| Click Here For Info! - www.GoUK.com - GoUK.com Online Store - GoUK.com Blog | |
The English Tests for Young Learners are designed to assess the English of learners between the ages of 7 and 12. The tests aim to sample relevant and meaningful language use, measure ability accurately and fairly, present a positive impression of international tests, and promote and encourage effective learning and teaching. There are three levels: Starters, Movers and Flyers and each level of the test has three components: Reading and Writing, Listening and Speaking. All three are attractively illustrated in full colour.
As the highest level test, Flyers, is roughly equivalent in language level to KET, it can serve as an appropriate bridge to KET, or a step leading to PET, as learners move into adolescence.
Detailed test specifications are contained in the Young Learners English Handbook, which is available from UCLES, and class packs of full-colour sample materials can be purchased from the Publications Unit.
This is a paper and pencil test which lasts between 20 minutes (Starters) and 40 minutes (Flyers). Texts are short and candidates perform simple operations such as selecting and ticking, writing words and phrases in gaps, or answering open-ended questions. Papers are sent to UCLES for marking.
This is also a paper and pencil test which lasts between 20 minutes (Starters and Flyers) and 25 minutes (Movers). As with the Reading and Writing paper, texts are based on the language and tasks defined in the specifications. Candidates listen to short recorded dialogues involving both child and adult speakers, and perform simple operations such as drawing lines, selecting, matching and colouring. Papers are sent to UCLES for marking.
This is a face-to-face test, which lasts between 5 (Starters) and 9 (Flyers) minutes, with suitably qualified, experienced and trained Examiners. Children perform tasks which are illustration-based in response to prompts from the examiner and give simple information about themselves.
There is no pass or fail. Every candidate who attempts all three components will receive an Award which shows a number of badges (Cambridge crests) out of five for each component. For example, a candidate may obtain three badges for Reading and Writing, four badges for Listening and five badges for Speaking. The minimum Award for children who have attempted all three components is an Award with one badge for each component
Marking is completed at UCLES within two weeks of receiving the children’s completed question papers. So children should receive their Awards within one month of taking their test, allowing for despatch time.
There are no fixed dates for these tests. Test centres schedule their administrations in accordance with local requirements and conditions. Administrations may be held on the candidates’ school premises if appropriate. Individual centres should be contacted directly concerning test arrangements.
The tests were introduced in late 1996 on a pilot basis. All three tests have been available since mid-1997, and there are now Centres in 60 countries.
EFL Division (YL)
University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate
1 Hills Road
Cambridge
CB1 2EU
Tel: 01223 553997
Email esolhelpdesk@ucles.org.uk
See the UCLES website for more information