Cambridge English Exams

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Cambridge English Qualifications are known and recognised by schools, universities, private and public sector employers all over the English-speaking world.

 

Success in a Cambridge English Qualification provides you with an internationally recognised certificate showing the level you have attained in English.

 

Take a Cambridge exam with International House Bristol - we offer paper-based exams throughout the year at our language school in Clifton, Bristol. In addition to the exam itself, you can also prepare for the Cambridge exams with us, too.

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Three or four times a year, you can take one or more of the following exams:

If you are not sure about your current level and if you may need some help preparing, contact us for a free assessment

 B1 Preliminary (PET) 

What is B1 Preliminary?

Is an intermediate level exam

  • The second level of the University of Cambridge exams in general English.
  • This exam is set at Level B1 of the CEFR for modern languages.

Who is the B1 Preliminary exam for and why should I take it?

The B1 Preliminary exam is suitable for:

  • Learners with an intermediate level of English
  • With wider grasp of vocabulary
  • Candidates should be able to cope in situations such as reading simple textbooks, articles, write simple letters and detect opinions, attitudes and moods in spoken and written English.
  • B1 Preliminary is helpful for anyone who wishes to take B2 First (FCE) at a later stage.

A B1 Preliminary certificate has no expiration date. However, some institutions have their own language requirements or policies on how recent they require exam results to be. They may ask you for evidence that you have maintained or improved your level of English since you took your exam. Speak to the institution you are applying to and confirm their individual requirements.

B1 Preliminary is a truly international certificate, recognised around the world for business and study purposes. Thousands of employers, universities and government departments officially recognise B1 Preliminary as an intermediate qualification in English.

 

 B1 Preliminary : exam papers

  Paper title Length Content Percentage of final mark Purpose
1 Reading 45 minutes Six parts, 32 questions. Some parts are in a different order and some are shorter. 25% To show you can read and understand the main points from signs, journals, newspapers and magazines, and can use vocabulary and structure correctly.

2

 

Writing

 

45 minutes

Two parts.

25% Write an email or write an article  or story 100 words each task.
3
Listening
30 minutes + six minutes to transfer answers Four parts/ 25 questions 25% Requires you to be able to follow and understand a range of spoken materials including announcements and discussions about everyday life.
4 Speaking 10-12 minutes per pair of candidates Four parts 25%

Demonstrates your spoken English as you take part in conversation, asking/answering questions, and talking freely, for example, about your likes and dislikes. Your speaking test will be conducted face to face with one or two other candidates. This makes your test more realistic and more reliable.

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 B2  First  (FCE)

B2  First, also known as First Certificate in English (FCE), is an upper-intermediate B2 CEFR level qualification. It tests your ability to communicate with confidence in English in a range of everyday situations. For more information, please see the FCE page on the Cambridge English website http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-qualifications/first/.

B2  First (FCE)  is made up of four papers developed to test your English skills. You can see exactly what is in each paper below.

  Paper title Length Content Percentage of final mark Purpose
1. Reading &Use of English 75 minutes          There are seven parts in the Reading and Use of English paper. 40%

The Reading and Use of English paper tests your reading skills and your knowledge and use of vocabulary and grammar.

2. Writing 80 minutes Two parts 20%

Requires you to be able to produce two different pieces of writing, such as letters, reports, reviews and short stories.

3. Listening 40 minutes Four parts/30 questions 20%

Requires you to be able to follow and understand a range of spoken materials, such as news programmes, presentations and everyday conversations.

4. Speaking 14 minutes Four parts 20%

Tests your ability to communicate effectively in face-to-face situations. You will take the speaking test with one or two other candidates.

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C1  Advanced  (CAE)

Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE), also known as Certificate in Advanced English is C1 CEFR qualifications. If you need to use English in your work or studies, this is the right exam for you. For more information, please see the CAE page on the Cambridge English websitehttp://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-qualifications/advanced/.

C1  Advanced  is made up of four papers developed to test your English skills. You can see exactly what is in each paper below.

  Paper title Length Content Percentage of final mark Purpose
1. Reading and Use of English 90 minutes

There are eight parts and 56  questions altogether

40%

The Reading and Use of English paper tests your reading skills and your underlying knowledge of vocabulary and grammar.

2. Writing 90 minutes Two parts 20%

You create two different pieces of writing, such as articles, essays, letters, proposals, reports and reviews.

3. Listening About 40 minutes Four parts/30 questions 20%

Tests your ability to follow and understand a range of spoken materials such as interviews, radio broadcasts, presentations, talks and everyday conversations.

4. Speaking

15 minutes per pair of candidates

Four parts 20% Tests your ability to communicate effectively in face-to-face situations. You will take the speaking test with another candidate.

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 C2  Proficiency  (CPE)

C2 Proficiency, also known as Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) C1 level CEFR , is our most advanced qualification. It proves you have achieved an extremely high level in English. For more information, please see the CPE page on the Cambridge English website http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-qualifications/proficiency/.

C2 Proficiency is made up of four papers developed to test your English skills. You can see exactly what is in each paper below.

  Paper title Length Content Percentage of final mark Purpose
1. Reading/use of English 90 minutes              Seven parts/ 53 questions 40%

Shows you can deal confidently with different types of text, such as fiction and non-fiction books, journals, newspapers and manuals.

2. Writing 90 minutes Two parts 20%

Requires you to be able to write a variety of text types, such as essays, proposals, reports and reviews.

3. Listening About 40 minutes Four parts/28 questions 20%

Requires you to be able to follow and understand a range of spoken materials, such as lectures, speeches and interviews.

4. Speaking 16 minutes per pair of candidates Three parts 20% Tests your ability to communicate effectively in face-to-face situations.

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We also offer Cambridge Preparation courses throughout the year - find out more here