International Qualifications and Language Proficiency Assessment. Kaarin Truus Tallinn University Language Centre Centre Exams Manager kaarin.truus@tlu.ee Silva 409 6 409 300 08 April 2015

International English Language Exams Background Range of English Language Qalifications in Estonia Reasons for taking EL examinations Recognition/validity/exemption of the exams offered Structure of the examinations: IELTS/ESOL exams Preparation for the chosen examination Strategies and best practice Support for students/teachers Contact Picture Gallery

Background to TLU LC Exam Centre British Council 1995-2008 TLU LC from Oct 2008 Target for 2014/2015 1050 IELTS 750 Cambridge ESOL 180 Other 120 (ACCA, University of London, ad hoc)

Range of English Language Qualifications available in Estonia Pearson Tests (General&Academic) TOEFL/ TOEIC

Reasons for taking language exams Extended studies/higher education Short study courses Work applications Visa /Agency requirements Recognition /CV Achievement (YL, KETs, PETs, FCEs) Graduation purposes/exemption Personal reasons

CEFR and Recognition   Cambridge ESOL and IELTS exams are linked to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), it is easy to make comparisons with other qualifications. www.tlu.ee/cambridgeenglish Search the recognition database for up-to-date lists of organisations which officially accept or use Cambridge English exams. The IELTS Global Recognition System can tell you exactly which organisations accept IELTS and the scores they require. www.tlu.ee/ielts

State Examinations in a Foreign Language. The student has three options: to take the state examination in the English language. This examination is prepared by Foundation Innove. The student who successfully passes the examination will be issued a certificate of language proficiency in English (level B1 or B2). to take an internationally recognized French, German or Russian language examination at least at level B1. These examinations are mediated by Foundation Innove. The student who successfully passes the examination will be issued an internationally recognized certificate of language proficiency. upon registration for the state examination to submit a certificate of an international English, French, German or Russian (as a foreign language) language examination at least at level B1, whereas the examination is performed at the student’s own expense and must be recognized by the state.   According to the National Curriculum for Upper Secondary Schools, the independent language user level (B1 or B2) is the estimated language level of upper secondary school graduates. The student informs the school management about his/her decision and/or submits the certificates for the school management by January 20.

Exemption English Cambridge English: Preliminary (PET) B1-level; Cambridge English: First (FCE) B2-level; Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE); Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE); The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at least 4.0 points of the maximum result; Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT at least 57 points of the maximum result.

Results, Validity and Recognition IELTS for 2 years, results 13 days after the test, results can be checked online ESOL for life + UCAS Tariff points, results 3-4 weeks, can be checked online, Cambridge English CB exams , results in 2 weeks time Cambridge ESOL and IELTS exams are linked to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), it is easy to make comparisons with other qualifications. www.tlu.ee/cambridgeenglish The IELTS Global Recognition System can tell you exactly which organisations accept IELTS and the scores they require. www.tlu.ee/ielts

Cambridge English  

‘Extended’ certification will give many candidates additional credit for the language skills they have demonstrated and for what they can do with their language, further relating the results to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) thereby helping universities, employers, government bodies and other organizations to make informed decisions and increase opportunities for candidates. Extended certification is designed to give a clearer picture of how candidates performance in each Cambridge ESOL exam aligns to the CEFR.       Extended certification applies to: CPE, CAE, FCE, PET, KET, BEC

Structure of IELTS and ESOL examinations Skills tested (Re/Wr/UofE/List/Sp Order of parts (papers/sections) Length/Timing Content andTask types Format Paper based/computer based

Exam Specific Features Registration procedure Required documentation for entry Regulations (test day letters, summary regulations) Required stationery (pencils v pens) Format:Paper based v Computer based Listening/Speaking differences Task types in the chosen examination Additional security measures (test day photos, document checks) Things allowed/not allowed into the exam room Breaks and comfort leaves Receipt of results and certificates (on-line check, Statements of Results, certificates) Validity of the certificates, additional Test Report Forms/certificates

IELTS - Home > Test Takers Information http://ielts.org Academic Reading sample materials The Academic Reading test is 60 minutes long. It has three sections with 40 questions to answer. Here is a sample of one section. (Note that candidates for the Academic module do a different Reading test to the General Training module) ... Academic Writing sample materials The Academic Writing test is 60 minutes long. It has two writing tasks of 150 words and 250 words. Here are samples of Task 1 and Task 2. (Note that candidates for the Academic module do a different Writing test to the General Training module) ... General Training Reading sample materials The General Training Reading test is 60 minutes long. It has three sections with 40 questions to answer. Here is a sample of one section. (Note that candidates for the General Training module do a different Reading test to the Academic module) ... General Training Writing sample materials The General Training Writing test is 60 minutes long. It has two writing tasks of 150 words and 250 words. Here are samples of Task 1 and Task 2. (Note that candidates for the General Training module do a different Writing test to the Academic module) ... Speaking sample materials In the Speaking test, you have a conversation with a certified Examiner. It is interactive and as close to a real-life situation as a test can get. The test is 11 to 14 minutes long with three parts ... Listening sample materials The Listening test is 30 minutes long...

Cambridge English The Cambridge English General English suite of exams has a wide choice of certificates reflecting the very different needs and abilities of people. The certificates cover basic exams for those beginning to learn English, through to advanced certificates for those who have attained a high level of fluency.

Cambridge English

Cambridge English offered by TLU LC Young Learners (Starters, Movers, Flyers) A1-A2 Cambridge English: Key A2 Cambridge English: Key for Schools A2 Cambridge English: Preliminary B1 Cambridge English: Preliminary for Schools B1 Cambridge English: First B2 Cambridge English: First for Schools B2 Cambridge English: Advanced C1 Cambridge English: Proficiency C2 Cambridge English: Business (P/V/H) B1-C1 Cambridge English: Legal B2-C1 Cambridge English: Financial B2-C1 Cambridge English: Teaching Knowledge Test

Cambridge English: Young Learners

Cambridge English First

Cambridge English: First Here are the main changes to the Cambridge English: First exam that started in January 2015: The exam is about 30 minutes shorter. But it still covers all the same language skills and tests at the same level as the current version. The exam has four papers, not five. The Reading and Use of English papers are now combined into a single paper that looks at language knowledge and reading skills. http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams/first/exam-update-for-2015/ http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/images/cambridge-english-first-handbook-2015

Cambridge English: Advanced

Cambridge English: Advanced Here are the main changes to the Cambridge English: Advanced exam that started in January 2015: The exam is 45 minutes shorter. But it still covers all the same language skills and tests at the same level as the current version. The exam has four papers, not five. The Reading and Use of English papers are now combined into a single paper that looks at language knowledge and reading skills. There will be some new tasks and tests in the Reading and Use of English, Writing and Speaking papers. http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams/advanced/exam-update-for-2015/ http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/images/cambridge-english-advanced-handbook-2015

Cambridge English: Business

Cambridge English: Business Achieve your ambitions in international business Cambridge English: Business Certificates, also known as Business English Certificates (BEC), are a suite of three English language qualifications for international business. Cambridge English: Business Preliminary (BEC Preliminary) – CEFR Level B1 Cambridge English: Business Vantage (BEC Vantage) – CEFR Level B2 Cambridge English: Business Higher (BEC Higher) – CEFR Level C1 They will help you to achieve your ambitions to: work abroad  work with international organisations in your own country study business-related subjects taught in English. They show that you can use English confidently in international business environments. http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/images/business-english-certificates-handbook-for-teachers.pdf

Cambridge English Financial

Cambridge English: Financial Progress your career in international finance Cambridge English: Financial, also known as International Certificate in Financial English (ICFE), will help you show that you have the right language skills required for a successful career in international accountancy and finance. It is a high-level qualification. Take the exam You can take Cambridge English: Financial at over 250 centres worldwide. Why take the exam? People who want to use English to improve their employment and career opportunities http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/teaching-english/resources-for-teachers/

Cambridge English Legal

Cambridge English: Legal Advance your international career in law Cambridge English: Legal, also known as International Legal English Certificate (ILEC), will help you show you have the language skills for a successful career in international law. It is a high-level qualification. Cambridge English and TransLegal Cambridge English: Legal has been created especially for lawyers by Cambridge English Language Assessment and TransLegal – Europe’s leading firm of lawyer-linguists. Find out more about TransLegal Take the exam You can take Cambridge English: Legal at over 300 centres worldwide. Find a centre near you and register to take your exam. Why take the exam? People all over the world prove they can use English in professional legal situations with Cambridge English: Legal. http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/teaching-english/resources-for-teachers/

Cambridge English Scale

Preparation and practice materials Materials to buy A huge range of course books, practice tests and learning resources are produced by independent publishers in the UK and overseas to help you prepare for examinations Free materials help you to get started and which you can download Sample papers/ Computer- based free samples allow you to see what a full PB/CB test will be like and show the types of questions that will appear in the live exam. Information for candidates is a handy guide to the exam, with an overview of what’s involved and examples of papers. Online Practice Tests will help improve your speaking skills, knowledge and exam technique and that will make you feel more confident when you take your exam. Official Top Tips for revision guide with interactive CD-ROM www.cambridgeenglish.org www.ielts.org

Additional Information www.Cambridgeenglish.org www.ielts.org Kaarin Truus/Sirle Kivihall/Kerli Haas Tallinna Ülikooli Keelekeskus Narva mnt 29 Ruum S 409 10120 Tallinn 6 409 300/360 kaarin.truus@tlu.ee sirle.kivihall@tlu.ee kerli.haas@tlu.ee www.tlu.ee/keelekeskus www.tlu.ee/ielts www.tlu.ee/cmbridgeenglishl

Photos from the Opening of the Centre

Young Learners : Starters, Movers, Flyers

TLU Examination Centre -3yrs

Award Ceremony 02.09.14