Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)

segunda-feira, 17 de maio de 2010

Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)

This internationally recognised framework describes language ability on a scale of levels which ranges from A1 for beginners to C2 for those who have mastered a language. The table below demonstrates the correlation between CEFR, levels taught at British Study Centres and benchmark scores obtained in Cambridge, IELTS, TOEFL and TOEIC exams.

CEFR	Our Level	Cambridge	IELTS	TOEFL Paper/Computer/IBT	TOEIC
Mastery C2		Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)	9.0 8.0 7.0 6.0 5.0 4.0 3.0	677/300/120 600/250/100 550/213/80 500/173/61 450/133/45	900 800 700 600 450
Effective Operational Proficiency C1	Advanced	Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
Vantage B2	Upper-Intermediate	First Certificate in English (FCE)
Threshold B1	Intermediate	Preliminary English Test (PET)
Waystage A2	Pre-Intermediate	Key English Test (KET)
Breakthrough A1	Elementary

Please note: All level comparisons between exams are approximate. Students wishing to study on an exam course need to take a pre-test - please contact individual schools for details.

What is the TOEFL test?

The TOEFL® test is an internationally accepted standard of English that measures the academic English proficiency of a non-native speaker of English.

TOEFL® (TEST OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE™) measures the ability of non-native speakers of English to use and understand English as it is spoken, written and heard in college and university settings. The TOEFL® test has an academic focus. An internationally accepted standard of academic English proficiency, it is a required certification by more than 5000 colleges and universities worldwide.

Who uses the TOEFL test?

Students who want to study further: For non-native speakers who hold degrees or diplomas from post-secondary institutions in English speaking countries

Academic institutions: To determine academic readiness and make admissions decisions for international applicants

Individuals who are applying for professional licensure or certification

Many government, licensing and certification agencies, as well as exchange and scholarship programmes also use TOEFL® scores as a decision-making tool.

Source: http://www.ea.toefl.eu/

What is the FCE (First Certificate Test)?

FCE or First Certificate in English "is an ideal exam for people who want to use English for work or study purposes"*. If these are your purposes, please join me.

I want to share with you all informations about the papers* which are:

Paper 1 - Reading (news, articles, books, label on shampoos...)
Paper 2 - Writing (just do it! :-P)
Paper 3 - Use of English (control of grammar/vocabulary.)
Paper 4 - Listening (Let´s take podcasts, radio anounncements...)
Paper 5 - Speaking (Nothing to say!)

Source:
*First Certificate in English (FCE). (2008, February 11). From:http://www.cambridgeesol.org/

exams/general-english/fce.html

What is the IELTS test?

What is IELTS?
IELTS is the International English Language Testing System which tests English proficiency across the globe. Conducting 1.4 million tests globally, IELTS is the world’s most popular English testing system.

Which organisations accept IELTS?
IELTS is accepted by more than 6000 organisations worldwide. These include universities, immigration departments, government agencies, professional bodies and multinational companies. To search for a recognising institution, use the IELTS Global Recognition System.

Who owns IELTS and who writes the test?
IELTS is jointly owned by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL) and offered through more than 500 locations in over 130 countries. International teams of writers contribute to IELTS test materials. Ongoing research ensures that IELTS remains fair and unbiased. Test writers from different English-speaking countries develop IELTS content so it reflects real-life situations.

Why are there two versions of the test?
IELTS has two versions – Academic and General Training. The Academic test is for those who want to study at a tertiary level in an English-speaking country. The General Training test is for those who want to do work experience or training programs, secondary school or migrate to an English-speaking country. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking tests but different Reading and Writing tests.

Which version should I do?
Read the explanation of the Academic and General Training tests, then contact the organisation or institution to which you are applying to find out what it requires. Note that you must know which version to take when you complete the IELTS Application Form (PDF, 273KB).

What is the test format and how long will it take?
IELTS has four parts – Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes) and Speaking (11–14 minutes). The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Listening, Reading and Writing tests are done in one sitting. The Speaking test may be on the same day or up to seven days before or after the other tests. Find out more and see a test sample.

How do I practice and prepare for my test?

The IELTS Official Practice Materials explains the test format in detail and gives you practice tests and answers. You can order your IELTS Official Practice Materials in one of three ways:

Source: http://www.ielts.org/

ENGLISH TESTS - HOW TO LEARN ENGLISH FOR FCE, IELTS AND TOEFL

segunda-feira, 17 de maio de 2010

Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)

Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)

Posts - Learn English for FCE, TOEFL, IELTS