tests understanding of text structure. Look for linking words and nouns before and after the gaps.

Part 8: Multiple matching. Match prompts to sections in the text. Understanding specific information

+How to practice: Reading

Read extensively in your spare time; focus on non-fiction and articles. Tips: Bookmark English newspapers and read at least one article a

day (e.g. www.guardian.com, www.huffingtonpost.com etc) Install Stumbleupon to find English texts and articles about topics

that interest you

Get accustomed to how the different parts are structured and what it is they test.

Different ways of reading; Scanning for specific information, skimming a text to get the general meaning or detail reading to thoroughly understand a text.

Prediction-techniques; title, sub-title, key words give you ideas of what to expect from the text.

+How to practice: Use of English

Read, read, read and surround yourself with English to get more familiar with expressions and sayings. This will practice your natural sense of the language.

Widen your vocabulary. Play Selingua (PC) and freerice (www.freerice.com) 10 min/day .

Practice grammar, in the textbook and online (see list of useful links). I can also provide advanced working sheets.

Learn about prefixes, suffixes and word stems to easier predict what a word means.

+Writing (5 different texts)

Part 1: An Essay with a discursive focus

Write an essay based on two points given in an input text. Explain which point is most important and give reasons for your opinions.

220-260 words

Part 2: Letter/email, proposal, report or review.

Choose one out of five tasks. Clear context, topic, purpose and audience is given.

220-260 words

+How to practice: Writing

Write a diary in English to get used to being able to express yourself quickly in English.

Study the different text types (see compendium). Form, style, tone etc.

Use linking words! Memorize them and learn how to properly use them creating flow and coherence in your texts.

Practice using a more complex language. If you make mistakes you still get extra credits for trying. Vary your sentence structure!

Practice writing texts within the word limit since counting words in the examination wastes time.

+

W – Who is the target reader

R – Reason for writing

I – Include what?

T – Task type

E – Edit (and check) your work

+Listening

Part 1: Short extracts. Multiple-choice questions.

Part 2: Sentence completion. Write a word or a short phrase heard in the monologue. Test ability to understand specific information.

Part 3: Multiple choice. Choose the best answer. Ability to understand opinions and attitude.

Part 4: Multiple matching. Select the correct answer form a list of eight options. Understand attitude, main points and context.

+How to practice: Listening

Get familiar with the different parts to know what to expect and listen for (specific information, opinion, attitude, primary meaning etc.)

Listen to English podcasts. Download them to your phone and listen on the way to school. Listen to an audiobook.

Always read the question carefully and try to predict what will come.

Don’t get stuck if you don’t understand everything straight away. You will hear it twice.

+Speaking

Part 1: Conversation between candidate and interlocutor about personal questions.

Part 2: Individual long turns and brief responses. Talk for about one minute on your own about a set of pictures.

Part 3: Two way interaction between candidates. Discuss a problem solving task. Tests ability to interact, exchange ideas, agree or disagree etc.

Part 4: Conversation between candidate and interlocutor about wider issues connected to topic in part 3.

+How to practice: Speaking

Learn how the test is constructed and what is demanded of you in the different parts. If it’s expressing opinions, give responses, interact etc.

Practice to express yourself freely in English. Have discussions with your friends in English from time to time discussing pictures and “staging” old speaking exams.

Try using more complex language. Write down phrases and synonyms that might be useful.

+Dos and DON’Ts: Reading

DO

Skim through the text for general understanding.

Read the instructions very carefully – they set the scene and give you initial orientation.

Highlight or underline important words in the questions.

Decide what type of question you are answering and then employ the correct reading skill, especially in the multiple-choice part.

Don’t

Don’t spend too much time on any one part of the paper.

Don’t forget to transfer all your answers to the answer sheet.

Don’t be put off by or get stuck on difficult vocabulary – it may become clear by reading on or by later rereading.

+Dos and DON’Ts: Use of English

DO

Check your spelling in all parts of the test.

Read the surrounding context before giving an answer.

Read the instructions, the information about the texts, the titles and the texts before starting to answer.

Read the texts again to check your answers make sense.

DON’T

Don’t leave any questions unanswered.

Don’t give alternative answers for any questions.

Don’t wait until the end to copy all your answers on to your answer sheet.

+Dos and DON’Ts: Writing

DO

Read the task carefully and plan an answer which addresses all the content points of the task. Try to develop each point fully

Demonstrate a good range of vocabulary and structures as well as writing accurately to get a good mark.

Consider who the ‘target reader’ is and the genre (e.g. newspaper article, formal letter) for each question and try to write in an appropriate style and tone.

DON’T

Don’t write answers that are much longer than the word limit as this means you may have included a lot of irrelevant material. Plan your answer carefully to avoid this.

Don’t spend to much time on the first question

Don’t use a pencil.

+Dos and DON’Ts: Listening

DO

Listen to and read the instructions to understand what you have to do.

Think about the topic, the speaker(s) and the context as you read the questions.

Use the pause to read the questions and try to predict the answers

Check that your answer is correctly spelled. (Part 2)

Copy only the missing words on to the answer sheet. (Part 2)

DON’T

Don’t worry if you miss a question. Continue with the next question then listen again for the missing information when you hear the recording for the second time.

Don’t leave a blank space on the answer sheet. If you are not sure, guess.

Don’t repeat information which is already in the sentences. (Part 2)

Don’t panic. There is plenty of time to write your answers as you listen. (Part 2)

+Dos and DON’Ts: Speaking

DO

Show you can communicate effectively.

Give full and extended responses.

Raise the level of your language above the mundane.

Listen carefully to what the examiner has asked you to do.

Speculate on the content of the visual material, even if you are unsure about what they are illustrating.

Involve your partner in the conversation and create opportunities for them to speak.

DON’T

Don’t panic if you cannot remember, or do not know, a particular word. Just keep going and paraphrase instead.

Don’t merely describe the visuals.

Don’t let your partner always ‘take the lead’. You also must initiate at times.

Don’t waste your opportunities to show the examiners what you can do

+More information

More Dos and DON’Ts, FAQ and general tips: http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-qualifications/advanced/how-to-prepare/

My collection of links regarding CAE: https://www.evernote.com/shard/s112/sh/1a052d5c-ef6a-4a38-9266-e608c6e8bbb1/d318bebcd2e0d64091cb38cbeacb0dc6

Don’t underestimate GOOGLE to find useful grammar, spelling, listening pages/exercises. Have a look on YouTube. Use search terms such as ESL (English as a Second Language), Advanced, CAE.