Macmillan Exams Brochure

English Language Exams

Explanation and preparation

www.macmillanenglish.com

WHY TAKE ENGLISH LANGUAGE EXAMS?

The reasons behind taking an exam will obviously affect the enthusiasm and performance of students preparing for an exam. Here are the main reasons students prepare for English language exams.

Personal DevelopmentWith so much work going into learning English it is a great record of personal achievement.

Professional Development Solid proof of English proficiency is often required for many jobs and may give students an advantage over others in the employment market and give them access to higher paid jobs.

International Recognition Many exams are recognised worldwide. Wherever in the world, success in an exam can immediately be understood elsewhere.

MotivationLearning and proficiency can often be encouraged by having something to work for. Without the end goal of an exam the breadth and variety of skills and language may not be otherwise be achieved.

Obligation In many schools and universities it is compulsory to take an English Language Exam.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE EXAMS

This booklet will explain some of the most internationallyaccepted English language exams, who they best suit, whenand how to take them and how to prepare.

TYPES OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE EXAM

GENERAL ENGLISH

ACADEMIC ENGLISH

BUSINESS ENGLISH

CONTENTS

KET page 3

PET page 4

FCE page 5

CAE page 7

CPE page 9

IELTS page 10

TOEIC page 11

TOEFL page 12

BEC page 13

LCCI page 14

Quick Reference grid page 15

Full Name: Key English Test(for Schools version available for YL)Exam Board: Cambridge ESOLBritish EnglishCEF Level: A2

Find your nearest centre at: www.CambridgeESOL.org/nextstep

Preparation for

KET

This is a low level test of English that often acts as the first step in English Language qualifications. It covers input for a range of everyday situations which require basic and predictable use of language.

MARKINGThe final score is an aggregate of all three papers Where: Recognised Camb ESOL testing centre

When: Monthly (paper-based exam not available Jan, April, July, Aug, Sept, Nov)How: Paper or computer-basedMore info: www.cambridgeESOL.org

PREPARATION

KET Testbuilder TESTS THAT TEACH

EXAM STRUCTURE

Paper 1 Reading/ Writing 1hr 10 mins

Parts 1-5 Reading skills tested with a range of texts

Parts 6-9 Basic Writing Skills tested

Paper 2 Listening 30 mins

5 parts with a variety of listening pieces

Paper 3 Speaking 8-10 mins per candidate

Part 1 Students interact with examiner

Part 2 Students interact with each other

Pass with Merit – approx. 85% Pass – approx. 70% Narrow fail – within 5% of passing

Four complete practice testsGuided analysis of answer keyFocus on common problem areas

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For more information on the preparation materials visit www.macmillanenglish.com

Full Name: Preliminary English Test(For Skills version also available) Exam Board: Cambridge ESOLBritish EnglishCEF Level: B1


Preparation for

PET

The PET exam assesses all four skills needed in real life situations and reflects the student’slanguage proficiency in terms of their overall communicativeability. At this level entrants should be able to understand opinions, attitudes, moods and wishes not only facts.

MARKINGFinal score is a total of all four papers. Each paper holds an equal weight.

Where: Recognised Camb ESOL testing centreWhen: Monthly (paper-based exam not available Jan, April, July, Aug, Sept)How: Paper or computer-basedMore info: www.cambridgeESOL.org

PREPARATION

Ready for PETIn-depth exam training for students preparing for PET

EXAM STRUCTURE

Paper 1 Reading/ Writing 1hr 30 mins

Parts 1-5 Variety of reading tasks presented

Parts 6-8 Range of writing skills tested

Paper 2 Listening 30 mins 4 parts ranging from short exchanges to longer mono/dialogues

Paper 3 Speaking 10 -12 mins per candidate

Part 1 Interaction with examine

Part 2 Interaction with other candidates

Part 3 Extended individual speaking

Pass with Merit – 85-100Pass – 70 – 84

LaserA preparation course for teenage students – ideal for PET

PET Testbuilder Four complete practice tests with a guided analysis of answer key and a focus on common problem areas

Macmillan Practice Online – PET Web-based exercises to practise the skills and topic areas needed by PET students www.macmillanpracticeonline.com

Check your Vocabulary for PET Activities to help build, improve and revise vocabulary for the PET exam

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CODEA preparation course for teenage students – ideal for PET

Full name: First Certificate in EnglishExam Board: CambridgeESOLBritish EnglishCEF Level: B2


Preparation for

This widely-taken exam again reflects the ability of the candidate to communicate effectively in English. In many countries it is seen as the watershed of English language knowledge and is a requirement for employment. It is also taken in many schools as part of school leaving exams.

EXAM STRUCTURE

Paper 1 Reading 1hour

Part 1 Text + 8 multiple-choice questions

Part 2 Text with 7 sentences removed that must be correctly inserted

Part 3 Long text or several short texts + 15 multiple-matching questions

Paper 2 Writing 1hour 20 mins

Part 1 One compulsory question

Part 2 One task out of five)

Candidates are expected to write texts such as an article, an essay, an email, a report, a review or a short story. The writing may refer to one of the two set texts.

Paper 3Use of English 45 mins

Part 1 Modified cloze test with options

Part 2 Modified open cloze test

Part 3 Selecting the correct word from a provided word stem

Part 4 8 sentence creation questions

Paper 4 Listening approx. 40 mins

Part 1 8 shorts extracts with a multiple-choice question for each one

Part 2 Sentence completion task with 10 questions

Part 3 5 short, related monologues with five multiple-matching questions

Part 4 Monologue or text involving interacting speakers with 7 multiple-choice

Paper 5 Speaking 14mins

Part 1 Conversation between candidate and examiner

Part 2 Individual ‘long turn’ for each candidate with brief response from 2nd candidate (visual and written stimuli, with spoken instruction)

Part 3 Two-way conversation between candidates

Part 4 A discussion on topics related to part 3

FCE

2010 Set Texts

Michael Crichton: Jurassic ParkAvailable from Macmillan, for more inforrmationvisit www.macmillanenglish.com/readers

Wilkie Collins: The Woman in White For more information on the preparation materials visit www.macmillanenglish.com

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MARKING

CODE A course for younger students preparing for the FCE exam and school leaving exams. It is fresh, engaging and introduces students with confidence to the exams.

PREPARATION

FCE

Results are given as A, B, or C for a pass and D or E for a fail.These grades are set according to statistics of candidature, success rates, examiner advice/recommendations, comparison with previous year’

Where: Recognised Camb ESOL testing centreWhen: Paper-based – March, May, June(twice), December (twice). Computer-based – February, April, July, August, NovemberHow: Paper or computer-basedMore info: www.cambridgeESOL.org

The final score is based on the total score for all fivepapers. In order to pass the examination not all five papers need to be at a satisfactory level.

All papers are equally weighted and the total number of scores comes to 200

Laser A preparation course for teenage students – ideal for bridging the gap between PET and FCE and easing students with confidence into the FCE and school leaving exams

Ready for FCE In-depth exam training to build the confidence and skills of students preparing for FCE – Key exam focus areas and coverage of relevant topics.

FCE Testbuilder Four complete practice tests with a guided analysis of answer key and a focus on common problem areas

Check your Vocabulary for FCEActivities to help build, improve and revise vocabulary for the FCE exam.

FCE Language PracticeReliable and detailed approach to the grammar and vocabulary that is covered in the exam.

Macmillan Practice Online – FCE Online practice tests for the FCE exam www.macmillanpracticeonline.com

Ideal for short courses or self-study

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Preparation for

Full Name: Certificate in Advanced EnglishExam Board: Cambridge ESOLBritish EnglishCEF Level: C1

This exam goes further in testing English language proficiency by reflecting candidates’ ease in their use of structure, register, fluency and their understanding of social and cultural linguistic elements.

EXAM STRUCTURE

Paper 1Reading 1hour 15mins

Part 1 3 texts on a similar theme, each has 2 multiple-choice questions

Part 2 Text with 6 paragraphs removed that must be correctly inserted in the correct order

Part 3 text followed by 7 multiple-choice questions

Part 4 Long text or several short texts + 15 multiple-matching questions

Paper 2 Writing 1hour 30mins


Part 2 One task out of five (including one on the set texts)

Candidates are expected to write texts such as an article, an essay, a letter, information sheets, a proposal, a report, a review, or a competition entry. Evaluation, hypothesis, persuasion, justification and expression of opinion are expected.

Paper 3 Use of English 1 hour

Part 1 Modified cloze test with 12 gaps and 12 options

Part 2 Modified open cloze test with 15 gaps

Part 3 Selecting the correct word from a provided word stem to fit into a text

Part 4 5 questions, each with 3 discrete questions with one gap. These sentences must be completed with one word appropriate to each of the 3 questions

Part 5 8 questions, gapped sentences with give ‘key word’

Paper 4 Listening approx. 40 mins

Part 1 3 short extracts with 2 multiple-choice question for each one

Part 2 Sentence completion task with 8 questions

Part 3 A text involving interacting speakers with six multiple-choice questions

Part 4 5 short, related monologues with 10 multiple-matching questions

Paper 5 Speaking 15mins

Part 1 Conversation between candidate and examiner

Part 2 Individual ‘long turn’ for each candidate with brief response from 2nd candidate (visual and written stimuli, with spoken instruction)

Part 3 Two-way conversation between candidates

Part 4 A discussion on topics related to Part 3

CAE

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PREPARATION

MARKING

Ready for CAE In-depth exam training to build the confidence and skills of students pre-paring for CAE Key exam focus areas and coverage of relevant topics.

CAEThe final score is based on the total score for all five papers. In order to pass the examination not all five papers need to be at a satisfactory level.



Where: Recognised Camb ESOL testing centreWhen: Paper-based – March, May, June, November, December (twice) Computer-based – March, April, July, September, October, How: Paper or computer-basedMore info: www.cambridgeESOL.org

2010 Set Texts Donna Leon: Through a Glass, Darkly

John Steinbeck: Of Mice and Men Available from Macmillan, for more inforrmation visit www.macmillanenglish.com/readers


CAE TestbuilderFour complete practice tests with a guided analysis of the answer key and a focus on common problem areas

Macmillan Practice Online – CAE Web-based exercises to practise the skills and topic areas needed by CAE studentswww.macmillanpracticeonline.com

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Preparation for

Full Name: Certificate of Proficiency in EnglishExam Board: Cambridge ESOLBritish EnglishCEF Level: C2

CPE is the highest level of Cambridge ESOL exam. Its high standard recognises an extremely advanced grasp of English.


Where: Recognised Camb ESOL testing centreWhen: Paper-based – March, May, June, December (twice)How: Paper-basedMore info: www.cambridgeESOL.org

New Proficiency TestbuilderFour complete practice tests with a guided analysis of answer keyand a focus on common problem areas

EXAM STRUCTURE

Paper 1 Reading 1hour 30mins

Four parts 40 questions

Paper 2Writing 2 hours


Part 2 One question out of a choice of four

Candidates are expected to write texts such as an article, an essay, an email, a report, a review or a short story. The writing may refer to one of the two set texts.

Paper 3Use of English 1 hour 30mins

Five parts 44 questions

Paper 4Listening 40 mins

Four parts 28 questions

Paper 5 Speaking 19 mins per pair of candidates

3 parts

Macmillan Practice Online – CPE Web-based exercises topractise the skills and topic areas needed by CPE students www.macmillanpracticeonline.com

CPE

MARKING


PREPARATION

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Preparation for

Full Name: International EnglishLanguage Testing SystemExam Board: Cambridge ESOLInternational EnglishCEF Level: n/a

For more information about the exam please visit www.ielts.org

Where: Recognised Cambridge ESOL testing centreWhen: Paper-based – March, May, June, December (twice)How: Paper or computer-basedMore info: www.cambridgeESOL.org

EXAM STRUCTURE

The Reading Module (60 mins) three passages, 40 questions..

The Writing Module (60 mins) Part 1 a factual description of data (150 words).

part 2 an essay in response to a given opinion or problem (250 words).

The Listening Module (40 mins) Parts 1 and 2 general listening situations

Parts 3 and 4 academic situations, normally including a lecture.

The Speaking Module (11-15 mins) 3 parts. It covers personal life, given topics and more abstract questions.

MARKING Band scores are awarded between 1 and 9.

IELTSThe exam is taken worldwide and many universities have now made it a requirement that foreign students should have a specific level before entering study. This is normally placed between bands 6 – 7.5

PREPARATION

Ready for IELTS In-depth exam training for the IELTS exam

Tips for IELTS Packed full of allthe information you need to know about the IELTS exam

Improve Your IELTS Skills SeriesThis series may be used together as a complete course, individually to supplement other

IELTS Foundation/GraduationA two level course, with accompanying study skills books.IELTS bands 4 - 7-7.5

IELTS TestbuilderFour complete practice tests in each level

Check your Vocabulary for FCEActivities to help build, improve and revise vocabulary for the FCE exam.

coursebooks or as self-study guides.

Macmillan Practice Online – Academic English with IELTS Web-based exercises to practise the skills and topic areas needed by IELTS students www.macmillanpracticeonline.com

TOEIC®

Full Name: Test of English for International CommunicationExam Board: ETSAmerican EnglishCEF Level: covers a range of levels

MARKINGThe TOEIC gives a score between 10 and 990:

EXAM STRUCTURE

Listening and Reading paper 7 parts – 2.5 hours

Section I Listening (Photos, Question/Response, Short Conversation, Short Talks– 100 questions

Section II Reading (Incomplete Sentences, Error recognition, reading comprehension) – 100 questions

Speaking Test 20 mins

11 questions Read a text aloud, describe a picture, respond to questions, propose a solution, provide and opinion

Writing Test 60 mins

8 questions Write a sentence based on a picture, respond to a written request, write an opinion essay

Used by companies and institutions to determine a potential employee’s English proficiency. It is based on real-life interna-tional scenarios. The new TOEIC® Speaking and Writing Tests have been added to the TOEIC English-language learning product line to test the full range of skills.

Where: ETS Recognised testing centreHow: Paper-basedMore Info: www.ets.org

Check your Vocabularyfor TOEIC ®

Activities to help build, improve and revise vocabulary for the TOEIC® exam

Macmillan Practice Online – TOEIC ® Web-based exercises to practise the skills and topic areas neededby TOEIC® students www.macmillanpracticeonline.com

PREPARATION

11For more information on the preparation materials visit www.macmillanenglish.com

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PREPARATION

Full Name: Test of English as a Foreign LanguageExam Board: ETSAmerican EnglishCEF Level: Covers a range of levels

Widely used by universities in the US and across the globe as an indicator of English proficiency and is required as a score for admission. Increas-ingly used by government agencies, scholarship programs and licensing/certification agencies.

TheTOEFL iBT gives a score between 0-120 The TOEFL CBT gives a score between 0-300 The TOEFL PBT gives a score between 200 - 677

EXAM STRUCTURE TOEFL ® iBT (internet)

Reading (60-100mins) 3-5 passages from academic texts, 12-14 questions per text

Listening (60-90mins)

4-6 lectures and class discussion each 3-5mins long, 6 questions on each

2-3 conversations each 3mins long, 5 questions on each.

Speaking (20mins) 2 tasks to express opinion

4 tasks to speak on what is read and listened to

Writing (50mins) 1 task to write based on what is read and listened to.

1 task to support an opinion on a topic

EXAM STRUCTURE TOEFL ® Paper-based test

Listening Comprehension (30-40mins) 50 questionsStructure and Written Expression (25mins) 40 questionsReading Comprehension (55mins) 50 questionsWriting (30mins) 1topic question.

Check your Vocabulary for TOEFL ®

Activities to help build, improve and revise vocabulary for the TOEFL exam

MARKING

Where: ETS Recognised testing centreHow: Paper-based, computer-based or internet basedMore Info: www.ets.org

The Heineman TOEFL ® Preparation CourseA principle preparation course, a supplement to a general English course or as a self-study guide

Macmillan Practice Online – TOEFL ®

Web-based exercises to practise the skills and topic areas needed by TOEFL® students www.macmillanpracticeonline.com

TOEFL®


Full Name: Business English CertificateExam Board: Cambridge ESOLInternational EnglishCEF Level: BEC Preliminary – B1 BEC Vantage – B2 BEC Higher – C1


Preparation for

BECThe BEC exam has three examination levels and is one of the most common English language exams that focuses on the area of business. It is recognised by employers and institutions across the globe.

MARKINGEach level totals 120 marks after weighting and scores are given as either A, B, or C grades for a pass and D, or E for a fail.

EXAM STRUCTURE

BEC Preliminary

Test of Reading andWriting 1hour 30mins

Reading – 7parts including 3-option multiple choice, matching, right/wrong/doesn’t say, form-filling/note-completion exercisesWriting – 2 parts – covering internal communication ( 30-40 words)andbusiness correspondence (60-80 words)

Test of Listening 40mins 4 parts including 3-option multiple choice, gap-filling and note-taking exercises.Test of Speaking 12mins 3 parts covering conversation between interlocutor and candidate,

mini-presentation, collaborative task between candidates

BEC Testbuilders Four complete practice tests with a guided analysis of answers and a focus on common problem areasSee also www.businessenglishonline.net

Where: Cambridge ESOL recognised test centreHow: Paper-based or Computer-basedMore Info: www.cambridgeESOL.org

PREPARATION

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BEC Vantage Test of Reading (1 hour) 5 parts covering matching, 4-option multiple choice, multiple choice cloze and proof-reading

Test of Writing (45 mins) 2 parts – writing a message, memo or email (40-50 words) and writing business correspondence, a short report or a proposal (120-140 words)

Test of Listening 40mins) 3 parts, gap-filling, multiple matching, multiple choiceTest of Speaking 14 mins 3 parts covering conversation between interlocutor and candidate,


BEC Higher Test of Reading (1hour) 6 parts – matching, 4-option multiple choice, 4-option multiple choice cloze, open cloze, proof-reading

Test of Writing (1hour 10mins)

2 parts – a short report ( 120 – 140 words) and a report, a proposal or a piece of business correspondence (200-250 words)

Test of Listening 40mins 3 parts – gap-filling, multiple-matching, 3-option multiple choiceTest of Speaking 16mins 3 parts covering conversation between interlocutor and candidate,


Full Name: London Chamber of Commerceand Industry – English for Business ExamExam Board: London Chamber of Commerce and IndustryBritish EnglishCEF Level: n/a

PREPARATION

LCCI (EFB)Available at 5 levels (Preliminary and Levels 1-4) this reading and writing based test examines English in a practical and business-related context in those who need English for their professional lives. There are also optional speaking and listening tests available.

MARKING Graded results of either, Fail, Pass, Credit, Distinction

EXAM STRUCTURE

Level 1 Compulsory Reading and Writing (2hours)

4 compulsory questions including compostion of a letter or memo;understanding and responding to a passage of business-related prose; read and think comprehension test, basedon graphic or numerical display; ‘read and write’ reformulation task using data to complete forms or diagrams

Optional Speaking (12 mins) 2 parts: warm up conversation on general topics (eg study, work ambitions); discussion of a topic chosen by the examiner

Optional Listening (30mins) 2 tasks: 10 multiple-choice questions; 20 multiple-choice questions about conversations or announcements.

Level 2 Compulosry Reading and Writing (2 ½ hours)

3 questions including an extended writing task; a letter writing task and a reformulation task

Optional Speaking (13 mins) 2 parts, As above

Optional Listening (25 mins) 2 parts – as above

Level 3 Compulsory Reading and Writing (3 hours)

4 questions: composition of a letter: draft internal report; comprehension task, reformulation task

Optional Speaking (15 mins) As Above

Optional Listening (25 mins) As above

LCCI TestbuildersFour complete practice tests with a guided analysis of answers and a focus on common problem areas

Where: Registered LCCI centresHow: Paper-basedMore info: www.lccieb.com

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EXA

MLEV

ELCO

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TESTBUILD

ERG

RAM

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R and V

OCA

BULA

RYSU

PPLEMEN

TARY

KETElementary

KET TestbuilderElementary Language Practice

Elementary Readers

PETPre-intermediate B1 / ALTE 2

CODE Blue Laser B1Ready for PET

PET TestbuilderIntermediate Language PracticeDestination B1Check Your Vocabulary for PET

Pre-intermediate Readers

Pre-FCEIntermediate B1-B2 / ALTE 2-3

CODE GreenLaser B1+

Intermediate Language PracticeIntermediate Readers

FCEUpper Intermediate B2/ALTE 3

CODE RedLaser B2Ready for FCE

First Certificate TestbuilderFirst Certificate Language PracticeDestination B2Check Your Vocabulary for FCE

Upper Intermediate Readers

CAEAdvanced C1 / ALTE 4

Ready for CAECAE Testbuilder

Advanced Language PracticeDestination C1 & C2

Upper Intermediate Readers

CPEProficiencyC2 / ALTE 5

New Proficiency PasskeyNew Proficiency Testbuilder

Destination C1 & C2Upper Intermediate ReadersMacmillan Literature Collections

IELTSIELTS FoundationIELTS GraduationReady for IELTSImprove your IELTS Skills series

IELTS Testbuilder 1IELTS Testbuilder 2

Check Your Vocabulary for IELTSTips for IELTSPalgrave Study Skills www.palgravestudyguides.com

TOEIC®

Check Your Vocabulary for TOEIC®

TOEFL®

The Heineman TOEFL ® Preparation Course

Check Your Vocabulary for TOEFL ®

BECIntermediate to Advanced Preliminary B1Vantage B2Higher C1

BEC Preliminary TestbuilderBEC Vantage TestbuilderBEC Higher Testbuilder

Business Grammar BuilderBusiness Vocabulary Builder

Business English Handbook

LCCILCCI Testbuilder Level 1LCCI Testbuilder Level 2LCCI Testbuilder Level 3

Documents

Macmillan Exams Brochure