304 Part V: What Kind of Class Will I Have?
Going for More General English Exams
Some students have goals other than higher education and need a more
general qualification which they can show to employers or use as a landmark
for their progress in learning English. In this case they are likely to take a
general English exam or work through several of these over a period of time.
Such exams give students something to focus on and provide motivation.
They may also enhance their career prospects.
Cambridge ESOL (English for Speakers
of Other Languages) exams
Cambridge ESOL offer a a range of exams in general English which are
internationally recognised (see http://www.cambridgeesol.org). Students in
well over a hundred countries take these exams so there is a wide acceptance
from employers, educators and other bodies of these qualifications as a
measure of students’ abilities in English.
The results of Cambridge ESOL exams are valid for life, unlike IELTS and
TOEFL results. The exams are:
✓ KET (Key English Test): This is an elementary level exam which follows
the same pattern as PET. The registration fee is about £40.
✓ PET (Preliminary English Test): This is for pre-intermediate and
intermediate level students building up to higher level English exams
in the future. The three parts are Reading and Writing (one paper),
Listening and Speaking. The registration fee is about £45.
✓ FCE (First Certificate in English): This one is for intermediate and
upper-intermediate level students. It is a very well-known exam and
popular with employers and educators. The registration fee is about £80.
There are five papers this time:
- Reading: This is a one hour paper based on general fiction and
non-fictions texts.
- Writing: This part lasts 80 minutes and comprises two different
tasks. You need to train students in letter-writing/emails, stories,
essays, articles, reports and reviews. Each style is different and
examiners expect candidates’ writing to fit the task in style and
register.
