What is the Common European Framework of Reference for language?

The Common European Framework of Reference for Language was created by the Council of Europe as the main part of the project "Language Learning for European Ci?zenship" between 1989 and 1996. Its main aim is to provide a method of learning, teaching and assessing which applies to all languages in Europe.

What can candidates do at Level A2?

The Associa?on of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE) has carried out research to determine what language learners can typically do at each CEFR level. It has described these abili?es in a series of Can Do statements using examples taken from real-life situa?ons.

Cambridge ESOL, as one of the founding members of ALTE, uses this framework as a way of ensuring its exams reect real-life language skills.

Study

Work

Social and Tourist

Overall general ability

Can Do

Richard Dunn

March 2013

Paper 1 Reading and Writing

The Cambridge English: Key (KET) Reading paper has different types of text and questions. Summary Time allowed: 1 hour 10 minutes Number of parts: 9 (8 Reading components & 1 Writing component) Number of questions: 56 Marks: 50% of total Candidates need to be able to understand simple written information such as signs, brochures, newspapers and magazines. They must also be able to produce simple written English.

Paper 1 Reading and Writing

Part 1 (Matching) Task Format: Matching five prompt sentences to eight notices, plus one example. Task Focus: Gist understanding of real-world notices. Reading for main message. Number of Questions: 5

Paper 1 Reading and Writing

Part 2 (Three-option multiple-choice sentences) Task Format: Five sentences (plus an integrated example) with connecting link of topic or story line. Task Focus: Reading and identifying appropriate vocabulary. Number of Questions: 5

Paper 1 Reading and Writing

Part 3 (Three-option multiple-choice) Task Format: Five discrete 3-option multiple-choice items (plus an example) focusing on verbal exchange patterns AND Matching. Five matching items (plus an integrated example) in a continuous dialogue, selecting from eight possible responses. Task Focus: Functional language. Reading and identifying appropriate response. Number of Questions: 10

Paper 1 Reading and Writing

Part 4 (Right/Wrong/Doesnt say OR Three-option multiple choice) Task Format: One long text or three short texts adapted from authentic newspaper and magazine articles. Seven 3-option multiple choice items or seven Right/Wrong/Doesnt say items, plus an integrated example. Task Focus: Reading for detailed understanding and main idea(s). Number of Questions: 7

Paper 1 Reading and Writing

Part 5 (Multiple-choice cloze) Task Format: A text adapted from an original source, for example encyclopaedia entries, newspaper and magazine articles. Eight 3-option multiple-choice items, plus an integrated example. Task Focus: Reading and identifying appropriate structural word (auxiliary verbs, modal verbs, determiners, pronouns, prepositions, conjunctions etc.). Number of Questions: 8

Paper 1 Reading and Writing

Part 6 (Word completion) Task Format: Five dictionary definition type sentences (plus an integrated example). Five words to identify and spell. Task Focus: Reading and identifying appropriate lexical item, and spelling. Number of Questions: 5

Paper 1 Reading and Writing

Part 7 (Open cloze) Task Format: Text of type candidates could be expected to write, for example a short letter or email. Ten spaces to fill with one word (plus an integrated example) which must be spelled correctly. Task Focus: Reading and identifying appropriate word with focus on structure and/or lexis. Number of Questions: 10

Paper 1 Reading and Writing

Part 8 (Information transfer) Task Format: One or two short input texts, authentic in nature (notes, adverts etc.) to prompt completion of an output text (form, note, etc.) Five spaces to fill on output text with one or more words or numbers (plus an integrated example). Task Focus: Reading and writing down appropriate words or numbers with focus on content and accuracy. Number of Questions: 5

Paper 1 Reading and Writing

Part 9 (Guided writing) Task Format: Either a short input text or rubric to prompta written response. Three mesages to communicate. Task Focus: Writing a short note, email or postcard of 25-35 words. Number of Questions: 1

Paper 2 Listening

Whats in the Listening paper? The Cambridge English: KET Listening paper has five parts.

For each part you have to listen to a recorded text or texts and answer some questions. You hear each recording twice.

Summary Time allowed: about 30 minutes Number of parts: 5 Number of questions: 25 Marks: 25% of total

Paper 2 Listening

Part 1 (Three-option multiple choice) Task Format: Short neutral or informal dialogues. Five discrete 3-option multiple-choice items with visuals, plus one example. Task Focus: Listening to identify key information (times, prices, days of the week, numbers, etc.). Number of Questions: 5

Paper 2 Listening

Part 2 (Matching) Task Format: Longer informal dialogue. Five items (plus one integrated example) and eight options. Task Focus: Listening to identify key information. Number of Questions: 5

Paper 2 Listening

Part 3 (Three-option multiple choice) Task Format: Longer informal or neutral dialogue. Five 3-option multiple-choice items (plus an integrated example). Task Focus: Taking the role of one of the speakers and listening to identify key information. Number of Questions: 5

Paper 2 Listening

Part 4 (Gap-fill) Task Format: Longer neutral or informal dialogue. Five gaps to fill with one or more words or numbers, plus an integrated example. Recognisable spelling is accepted, except with very high-frequency words, e.g. bus, red, or if spelling is dictated. Task Focus: Listening and writing down information (including spelling of names, places, etc. as dictated on the recording). Number of Questions: 5

Paper 2 Listening

Part 5 (Gap-fill) Task Format: Longer neutral or informal monologue. Five gaps to fill with one or more words or numbers, plus an integrated example. Recognisable spelling is accepted, except with very high-frequency words, e.g. bus, red, or if spelling is dictated. Task Focus: Listening and writing down information (including spelling of names, places, etc. as dictated on the recording). Number of Questions: 5

Paper 3 Speaking

Whats in the Speaking paper? The Cambridge English: KET Speaking test has two parts and you take it together with another candidate. There are two examiners. One of the examiners conducts the test, the interlocutor (asks you questions, gives you paper with things to talk about, and so on). The other examiner listens to what you say and takes notes. Summary Time allowed: 8-10 minutes per pair of candidates Number of parts: 2 Marks: 25% of total You have to talk with: the examiner and with the other candidate

Assessment scales

Throughout the test candidates are assessed on their own

individual performance and not in relation to each other. They are awarded marks by two examiners: the assessor and the

interlocutor. The assessor awards marks by applying performance descriptors from the analytical scales for the

following criteria: Grammar and Vocabulary

Pronunciation

Interactive Communication

The interlocutor awards a mark for Global Achievement using the Global Achievement scale.

Paper 3 Speaking

Part 1 (Interview) Task Format: Each candidate interacts with the interlocutor. The interlocutor asks the candidates questions. The interlocutor follows a frame to guide the conversation, ensure standardisation and control the level of input. Task Focus: Language normally associated with meeting people for the first time, giving information of a factual personal kind. Biodata-type questions to respond to. Timing: 5-6 minutes

Paper 3 Speaking

Part 2 (Information exchange) Task Format: Candidates interact with each other. The interlocutor sets up the activity using standardised rubric. Candidates ask and answer questions using prompt material. Task Focus: Factual information of a non-personal kind related to daily life. Timing: 3-4 minutes

Marks and Results A pass mark in the whole test is approximately 70% of all the available marks over the three papers, Reading & Writing, Listening and Speaking. A 'Pass with Merit' is approximately 85% of the total marks. There are no pass/fail levels in individual papers.

Statements of Results are normally available online around 57 weeks after the exam for paper-based exams and two weeks after the exam for computer-based tests. You can see the exact release date on your Confirmation of Entry, which your centre should have provided you with. Please contact your centre if you have lost/not received this. Certificates are normally sent to exam centres within three months of the exam. Please contact your centre if you need to know the specific date.

These include the grade awarded and a graphical display of the candidates performance in each paper (shown against the scale Exceptional- Good- Borderline- Weak).