International exams in English. Cambridge Group International Exams

Testing system The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) was created to set a standard for determining the level of English language proficiency of those intending to study or work in English-speaking countries.
This system replaced the English Language Testing System (ELTS) in 1990. In 1995, the IELTS tests were revised and updated.

IELTS is administered by the University of Cambridge in England - Cambridge ESOL, the British Council and IELTS Australia: IDP Education Australia.

Taking IELTS required for admission to many UK, Australian, New Zealand and Canadian universities, as well as for participation in many secondary and professional educational programs and trainings.
IELTS is not recommended for those under 16 years of age.

What is included in IELTS?

All candidates for this exam must pass the Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking tests. Listening and Speaking tasks are the same for everyone. Reading and Writing tasks can be selected depending on the goals you set for yourself when taking IELTS. You can choose the Academic option - if you intend to study at an English-speaking university or graduate school, or General Training - if you are going to go to an English-speaking country to complete secondary education, work or take any courses, and also if you are planning to immigrate.

Reading– 60 minutes
As already mentioned, when taking the Reading test, you need to choose tasks from the academic (Academic) or general (General Training) direction. The academic version of the test includes texts that may be interesting and acceptable for those who are planning to study at English-language universities or graduate school. The texts of the General Training Reading option are texts of a more general topic; they cover various situations of everyday life and social issues.
Both versions of the test consist of three sections, with a total of 40 tasks. Among them are such as choosing the appropriate answer option, filling in gaps in the text, finding the necessary information for short answers, determining the mood and views of the author.

Writing– 60 minutes
Before you begin completing the tasks of this test, you also need to select one of the options - Academic or General Training Writing. The academic version of the test requires the writing of short essays or general reports addressed to teachers or an educated, but not professionally specialized, audience. General option assignments include writing personal, semi-formal, and formal letters, or an essay on a given topic, as a class assignment.

Both test options include two required tasks. The first task requires writing a text of at least 150 words, the second - 250 words. The first assignment of the academic option will require you to provide a written interpretation of a chart, table, or other similar data. To complete the first task of the general version, you need to write a letter to resolve a specific issue. In the second task, a controversial point of view, someone’s opinion, or a problem is presented, about which you need to express yourself in writing, starting from specific facts, proposing your solution, giving reasons for it and developing your ideas regarding the proposed topic.

Listening– about 30 minutes
Listening is a test of listening comprehension of English speech at a general level. The test includes four parts. The tasks of the first two parts are based on various situations of everyday life, the second two parts are more related to educational tasks. Among the texts offered for listening, there are both monologues and dialogues between two or three people. Audio recordings are only allowed to be listened to once.

The 40 test tasks include selecting the appropriate answer, briefly answering questions, filling in gaps in a text, table or diagram, dividing words or sentences into groups, writing down missing information, etc.

Speaking– 11-14 minutes
The test takes the form of an oral interview between the examiner and the examinee and consists of three parts. Tasks of different parts require different communication options between interlocutors, different formulations of tasks and, accordingly, different ways of completing them.

In the first part, you need to answer general questions about yourself, your family, study/work, hobbies, etc. This will take 4-5 minutes.

In the second part, the candidate for the exam is offered verbal material (photography, picture, graph, etc.) and given the task to speak on a certain topic. One minute is allotted for preparation, 2-3 minutes for speech. The examiner then asks one or two questions about this topic.

In the third part, the examiner and the examinee engage in a discussion about more abstract topics that are related to the issues covered in the second part of the test. The discussion lasts 4-5 minutes.

Before taking the IELTS exam

Most people who want to take IELTS take special preparation courses, which can last from 8 to 24 weeks. Taking such courses is not necessary, but it can help you understand the specifics of passing the exam and prepare for tasks that at first glance may seem difficult, but are not difficult for a person familiar with this form of work.

If you would like to try the exam, and if you are currently studying English, talk to your teacher about IELTS preparation. If you are not currently studying English, you can get advice from your local authorized Cambridge ESOL exam centre.

Study guides and practice materials for IELTS preparation are available from publishers, a list of which can be found from UCLES or from the UCLES website www.cambridgeesol.org/support/publishers_list/index.cfm.

Here are some of them:
Bloomsbury Reference (including Peter Collin Publishing) – www.bloomsbury.com/easierenglish
Cambridge University Press – publishing.cambridge.org/ge/elt/exams/ielts/
Express Publishing – www.expresspublishing.co.uk/showclass.php3
Longman – www.longman.com/exams/IELTS/index.html
Oxford University Press – www.oup.com/elt/global/catalogue/exams/

In order to prepare in the best possible way, you need to use a variety of materials. Thus, some teaching aids will have to be supplemented by others. Care must be taken in selecting study guides and support materials to ensure they meet the requirements and content of the IELTS exam.

UCLES does not undertake to provide advice on the choice of a particular textbook or training course.

Examples of IELTS tests

Options for exams that have already been administered can be used in the preparation process. These are available from your local UCLES office.

Written answers from the exam can also be taken from the UCLES office or on the website of this organization. However, we do not recommend focusing primarily on practicing similar tests during your preparation, as this alone will not improve your English proficiency.

You can see examples of IELTS tests on the official website.

Assessment of tests and issuance of results

IELTS has a scoring system that determines the level of language proficiency demonstrated during testing. It is impossible to “fail” this exam; When taking a test, you need to set the goal not to “pass” the exam, but to show the highest possible level of language knowledge.

The ranges of scores for each of the four sections, as well as the overall percentage of scores, are systematized into nine groups, the so-called “Bands”. They are marked on the assessment sheet - “Test Report Form”. The assessment is accompanied by a brief description of the level of language proficiency.

The level demonstrated during testing and reflected on the evaluation sheet is considered to be valid for two years. It is assumed that over a longer period of time the level of foreign language proficiency may change noticeably.

Results are reported within two weeks of testing.

Characteristics of different levels of language proficiency according to the IELTS system

9 EXPERT USER Speaks the language perfectly, competently, consciously and easily uses the necessary language structures in appropriate situations.
8 VERY GOOD USER He speaks the language perfectly, making only some inaccuracies and mistakes from time to time. Misunderstandings can only arise in unfamiliar situations. In a discussion he can convincingly and weightily argue his point of view using complex language structures.
7 GOOD USER He speaks the language well, although from time to time he makes mistakes and in some situations shows misunderstandings. In general, can handle complex language structures and understand extended reasoning.
6 COMPETENT USER Basically, he speaks the language well, despite some errors, inaccuracies and misunderstandings. Understands and uses fairly complex language structures, especially in familiar situations.
5 MODEST USER He speaks a little language, grasps the basic necessary information in most situations, although he makes many mistakes. Can use English knowledge to a limited extent in their field of work.
4 LIMITED USER Language use is limited to familiar situations. Often has difficulty understanding and expressing his own thoughts. Unable to use complex language structures.
3 EXTREMELY LIMITED USER Captures only the most general information and expresses his thoughts only in the most general terms and only in familiar situations. Often appears unable to communicate in English.
2 INTERMITTENT USER Uses only single words or short phrases in familiar situations. Normal communication is impossible except for the exchange of the simplest and most basic information. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
1 NON USER Cannot use language except perhaps a few isolated words.
0 DID NOT ATTEMPT THE TEST There is no data to evaluate the candidate's knowledge.

Where to take IELTS

International English language exams Every year they become more and more popular. This is due to the fact that the number of people wishing to receive education or work abroad, and without the appropriate certificate this is not always possible. The problem is that there are a lot of international exams. The most common of them are TOEFL, IELTS, FCE, CAE, but this is not a complete list. In order to choose the right exam, you need to answer several questions:

Why do you need to take international English language exams?

Without deciding on the purpose of obtaining a certificate, you will not be able to choose the appropriate exam. So, what are they usually rented for? international exams? As usual - to study or work abroad, to immigrate, or to get a job in one’s homeland (often in an international or foreign company). If you need a certificate to work in your home country, then any exam that will reflect your level of language proficiency will do. Here it is enough to ask the employer what kind of certificate he wants to see. If you need a certificate to study or work abroad, then you need to know the answer to the second question:

Which country accepts which certificates?

Unfortunately, not all certificates are accepted in all countries. Let's start with the UK. Here the most common exams that are recognized in all educational institutions are Cambridge exams. Let's take a closer look at them.

Types of Cambridge English exams

Cambridge ESOL exams(English for Speakers of Other Languages) is a group of English language examinations conducted by a division of the Examination Council of the University of Cambridge. The corresponding certificate is issued only in case of successful completion: it is necessary to score at least 60% of correct answers to get a C (passing grade), at least 75% - B and more than 80% - A. The validity of the certificates is unlimited. There are 5 types of Cambridge British English exams:

KET(Key English Test) confirms knowledge of the English language at a basic level (Pre-Intermediate, corresponds to level A2 of the Council of Europe scale);

PET(Preliminary English Test) confirms knowledge of the English language at an intermediate level (Intermediate, level B1 of the Council of Europe scale);

FCE(First Certificate in English) is recommended for those who speak written and spoken English at the Upper Intermediate level (B2 on the Council of Europe scale);

CAE(Certificate in Advanced English) - advanced level certificate, corresponds to level C1 of the Council of Europe scale;

CPE(Certificate of Proficiency in English) - certificate of perfect language proficiency.

All exams consist of five parts: Reading, Writing, Use of English (grammar and vocabulary), Listening and Speaking.

International IELTS exam

Exam IELTS(International English Language Testing System) also tests knowledge of British English and is suitable if you want to work or get an education in the UK, however, its scope is wider. This certificate is also required if you want immigrate to Canada, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, or enter a foreign university.

The IELTS testing methodology is different from the Cambridge exams. IELTS results are assessed on a 9-point scale covering possible levels of English proficiency. This exam exists in two versions: Academic Module (for admission to foreign universities) and General Module (for immigration). For example, to immigrate to New Zealand, you need to score at least 5.0 points, to Canada it is enough to get 6.5 points in all sections except Listening, which requires 7.5 points, to the UK - 7.0 points.

Exams for work in Canada and the USA

Although we said that the IELTS certificate is suitable for education and work in the USA and Canada, it is not recognized everywhere there. Americans have their own system of language tests: TOEFL(Test of English as a Foreign Language), which is the most common test of English language proficiency. Taking the TOEFL is a prerequisite for admission to more than 2,400 colleges and universities in the United States, Canada and several other countries, as well as for participation in many foreign internship programs at institutions where instruction is in English. However, the TOEFL certificate has one drawback - it is only valid for two years.

What other international English language exams are there?

In addition to general language proficiency exams, there are various specialized exams. For example, knowledge of business English can be confirmed by passing the BEC (Business English Certificates) or BULATS (Business Language Testing Service) exam, knowledge of legal English - ILEC (International Legal English Certificate), English in the field of finance and accounting - ICFE (International Certificate in Financial English). Common and international exams for teachers, for example, TKT (Teaching Knowledge Test) - a test of knowledge of methods of teaching English, and TEFL (Teaching English As a Foreign Language).

How to prepare for passing international exams?

In order to hand over international exams in English- You don’t have to go abroad. There are certified centers in many countries, including Ukraine. You can also prepare for passing such exams without traveling abroad: many English courses provide such services. Of course, if desired, such training can also be completed in foreign language schools. Addrian company offers a wide selection where everyone can take a preparation course for passing international exams in the best language schools in Europe and North America.

We wish everyone success in passing their international exams!

There are more than 20 international exams around the world that test knowledge of the English language. Have you decided to get an objective assessment of your knowledge, but don’t know which English exam is best to take? Among the variety of exams, we will help you choose the one that suits your goals.

The day has come when you seriously think about passing the international exam. There are several main reasons why you might need a certificate:

• want to get a new prestigious job;
• dream of moving up the career ladder;
• firmly decided to go abroad for permanent residence;
• intend to enroll in university abroad;
• You need a certificate to get an objective assessment of your English language skills.

More than 15,000 universities, companies and government agencies around the world recognize international exam certificates. When applying for a job, having an international certificate in English is a significant competitive advantage that will help you get a position in one of the large companies: Hewlett-Packard (HP), IBM, Sony, Bosch, DHL, Credit Suisse, Motorola, Siemens AG, American Express, Procter & Gamble, etc.

Tests test examinees' knowledge of the following skills:

• Reading - Reading.
• Listening - Listening.
• Writing - Letter.
• Speaking - Speaking.

In addition, the exams test how well the candidate masters aspects of the language such as Grammar, Vocabulary and Pronunciation.

In recent years, the structure of many exams has undergone changes. Some of them have changed their names, but they are still searched on the Internet under their old names and abbreviations. We decided to collect old and current exam names into a table.

Everyone dreaming of a certificate asks the question: “Which English exam should I take?” And here the choice is very large (the sky is the limit)! To avoid confusion, we have compiled our own infographics of all international English exams (click on the image to enlarge).

They will help you choose an exam depending on your goals.

Exams for studying abroad

How many tempting prospects study abroad opens up for us! Have you already decided where to apply for a master's degree? All that remains is to pass the exam. European countries and the UK most often require a certificate from the University of Cambridge in the list of documents for admission. If you are applying to a university in the US or Canada, you will most likely have to present an American exam certificate. You can read more about choosing an exam in our article “”

In many ways, these exams are similar. They confirm your current level of knowledge and do not imply any passing grades. The question is, will you be satisfied with a certificate that indicates the Pre-Intermediate level? Most likely not, because universities require Upper-Intermediate and higher. TOEFL and IELTS certificates are considered valid for two years after passing. And this is logical. Firstly, the level of language proficiency changes. Secondly, such a certificate helps solve the problem here and now: going to university, getting a job, etc.

There are two types of IELTS exam: General and Academic. To study, you will need Academic. It is more difficult than General: tasks in the writing and reading sections are based on complex texts with thematic vocabulary and advanced grammar. And General will be useful to you for any purposes other than education (immigration, work).

Exams for emigration and self-development

Have you been studying English for a long time and would like to prove that you have a decent level of knowledge? Then we choose an exam among , .

The main advantage is that the certificates from these exams are considered valid for life. But not everyone will get it. Unfortunately, if the examinee fails to achieve a passing score, he will be given a certificate at a lower level. It's simple: if you took the CAE and did not score the required minimum points, you will receive a document with an Upper-Intermediate level. Strict but fair.

Exams for work

Have you been offered an interesting job in an international company? Great news! One thing: you need a certificate that will confirm your high level of English proficiency. Which English exam is best to take for work? Choose: TOEIC, IELTS (General), B2 First (FCE), C1 Advanced (CAE), C2 Proficiency (CPE).

Business English exams

If you need to confirm your knowledge of business vocabulary in English, pay attention to: B1 Business Preliminary (BEC Preliminary) corresponds to the Intermediate level, B2 Business Vantage (BEC Vantage) - Upper-Intermediate, C1 Business Higher (BEC Higher) - Advanced. Want to impress potential employers when applying for a job? Choose BEC. Are you going to study business disciplines in a foreign language? Also BEC. Are you planning to conduct seminars and trainings on business topics yourself? BEC again.

Business English exams comprehensively test students' skills. The BEC series is distinguished by its emotional vocabulary, advanced grammar, long texts and audio recordings, graphics and presentations, and topics from the fields of marketing and management.

English Teacher Exams

Recently, English teachers are increasingly thinking about certificates confirming their qualifications - this is a strong competitive advantage in the labor market. TKT, CELTA or DELTA will suit them.

The TKT (Teaching Knowledge Test) certificate will confirm that its holder is proficient in the methodology and theory of teaching a foreign language. The exam consists of three theoretical modules, each of which can be taken separately.

CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and DELTA (Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) are needed to show that the teacher knows how to apply his knowledge in practice. The CELTA exam is chosen by beginning teachers, while the DELTA exam is chosen by more experienced teachers.

Exams for children

The youngest lovers of the English language have to start somewhere. Which English test is best for a child to take? The University of Cambridge offers three exams for children aged 7-12: Pre A1 Starters (YLE Starters), A1 Movers (YLE Movers), A2 Flyers (YLE Flyers). These are the simplest exams, but they are very important for the child.

A great start for a secondary school student is the A2 Key for Schools (KET for Schools) exam. Key, like other exams, tests knowledge in four skills - listening, speaking, reading and writing. The exam is quite easy, but your child will be very pleased with himself, because not many of his peers can boast of such a confident start in English!

Upon successful passing of the B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET for Schools) exam, the child will receive an Intermediate level certificate, and B2 First for Schools (FCE for Schools) - Upper-Intermediate.

In conclusion, I would like to say that there is definitely an exam for every taste and color. We hope that after reading our article you will know exactly which English test is best to take. Whatever you choose, the main thing is to get to the end, receive the coveted international certificate and prove to yourself that you speak English at a decent level.

If you are faced with the need to pass an international test that will determine your level of English proficiency, then you are planning to move abroad in the near future to continue your studies or find employment. Prestigious universities and employer companies have fairly high requirements for candidates, which also include minimum scores obtained for a particular language test.

Additionally, if you simply want to move to another country, you will also need to pass one of the international exams that will determine your level of English proficiency. Some tests are impossible to fail, you will get at least some score in any case, some are rated “Fail” in the exam evaluation system - not passed.

Of course, it is better to score the maximum number of points. But you need to remember that your result will depend not only on your level of English, but also on your preparation for the exam format. Each of the language tests has its own characteristics; in addition, a certain amount of time is allocated to complete the task, which may not be enough for you if you do not calculate in advance how many minutes you will allocate to which task.

There are a huge number of tests to determine your level of English proficiency. You just need to choose the one that is right for you.

Types of international English exams

All English level tests are designed for those who are learning a foreign language and are not native speakers. Typically, the choice of test will depend on the choice of country in which you want to study or work.

The most popular international exams: , and Cambridge tests.

TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication)

An exam to determine your level of business English proficiency. The TOEIC certificate is valid for two years, so it is better to take the test on the eve of your official employment or admission to a foreign university.

TOEFL or IELTS: which one to choose?

We have already talked about the exam and its American counterpart. We would like to once again draw your attention to the fact that the choice of exam will depend on the country: in the USA and Canada TOEFL results are recognized, in the UK and Australia they give preference to IELTS or Cambridge exams.

The IELTS certificate, like the TOEFL certificate, is valid for 2 years from the date of receipt of the test results. This is where Cambridge University exams differ from IELTS and TOEFL as they do not have a validity period.

Without conscious preparation, it will be difficult to pass the exams. Picked up list of schools in Moscow that will help you prepare for and.
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Cambridge Language Tests

Every year, more than 2 million people take the Cambridge language exams.

There are also special Cambridge exams for children and teenagers: Cambridge Young Learners Exams. They are designed for different ages and language levels: Starters, Movers and Flyers. The main purpose of these tests is to prepare young candidates for future Cambridge adult examinations.

Each exam has its own characteristics, and yet there are some common features among all English language tests:

• Firstly, all of these exams are designed for those learning English as a foreign language
• Secondly, test results are recognized by educational institutions in English-speaking countries and employer companies
• Third After passing the test, you will receive an international certificate
• Fourth x, you can pass each of these exams only at the official test center for taking international tests
• Fifthly, exams test all your language skills: reading, writing, speaking, listening

Which exam should I choose?

There is also a classification that helps simplify the process of choosing the type of international exam. A number of tests test your knowledge of general English, some tests can assess your level of proficiency in academic English, and there are exams to test your level of proficiency exclusively in business English.

General English Exams

We include and among the exams that test proficiency in general English. The Key English Test tests the development of basic language skills. The exam is graded based on the percentage points scored. If you score less than 65%, you will receive a “Fail” grade.

Preliminary English Test is a preparatory exam that is usually taken by those who want to participate in the Work and Travel or Work and Study programs. The test is scored in the same way as the KET. Only if you score 65-69% do you receive a certificate “passed at level A2”.

Professional and Academic English Exams

Business English Exams

We wish you success in preparing for and passing international language exams!

TOEFL was created by specialists from Stanford University in the USA in 1964. Since then, a huge number of people around the world take this particular test every year. Why is he so popular?

When it became clear that many people wanted to study at universities in the US and other English-speaking countries, the question became how to ensure that foreigners could communicate fluently in English while studying?

Institutions want to accept international students, but they also want those students to be successful academically. Thus, they had to test applicants before admission.

English tests

There are several tests that determine the level of language proficiency. Each university chooses the test it trusts most. However, most choose TOEFL - the first letters of Test of English as a Foreign Language or - short for International English Language Testing System.

Most English-medium universities require international students to take one of these tests in order to get a job or be accepted and succeed in school. TOEFL was developed in America, so to pass it successfully you need to know the difference between the American and British versions of the language.

The majority of TOEFL test takers are university students. But some people take TOEFL or IELTS for other reasons: jobs also require an English test. This test is also necessary for those migrating to English-speaking countries. For example, a doctor moving from India to the USA must take the TOEFL, unless of course he wants to work according to his qualifications.

TOEFL standardized

No matter what reasons people have to take the TOEFL, they all take the same test - the TOEFL is standardized. About four thousand places in more than one hundred countries around the world accept TOEFL. And every person who takes it deals with the same test. Examiners then review the test and assign scores. Examiners do not know whose test they are checking. In this sense, the test is the most fair.

People taking the TOEFL must register on the official website, pay money ($255) and come to the center at a certain time to take the test. This is a room with small tables and computers on them, in which there may be a lot of people who are also taking TOEFL. You must have with you a document proving your identity and it is very important that all the data in this document coincides with what you specified during registration, otherwise you will not be allowed to take the test and the amount paid will not be returned.

Apart from this document, you cannot bring anything with you; everything you need will be given there: paper and pencil.

For many years, students took the test on paper (PBT - paper-based test). But since 2005 (and in Russia since 2006), it became possible to take the test via the Internet, it is called IBT - internet-based test. This version simplifies registration and issuance of results - everything is done via the Internet.

TOEFL Options

Before registering for delivery, you must definitely clarify which option you need, since they are different. Recently, preference has been given to the second option; it also includes speech recording and combined tasks.

TOEFL measures your knowledge of 4 language skills: reading, listening, speaking and writing. Students read and listen and then answer questions about what they heard and read. They must also record their speech in English and write a fairly long essay. The test usually takes 4.5 hours. And it takes months to prepare for the test. The test results can be used for two years; after this period, the certificate becomes invalid.

Here's what the first page of this test certificate looks like with the individual's data removed:

And here is its other side:

Here you can see that a report with test results was sent to 4 addresses (block where the report was sent ), which are indicated in advance by the test takers. You can submit test scores for an additional 2 years through the service for an additional fee of $19

TOEFL preparation website

The website ets.org has TOEFL preparation materials. You can take several trial testing options there (for a fee). If you don't feel confident, you can try it first. However, if you were unable to pass the test well the first time, you can try again after 12 days, but you will have to pay again.

Good advice from people who have passed the test: It is very important to practice your listening, reading and speaking skills. To do this, try to listen and see English everywhere, speak as often as possible. The best way to improve your speaking skills is practice. Talking to friends and your English teacher definitely helps. Always remember that constant practice can make you perfect.

“Take it easy...but be prepared!” - Don't worry, but be prepared