Everyone has heard of the Cambridge exams, especially those interested in obtaining an accredited English qualification that is useful internationally, but do we really know what the Cambridge exams are?
What are the Cambridge exams?
Cambridge exams are exams and qualifications offered by the Cambridge English Language Assessment (i.e. the University of Cambridge's Language Assessment Department) outside the UK, specifically in more than 135 non-English speaking countries, and who have the different levels of English according to the European Framework of Reference for Languages and Association of Language Testers in Europe (HIGH).
These Cambridge exams are the most prestigious and recognized worldwide; that is why at the end of the year they are taken by around 5 million people.
As a general criterion, four skills or abilities are evaluated skills: Reading, writing, listening and speaking, but not all exams are the same, logically. The difficulty of the exam increases as the level increases, so preparation for these Cambridge exams It is not an easy task and it is necessary to have a good method and be in the hands of the best professionals, who prepare you to successfully face these tests.
Below, we explain the most important points you should keep in mind if you decide to prepare for a Cambridge exam.
1. There are five different levels of the Cambridge General English exam.
The first of these levels is called KETIt corresponds to level A2 and is aimed at young people and adults with a basic knowledge of the language. With this Cambridge exam, you demonstrate that you can hold simple, basic conversations in English.
The next is the PET, which would correspond to a B1. With this qualification, you can use English in both work situations and everyday life. If you score between 160 and 170 points, you will obtain the Distinction, and in turn, level B2 or FCE. Although this does not mean that you will automatically acquire it.
Then comes the FCE we were talking about, also known as First. With this level it is assumed that you have mastered all areas (speaking, reading, listening and writing). It was previously divided into five areas, but currently consists of four: speaking, listening, writing and Use of English.
The consecutive level is FALLS OFF (i.e., C1), and is the level required by most UK universities for admission to their universities. This Cambridge exam focuses primarily on real-life conversations, ensuring that the examinee can handle any real-life situation and conversation. Scores range from 160 points (which would be a fail) to 210, which would be a C2 level.
Finally, level C2. This is the highest level you can achieve in language proficiency, excellence. Its tests are the most complicated and longest of the Cambridge exams. It overlaps several skills, assessing: Reading and Use of English, Writing, Listening Comprehension and SpeakingQuite a challenge, no doubt.
2. There are other Cambridge exams such as the business-focused one, the BEC
He BEC It's a Cambridge exam, but a specialized one. BECs are Business English Certificates that combine English subjects with Specific English. focused on the business worldThese Cambridge exams arise from the demand from many companies that want their employees to have technical English appropriate for their job.
There are three exams: Preliminary, Vantage and Higher, in which the skills we mentioned above are assessed.
3. There are also Cambridge English exams specializing in legal matters, the ILEC and the ICFE.
These exams are also very useful in international business and legal matters. They consist of four sections, each with 50 questions. They are not graded like the standard Cambridge exams, but the final mark is the average obtained in each of the sections mentioned.
He ILEC is more focused on the legal issue itself and the ICFE plus accounting and finance, although they're very similar in terms of length and evaluation. In fact, these aren't short exams; we're talking about three and a half hours of testing. Have a good cup of coffee before you take it.
4. IELTS: International English Language Testing System
It is a super-comprehensive exam that will open the doors to virtually all universities in countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, and New Zealand, among others. This qualification was carried out by the British Council, the University of Cambridge and IDP Australia. Unlike the rest, the Reading and Writing contained in this Cambridge exam will vary depending on the candidate, depending on what they are looking to achieve with it.
5. BULATS: Business Language Testing Services
This exam is probably the most unusual of all, as it's primarily used by companies looking to assess their employees' English proficiency. It doesn't follow the same pattern as the other Cambridge exams, but instead consists of several tests that can be taken independently or combined in different ways.
After this information, if you are interested in receiving good preparation for the Cambridge exams in Cartagena, Native English is what you are looking for. What better way to prepare for the most prestigious and recognized English exams in the world, with the help of Native teachers?