The paper consists of forty objective items relating to a number of reading-based activities; fifteen one-word written responses relating to reading-based activities; and five points relating to a short writing task. The following task types are used: multiple choice, matching, gap filling and form filling.

There are fifteen objective items (multiple choice and matching task types) and ten items requiring short answers (one or two words, a number, etc.). The test lasts for approximately 25 minutes.

In Part 1 the examiner asks ‘bio-data' type questions; Part 2 involves candidates asking and answering questions about factual information of a personal or non-personal kind.

Our course prepares the student for the examination, which consists of:

In Part 3 of the Writing Component (continuous, guided writing) the candidate is expected to give information, report events, describe situations, express opinions, etc.

The Speaking Component (10-12 mins)
Candidates are tested in pairs and must be able to participate in communicative situations, understand questions and tasks and respond appropriately.

The examination consists of five papers as outlined below.

Paper 2 Writing (1 hour 30 minutes) The tasks set are made to be as realistic as possible and include letters, articles, reports or compositions. Examiners assess range and accuracy of language, appropriacy, organisation and task achievement.

Paper 3 Use of English (1 hour 15 minutes) This paper tests candidates' knowledge of vocabulary and grammatical systems.

Paper 5 Speaking (approx. 14 minutes) The tasks set are designed to assess candidates' ability to exchange personal and factual information, and to express and find out about attitudes and opinions.

Candidates are assessed as to their ability to read and understand texts. They should demonstrate a variety of reading skills including skimming, scanning, deduction of meaning from context and selection of relevant information to complete the given task.

There are four texts, giving a total of about 3,000 words. There are forty to fifty questions. The three main task types are: multiple matching, multiple choice and gap filling (at paragraph level).

The first part is compulsory and candidates must complete one or more tasks in response to a reading input which is usually made up of several short texts. The second part involves choosing one of four tasks from a range of writing activities (letters, articles, instructions, messages, etc.). Responses should be about 250 words in length.

The candidates first introduce themselves and respond to questions about their interests, careers, etc. Each candidate is then given a set of visual stimuli which serve to encourage a ‘long turn' from each candidate. The final two parts are linked. The candidates first complete a collaborative task. This is followed by further discussion between the candidates and both examiners on points which have arisen from the collaborative task.

There are two sections. In the first section there are twenty-five multiple-choice items. In the second section there are three texts, each between 350 and 550 words in length, with a total of fifteen items. Candidates must demonstrate comprehension of the text by completing a number of multiple choice items.

There are five tasks from which the candidate chooses two. One of the five is based on an optional reading of one of three books. Responses should be approximately 300 or 350 words, as specified.

There are two sections. The first section consists of forty-two items of the following four types: one-word gap filling, transformation, word or phrase level gap filling and rewriting. The second section is a reading comprehension task with twelve to fifteen items and a summary writing task (approximately 80 words).

There are usually three or four texts, each lasting between 1 and 4 minutes, with approximately thirty items of the following types: multiple choice, true/false, matching information, gap filling. All parts are repeated.

The first task involves describing and comparing a set of thematically linked photographs. Candidates are then required to read a passage silently and to comment on, for example, its source, its intended audience, etc. The final part consists of one or more communicative activities (discussion, planning, problem-solving, etc.). One or more texts may be read as background preparation for optional tasks in Paper 5.