Concise EASY GUIDE TO THE

CAE
Daniel Kirby
INTRO
Cambridge English: Advanced (known as Certificate in Advanced English CAE) is an in-depth assessment of English for people who want to use English in demanding work and study situations. It consists of five papers: Reading, Writing, Use of English, Listening and Speaking. Score A, B, C (pass), D, E or U (fail) CAE pass is accepted for entry to some universities Level Advanced. Click here to see a comparison of CAE with other exams. Paper-based or computer-based exams You can do the CAE exam on a computer or on paper. When can I take the test? Arrange with your closest test centre. The test can only be taken three times a year, in March, June and December. The CAE test can be taken most months in either paperbased or computer-based format. Not all test centres will administer both types of test. How much does it cost to take CAE? Fees are set by test centres. Expect to pay around 150 euros.

Materials Regardless of your natural talent for English you will need It can be expensive to buy TEFL books in a bookshop. Instead, look to online retailers like eBay or Amazon.

Choice and flexibility in taking the test

The exam can be taken in a choice of either paper-based or computer-based format; both versions lead to the same internationally accepted certificate. Computer-based testing is ideal if you prefer using a keyboard and mouse to pencil and paper. Additional benefits include:

more exam sessions: there are up to 33 dates a year when you can take your exam, giving you more flexibility Exam timetable for 2011 Exam timetable for 2012

shorter registration time: you can register for the exam as little as one week before taking it faster access to results: you can view your results online faster with a computerbased exam.

Understanding your results

If you are successful in the exam you will receive two documents: a Statement of Results and a certificate. Colleges, universities and other organisations you apply to may ask you for either of these documents as proof of your English language skills.

WRITING
The writing test consists of two tasks which require candidates to be able to write a variety of different text types such as essays, proposals, reports and reviews. The test lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes. Part 1 consists of one compulsory task. Candidates write an article, a report, a proposal or a letter based on material of up to 150 words. In Part 2, candidates must complete one task from a choice of five. Two of the five questions are based on set reading texts.

Test focus
Candidates must show they can write non-specialised types of English language text, such as an article, an essay, a letter, a proposal or a report. Candidate responses are evaluated in relation to their choice and management of content and their control of organisation and cohesion, the range of structures and vocabulary used, and their use of register and format. Candidates are required to show that they can use writing to communicate effectively, demonstrating ability to advise, persuade, compare, evaluate, express opinions, hypothesise and justify.

Set texts 2011

One or both of the following texts may be read as preparation for the two optional set text tasks:

John Steinbeck: Of Mice and Men Donna Leon: Through a Glass, Darkly

Set texts 2012

One or both of the following texts may be read as preparation for the two optional set text tasks: William Golding: Lord of the Flies (Teachers may choose to prepare candidates for questions on this set text by studying a film version as well as, or instead of, the novel.) P D James: The Lighthouse (There is currently no film version of this book.) Candidates should be made aware that they should not attempt the set text question unless they have the necessary vocabulary and understanding of the text to answer the task set. Teachers are best placed to make a judgement as to which, if any, of the set texts and/or film versions may be appropriate and stimulating for a given teaching situation.

Our advice: dont do a set text unless you have a real interest in the book and have the time to devote to reading and studying it in detail.
SPEAKING
The Speaking exam uses a face-to-face test with two candidates and two assessors. This creates a more realistic and reliable measure of your ability to use English to communicate.

ADVICE FOR THE EXAM

Make sure that you are familiar with the format, timings and interaction patterns of the test. You should know what the roles of the two

examiners are, what the purpose of each task is and what stimulus will be provided by the interlocutor.

Discuss what would be an appropriate length to speak for at each stage of the test. Dont give short, minimal responses. Better to speak too much than not enough. Make sure their answers do not dominate the discussion by being too long.

Practise the different parts of the exam in the time you will be given in the exam. Get an idea of what one minute feels like Try not to leave silences when possible. Instead, use conversation fillers (e.g. 'Well now, let me see ') or phrases or structures which they can use to fill gaps. Encourage students to react immediately to questions they are asked, or give themselves a little time to think aloud by saying things like, Well thats something Ive never really thought about, but, on reflection, Id say that .

Use specific vocabulary! Dont describe photos with overly-general but correct English like We can see a woman with two babies when you could say We can see a mother with newborn twins. At this (high) level examiners are looking for out for this.

Dont panic if you make a mistake. If you have time to correct it, do so. If not, dont worry. Forget about it and move on. The Warm up is. For part two, look for the typical questions which are asked, eg. How are the people feeling? To prepare for this, you might want to practise adjective of emotion. Again, try to use more sophisticated language (not nice, happy)

SOURCES

Cambridge (https://www.teachers.cambridgeesol.org/ts/exams/generalenglish/cae)