Introducing YLE

Aims to familiarise teachers with the content of the Cambridge Young Learners EnglishTests to consider the level of each test to discuss the benefits of using the YLE

Aims of the YLE Tests relevant and meaningful accurate and fair positive first impression effective learning and teaching

Relevant and meaningful appropriate and useful enjoyable reflect their experiences topics relevant to children at this age internationally accessible

Accurate and fair valid and reliable the 4 skills emphasis on oral and aural skills understanding simple, clearly-focused tasks clearly defined content and format

Accurate and fair: marking and assessment marked by Cambridge ESOL Oral Examiners 14-day turnaround

A positive first impression progress can be perceived attractively presented fun elements feel at ease everyone receives an award

on the classroom is a key factor impact on the classroom is a key factor

The Common European Framework of Reference IELTS 9 8 6 5 7 2 3 1 BEC Preliminary BEC Vantage Higher Movers Starters Flyers YLE Break- through 4 ALTE Levels A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2 CEFR KET PET FCE CAE CPE General English BULATS 4 4

YLE in the world Initial development 1993-1997 Launched worldwide in 1997 Revision process 2002-2007 Revised format in 2007 Candidates in over 60 countries

Overview of the Tests Listening, Reading and Writing, Speaking 7–12 years syllabus for each level administrative flexibility Special circumstances: special arrangements special consideration malpractice

The Listening Tests Length (approx.) Parts Questions Starters 20 mins 4 20 Movers 25 mins 5 25 Flyers

The Reading & Writing Tests Length Parts Questions Starters 20 mins 5 25 Movers 30 mins 6 40 Flyers 40 mins 7 50

The Speaking Tests Length Parts Starters 3–5 mins 5 Movers 5–7 mins 4 Flyers 7–9 mins

Handbook information a description a chart recommendations for candidate preparation number of questions what candidates hear (Listening and Speaking) what candidates look at what candidates read how candidates answer what language is being tested.

Grammar and structures list Prepositions of place Put the clock next to the picture. Question words Who is that man? Where is Alex? Impersonal you How do you spell that? Have + obj + inf Lucy has a book to read. ing forms as nouns Swimming is good. I like swimming.

Activity 2 key 1 Shall for suggestions Flyers 2 adverbs of frequency Movers 3 comparatives 4 have got Starters 5 -ing forms as nouns 6 relative clauses 7 going to 8 Let’s

Vocabulary lists alphabetical vocabulary lists per level combined alphabetical vocabulary lists thematic lists combined grammatical vocabulary list

Activity 3: topics Think of three topics you normally teach students who are aged between 7 and 12. For each topic, write 2–3 words which you would teach at this level for each part of speech. For example: the body and face mouth, arm, eye smile, look

YLE topics animals the body and face clothes colours family and friends food and drink the home places school sports time toys transport materials health weather work

Progression up the levels similar tasks differences: language to process picture support distractors

Language to process Starters single sentence, same format Movers 1 or 2 sentences, variety in format Flyers 1 or 2 longer sentences, more complex sentences, variety in format

Picture support Starters sentences based on pictures sentences beside each picture. Movers pictures and words sentences not beside picture Flyers no pictures

Distractors Starters no distractors Movers 1 distractor Flyers 4 distractors

Why use YLE Tests? reflect children’s experience and learning prepare them for the higher level exams are accurate and fair are attractive and child-friendly have no pass/fail allow for special circumstances

Why use YLE Tests? They’re easy to integrate into the curriculum. They provide positive washback.

Further information the YLE Handbook sample papers exam reports Information for candidates Leaflet for parents and guardians DVD – ‘All about YLE’ further seminars ‘How to do well in the Cambridge YLE Tests’ Teaching Resources website: www.cambridgeesol.org/teach

Further information University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations 1 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB1 2EU, UK Tel: (0)1223 553355 Fax: (0)1223 460278 E-mail: ESOLHelpdesk@cambridgeesol.org Keep up to date with what's new via the Cambridge ESOL website www.CambridgeESOL.org Mention Teaching Resource website. 6Y12.YLE-ModB.001 PPT