The Cambridge BEC Exam

General Introduction The Cambridge Business English Certificate (B

EC) is an international Business English examination which offers a language qualification for learners who use, or will need to use English for their work.

It was introduced by University Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate(UCLES) in Europe in 1998 with a revised version introduced in 2002.

General Introduction (II)

It is a practical examination that focuses on English in business-related situations. The major emphasis is on the development of language skills for work: reading, writing, listening and speaking.

It is available at three levels1. Cambridge BEC Preliminary

2. Cambridge BEC Vantage

3. Cambridge BEC Higher

Different Parts of the Exam: BEC Preliminary Level (I)

Test Lenght Contents Reading &Writing 90 minutes Reading: 7 Parts Writing: 2 Parts (e-mail, memo or note, formal letter)

BEC Preliminary Level (II)

Test Lenght Contents

Listening 40 mins 4 Parts

Approx. 12 mins of listening material played

twice plus time to transfer answers

BEC Preliminary Level (III)

Test Lenght Contents

Speaking 12 mins 3 parts

personal information;

short talk;

collaborative task;

2 examiners and 2 or 3 candidates

BEC Vantage Level (I)

Test Lenght Contents

Reading &

Writing 60 mins 5 Parts

45 mins 2 Parts

(e-mail, memo or note, formal letter)

BEC Vantage Level (II)

Test Lenght Contents

Listening 40 mins 3 Parts

Approx. 12 mins of listening material played twice plus time to transfer answers

BEC Vantage Level (III)

Test Lenght Contents

Speaking 14 mins 3 parts

personal information

short talk

collaborative task

2 examiners and 2 or 3 candidates

BEC Higher Level (I)Test Lenght Contents

Reading &

Writing 60 mins 6 Parts

70 mins 2 Parts

short description of a graph

formal letter

short report or proposal

BEC Higher Level (II)

Test Lenght Contents

Listening 40 mins 3 Parts

Approx. 12 mins of listening material played twice plus time to transfer answers

BEC Higher Level (III)

Test Lenght Contents

Speaking 16 mins 3 parts

personal information

short talk

collaborative task

2 examiners and 2 or 3 candidates

The statement of results All Cambridge (BEC) Preliminary candidates

receive a statement of results showing their overall grade (Pass with Merit, Pass, Narrow Fail or Fail) and their performance in each of the four papers.

An extract from a sample statement

Exceptional

Reading

Good Speaking

Listening

Borderline Writing

Weak

Cambridge BEC Preliminary Exam Practice: ReadingQuestions 1-5 Read the memo and the information about

office laser printers. Complete the form below. Write each word, phrase or number in

CAPITAL LETTERS.

A Memo: Close & SonsTo: Tim Nicholls

From: Rachel West Date: 10 Dec, 2001

New Color Laser Printer

We’ll have to order the new printer today or it won’t be delivered before Christmas. Could you look at these 3 printers and choose one? We need a printer that is fast but not the most expensive. Could you place the order for me this morning and leave me a copy of the order form?

Thanks

Table of Categories: 560 Pro Tek 200 Pro-jet

Width 50cm 40cm 62cm

Depth 53cm 50cm 49cm

Height 40cm 33cm 37cm

Memory 12MB 24MB 20MB

Price $2995 $3495 $3900

Suggested Answer ORDER FORMCompany name: (1) CLOSE & SONS

Contact person: (2) TIM NICHOLLS

Date of order: (3) 10 DEC 1998

Product: (4) TEK 200

Price: (5) $3495

Exam Practice: Writing You are visiting a trade fair in Barcelona wit

h your boss. You have seen this hotel in a brochure.

Hotel Gaudi The Gaudi is situated in the heart of Barcelona city centr

e with its exciting nightlife. The hotel has 120 rooms including 42 business rooms specifically designed for the business travelers and fully-equipped with communication facilities.

The hotel enjoys direct bus and train connections to the airport (35mins)and exhibition centre (25mins). Other facilities include express check-in and check-out, 24 hour room service, two bars, restaurant, fitness room and full business centre.

What you need to do Write a memo to your boss:1. Mentioning the hotel in the brochure2. Describing some of the facilities listed3. Saying why you think you both should

stay there4. Asking him which dates you should book. Write 60-80 words

Suggested Answer I think I have found a suitable hotel for the Tr

ade Fair in Barcelona. It’s called the Hotel Gaudi and it has special business travelers rooms with communication facilities. Moreover it is in a good location, in the city centre but only 35 mins from the airport and 25 mins from the exhibition centre.

If you agree, I think I should book rooms as soon as possible. Could you confirm the dates please?

Exam Practice: Speaking

The Cambridge BEC Speaking Test always takes place with two or three candidates and two examiners.

Two Examiners:

During the Speaking Test:

One examiner (the interlocutor) will ask questions and give instructions.

The second examiner (the assessor) in the Speaking Test does not speak to the candidates but is also there to assess your English.

The 1st Part: Personal information

1.After introducing him/herself, the examiner will check that the information on the entry form is correct.

2.He/she will then ask both candidates a few general questions.

Such as: family transport free time

The 2nd Part: Short Talk

The examiner will ask each candidate to talk about a given topic. Look at the following topic.

What is important when...?

Choosing which airline to fly with Price Safety record Customer service

The 3rd Part: Collaborative Task The examiner will ask you and the other candidate

to discuss a situation and try to reach a decision. Choosing a hotel Price Location, near city centre Business facilities Food

How to Succeed

Interactive Communication Listen carefully to all instructions and

respond appropriately. Ask the examiner to repeat any instructions

you are not sure about. Give full answers, not just one or two words. Work together with the other candidate to

complete the task in Part two.

How to Succeed

Organization of Ideas:

Show that you can organize your ideas. They can be organized in many ways, such as:

Sequence (first of all, then, after that etc) Importance (I think the most important thing

is...) Contrast (but, although etc)

How to Succeed Grammar & Vocabulary Do not try to use complicated words and

structures. It is better to use simple words well than

difficult ones badly.

How to Succeed Pronunciation Speak clearly and at a natural speed. Relax and think before you speak. It is better to pause before a sentence than in

the middle of it.