International Exams

“Unicity” school offers background courses to international exams, which includes British exams (Cambridge), American exam TOEFL, international exam IELTS.

Cambridge exams

Cambridge exams are held by UCLES (The University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate),which is a department of Cambridge University since 1858. The goal of this organization is a standard- setting of training to exams.

Cambridge exams includes a large variety of general and special subjects. EFL (English as a Foreign Language) exams were confirmed in 1913, along with Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE).

“The first Certificate in English” (FCE) exam was set up in 1939. Since then new EFL exams and projects for teachers of English as a foreign language were appeared.

As a result, today UCLES has a great number of EFL exams and TEFL projects. Every year about 500,000 candidates hold these exams.

UCLES set up a series of exams with a similar form. They have 5 levels:

Cambridge Level One - is a Key English Test (KET)

KET is the first from University of Cambridge ESOL’s Exams. It’s require the ability to deal with everyday written and spoken English at a basic level. KET is at Level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. KET gives you the confidence to use English in real situation. Although KET is a basic exam, it offers a chance to find out your strengths and weaknesses in using English.

Preliminary English Test (PET)

PET is the second from University of Cambridge ESOL’s Exams. It’s an exam for people who can use English at an intermediate level. PET is at Level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Preparing for the exam is a good way to improve your written and spoken English in everyday situations. It helps to take part in meetings, to exchange information and to receive instructions. But PET allows you to communicate only in usual and standard situations, not in unpredictable one. To pass through this exam successfully you’re to have a reach vocabulary, to use spoken English with confidence in everyday situations. Reading a book or a letter you’re to understand what it’s all about, to understand the point of view and the mood of the speaker.

First Certificate in English (FCE)

FCE is the third from University of Cambridge ESOL’s Exams. It’s an exam for people who are at upper intermediate level. FCE is at Level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This level allows you to speak English with confidence and to do a correspondence. Thousands of universities recognize FCE as a qualification in upper- intermediate English. During the speaking test you’ll be tested on your ability to take part in different types of interaction. So this helps you to speak in unpredictable situations with foreigners, to study and to work abroad. Employers all round the world recognize FCE. It’s expected to understand the pieces of writing, to use English in management and tourism. This level allows you to do a correspondence and phone conversation, to take part in trainings and to read semi- books.

Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)

CAE is the fourth from University of Cambridge ESOL’s Exams. It is an exam for Advanced users of English. CAE is at Level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. You’re to use English confidently and flexibly and to produce well- structured, clear pieces of writing. Hundreds of employers and universities officially recognize CAE as a qualification in advanced English. This level allows you to study and to hold exams.

Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

It’s the highest level from University of Cambridge ESOL’s Exams. CPE is at Level C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Those who pass through exams successfully will get a Certificate from University of Cambridge. Hundreds of employers officially recognize CPE as proof of proficiency in English. Also it’s recognized by universities as proof of ability to study in English to undergraduate level. Every candidate receives a document with results. It’s aimed at people who use English for professional or study purposes and may use English in real- life situations.

TOEFL

It’s an international exam of English. It measures the ability of non- native speakers to understand English. If you want to apply to study at a college or university in the USA, you will need a TOEFL score. Government agencies, scholarship programs and professional bodies in the USA also require TOEFL scores. TOEFL is a specific exam. First of all because of the American- English. Secondly it has existed for 2 years. Till the middle of 1998 TOEFL was passed in the paper- based variant. It consists of 3 parts: Listening, Grammar and Reading. Anyway you may take the TWE (test of written English), measures how well you write in English; and the TSE measures how well test takers speak in English. In July 1988 “standard” TOEFL was changed to “computer- based”, which has another scoring system and includes “Writing” section. At the present moment “computer- based” TOEFL includes: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. New version has tasks from “paper- based” exam and new one. Such tasks may be:

- Read the text, hear comments and answer the questions orally.

- Read the text and answer the questions orally.

- Read the text, hear comments and answer the questions in writing.

Time for test is 4 hours.

With new version of the exam scoring system has changed. Max. Score is 120. There is no “adaptive” approach in new version. There is a questions of different degree regardless of your previous answers. It’s impossible to fail the exam, but you are to have a certain number of scores. You may get your results after 3 weeks.

IELTS

It’s an exerciser, which allows to determine the level of those who are going to work or to study in English- spoken countries. This system replaced ELTS in 1990. In 1995 tests were renewed. You’ll need an IELTS score to apply to universities in UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Professional bodies, governments and immigration authorities also require IELTS scores. You’d better not to pass through this exam if you’re not 16 yet. You will take exams: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. All candidates take the same listening and speaking exams. However, for reading and writing tests, you can choose between the “Academic Module” (if you’re going to study in English- spoken countries) and “General Training Module” (if you’re going to finish your secondary education, take courses or immigrate). It’s impossible to fail this exam. Passing through the test, you should aim to show as high level as possible. The level acquired is active for 2 years. For a long period of time the language level may changed. You may get your results after 2 weeks.