international qualifications and language proficiency assessment. kaarin truus tallinn university...
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International Qualifications andLanguage Proficiency Assessment.
Kaarin Truus
Tallinn University Language Centre
Centre Exams Manager
Silva 409
6 409 300
08 April 2015
International English Language Exams
Background Range of English Language Qalifications in Estonia Reasons for taking EL examinations Recognition/validity/exemption of the exams offered Structure of the examinations: IELTS/ESOL exams Preparation for the chosen examination Strategies and best practice Support for students/teachers Contact Picture Gallery
Background to TLU LC Exam Centre
British Council 1995-2008
TLU LC from Oct 2008
Target for 2014/2015 1050
IELTS 750
Cambridge ESOL 180
Other 120 (ACCA, University of London, ad hoc)
Range of English Language Qualifications available in Estonia
Pearson Tests (General&Academic)
TOEFL/ TOEIC
Reasons for taking language exams
Extended studies/higher education Short study courses Work applications Visa /Agency requirements Recognition /CV Achievement (YL, KETs, PETs, FCEs) Graduation purposes/exemption Personal reasons
CEFR and Recognition
Cambridge ESOL and IELTS exams are linked to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), it is easy to make comparisons with other qualifications.
www.tlu.ee/cambridgeenglish
Search the recognition database for up-to-date lists of organisations which officially accept or use Cambridge English exams.
The IELTS Global Recognition System can tell you exactly which organisations accept IELTS and the scores they require. www.tlu.ee/ielts
State Examinations in a Foreign Language.
The student has three options: to take the state examination in the English language. This examination is prepared by Foundation Innove. The
student who successfully passes the examination will be issued a certificate of language proficiency in English (level B1 or B2).
to take an internationally recognized French, German or Russian language examination at least at level B1. These examinations are mediated by Foundation Innove. The student who successfully passes the examination will be issued an internationally recognized certificate of language proficiency.
upon registration for the state examination to submit a certificate of an international English, French, German or Russian (as a foreign language) language examination at least at level B1, whereas the examination is performed at the student’s own expense and must be recognized by the state.
According to the National Curriculum for Upper Secondary Schools, the independent language user level (B1 or B2) is the estimated language level of upper secondary school graduates.
The student informs the school management about his/her decision and/or submits the certificates for the school management by January 20.
Exemption
English Cambridge English: Preliminary (PET) B1-level; Cambridge English: First (FCE) B2-level; Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE); Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE); The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at least
4.0 points of the maximum result; Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT at least 57
points of the maximum result.
Results, Validity and Recognition
IELTS for 2 years, results 13 days after the test, results can be checked online ESOL for life + UCAS Tariff points, results 3-4 weeks, can be checked online,
Cambridge English CB exams , results in 2 weeks time
Cambridge ESOL and IELTS exams are linked to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), it is easy to make comparisons with other qualifications. www.tlu.ee/cambridgeenglish
The IELTS Global Recognition System can tell you exactly which organisations accept IELTS and the scores they require. www.tlu.ee/ielts
Cambridge English
‘Extended’ certification
will give many candidates additional credit for the language skills they have demonstrated and for what they can do with their language, further relating the results to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) thereby helping universities, employers, government bodies and other organizations to make informed decisions and increase opportunities for candidates.
Extended certification is designed to give a clearer picture of how candidates performance in each Cambridge ESOL exam aligns to the CEFR.
Extended certification applies to: CPE, CAE, FCE, PET, KET, BEC
Structure of IELTS and ESOL examinations
Skills tested (Re/Wr/UofE/List/Sp
Order of parts (papers/sections)
Length/Timing
Content andTask types
Format
Paper based/computer based
Exam Specific Features
Registration procedure
Required documentation for entry
Regulations (test day letters, summary regulations)
Required stationery (pencils v pens)
Format:Paper based v Computer based
Listening/Speaking differences
Task types in the chosen examination
Additional security measures (test day photos, document checks)
Things allowed/not allowed into the exam room
Breaks and comfort leaves
Receipt of results and certificates (on-line check, Statements of Results, certificates)
Validity of the certificates, additional Test Report Forms/certificates
IELTS - Home > Test Takers Informationhttp://ielts.org
Academic Reading sample materials The Academic Reading test is 60 minutes long. It has three sections with 40 questions to answer. Here is a sample of one
section. (Note that candidates for the Academic module do a different Reading test to the General Training module) ... Academic Writing sample materials The Academic Writing test is 60 minutes long. It has two writing tasks of 150 words and 250 words. Here are samples of
Task 1 and Task 2. (Note that candidates for the Academic module do a different Writing test to the General Training module) ...
General Training Reading sample materials The General Training Reading test is 60 minutes long. It has three sections with 40 questions to answer. Here is a sample of
one section. (Note that candidates for the General Training module do a different Reading test to the Academic module) ... General Training Writing sample materials The General Training Writing test is 60 minutes long. It has two writing tasks of 150 words and 250 words. Here are samples
of Task 1 and Task 2. (Note that candidates for the General Training module do a different Writing test to the Academic module) ...
Speaking sample materials In the Speaking test, you have a conversation with a certified Examiner. It is interactive and as close to a real-life situation
as a test can get. The test is 11 to 14 minutes long with three parts ... Listening sample materials The Listening test is 30 minutes long...
Cambridge English
The Cambridge English General English suite of exams has a wide choice of certificates reflecting the very different needs and abilities of people. The certificates cover basic exams for those beginning to learn English, through to advanced certificates for those who have attained a high level of fluency.
Cambridge English
Cambridge English offered by TLU LC
Young Learners (Starters, Movers, Flyers) A1-A2 Cambridge English: Key A2 Cambridge English: Key for Schools A2 Cambridge English: Preliminary B1 Cambridge English: Preliminary for Schools B1 Cambridge English: First B2 Cambridge English: First for Schools B2 Cambridge English: Advanced C1 Cambridge English: Proficiency C2 Cambridge English: Business (P/V/H) B1-C1 Cambridge English: Legal B2-C1 Cambridge English: Financial B2-C1 Cambridge English: Teaching Knowledge Test
Cambridge English: Young Learners
Cambridge English First
Cambridge English: First
Here are the main changes to the Cambridge English: First exam that started in January 2015:
The exam is about 30 minutes shorter. But it still covers all the same language skills and tests at the same level as the current version.
The exam has four papers, not five. The Reading and Use of English papers are now combined into
a single paper that looks at language knowledge and reading skills. http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams/first/exam-update-for-2015/ http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/images/cambridge-english-first-
handbook-2015
Cambridge English: Advanced
Cambridge English: Advanced
Here are the main changes to the Cambridge English: Advanced exam that started in January 2015:
The exam is 45 minutes shorter. But it still covers all the same language skills and tests at the same level as the current version.
The exam has four papers, not five. The Reading and Use of English papers are now combined into a single
paper that looks at language knowledge and reading skills. There will be some new tasks and tests in the Reading and Use of
English, Writing and Speaking papers. http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams/advanced/exam-update-for-2015/ http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/images/cambridge-english-
advanced-handbook-2015
Cambridge English: Business
Cambridge English: Business
Achieve your ambitions in international business
Cambridge English: Business Certificates, also known as Business English Certificates (BEC), are a suite of three English language qualifications for international business.
Cambridge English: Business Preliminary (BEC Preliminary) – CEFR Level B1 Cambridge English: Business Vantage (BEC Vantage) – CEFR Level B2 Cambridge English: Business Higher (BEC Higher) – CEFR Level C1
They will help you to achieve your ambitions to: work abroad work with international organisations in your own country study business-related subjects taught in English. They show that you can use English confidently in international business environments.
http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/images/business-english-certificates-handbook-for-teachers.pdf
Cambridge English Financial
Cambridge English: Financial
Progress your career in international finance Cambridge English: Financial, also known as International Certificate in Financial
English (ICFE), will help you show that you have the right language skills required for a successful career in international accountancy and finance. It is a high-level qualification.
Take the exam You can take Cambridge English: Financial at over 250 centres worldwide. Why take the exam? People who want to use English to improve their employment and career
opportunities
http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/teaching-english/resources-for-teachers/
Cambridge English Legal
Cambridge English: Legal
Advance your international career in law
Cambridge English: Legal, also known as International Legal English Certificate (ILEC), will help you show you have the language skills for a successful career in international law. It is a high-level qualification.
Cambridge English and TransLegal Cambridge English: Legal has been created especially for lawyers by Cambridge English
Language Assessment and TransLegal – Europe’s leading firm of lawyer-linguists. Find out more about TransLegal Take the exam You can take Cambridge English: Legal at over 300 centres worldwide. Find a centre near you
and register to take your exam. Why take the exam? People all over the world prove they can use English in professional legal situations with
Cambridge English: Legal. http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/teaching-english/resources-for-teachers/
Cambridge English Scale
Preparation and practice materials
Materials to buyA huge range of course books, practice tests and learning resources are produced by independent publishers in the UK and overseas to help you prepare for examinations
Free materialshelp you to get started and which you can download
Sample papers/ Computer- based free samples allow you to see what a full PB/CB test will be like and show the types of questions that will appear in the live exam.
Information for candidates is
a handy guide to the exam, with an overview of what’s involved and examples of papers.
Online Practice Tests will help improve your speaking skills, knowledge and exam technique and that will make you feel more confident when you take your exam.
Official Top Tips
for revision guide with interactive CD-ROM
www.cambridgeenglish.org
www.ielts.org
Additional Information
www.Cambridgeenglish.org www.ielts.org
Kaarin Truus/Sirle Kivihall/Kerli Haas
Tallinna Ülikooli Keelekeskus
Narva mnt 29 Ruum S 409
10120 Tallinn 6 409 300/360
www.tlu.ee/keelekeskus
www.tlu.ee/ielts
www.tlu.ee/cmbridgeenglishl
Photos from the Opening of the Centre
Young Learners : Starters, Movers, Flyers
TLU Examination Centre -3yrs
Award Ceremony 02.09.14