Table Of Content

Handbook for teachers Content and overview Paper/timing Content Test focus Reading Five parts test a range of reading skills with a variety of texts, Assessment of candidates’ ability to understand 1 ranging from very short notices to longer continuous texts. the meaning of written English at word, phrase, sentence, paragraph and whole text level. READING & Writing WRITING Three parts test a range of writing skills. Assessment of candidates’ ability to produce straightforward written English, ranging from 1 hour 30 minutes producing variations on simple sentences to pieces of continuous text. 2 Four parts ranging from short exchanges to longer dialogues Assessment of candidates’ ability to understand and monologues. dialogues and monologues in both informal and neutral settings on a range of everyday topics. LISTENING Approx. 36 minutes (including 6 minutes transfer time) 3 Four parts: Assessment of candidates’ ability to express in Part 1, candidates interact with an examiner; themselves in order to carry out functions in Parts 2 and 4, they interact with another candidate; at CEFR Level B1. To ask and to understand SPEAKING in Part 3, they have an extended individual long turn. questions and make appropriate responses. To 10–12 minutes per talk freely on matters of personal interest. pair of candidates CONTENTS Preface This handbook is for teachers who are preparing candidates for Cambridge English: Preliminary, also known as Preliminary English Test (PET). The introduction gives an overview of the exam and its place within the range of Cambridge English exams. This is followed by a focus on each paper and includes content, advice on preparation and example papers. If you need further copies of this handbook, please email [email protected] Contents About Cambridge English Language Assessment 2 Paper 2 Listening 30 The world’s most valuable range of English qualifications 2 General description 30 Key features of Cambridge English exams 2 Structure and tasks 30 Proven quality 2 Preparation 31 Cambridge English: Preliminary – an overview 3 Sample paper 33 Who is the exam for? 3 Answer key and candidate answer sheet 39 Who recognises the exam? 3 Paper 3 Speaking 40 What level is the exam? 3 General description 40 Exam content and processing 3 Structure and tasks 40 A thorough test of all areas of language ability 3 Preparation 41 Language specifications 4 Sample paper 43 International English 6 Assessment 46 Marks and results 6 Speaking Assessment – Glossary of terms 49 Certificates 6 Cambridge English: Preliminary Glossary 51 Exam support 7 Support for teachers 7 Support for candidates 7 Paper 1 Reading and Writing 9 General description 9 Structure and tasks – Reading 9 Preparation 10 Structure and tasks – Writing 12 Preparation 12 Sample paper 14 Answer key 20 Assessment of Writing Part 2 21 Sample answers 21 Assessment of Writing Part 3 21 Writing Mark Scheme 24 Sample answers with examiner comments 25 Candidate answer sheets 28 CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH: PRELIMINARY HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS 1 ABOUT CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH LANGUAGE ASSESSMENT About Cambridge English Language Assessment Cambridge English: Preliminary is developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment, part of the University of Cambridge. We are one of three major exam boards which form the Cambridge Assessment Group (Cambridge Assessment). More than 8 million Cambridge Assessment exams are taken in over 160 countries around the world every year. To find out more about Cambridge English exams and the CEFR, go to www.cambridgeenglish.org/cefr In addition to our own programmes of world-leading research, we One of the oldest universities in the world and one of the largest in the United Kingdom work closely with professional bodies, industry professionals and governments to ensure that our exams remain fair and relevant to candidates of all backgrounds and to a wide range of stakeholders. Departments of the University Key features of Cambridge English exams Cambridge English exams: • are based on realistic tasks and situations so that preparing for their exam gives learners real-life language skills • accurately and consistently test all four language skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking – as well as knowledge of language Cambridge Assessment: the trading name for the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES) structure and its use • encourage positive learning experiences, and seek to achieve a positive impact on teaching wherever possible Departments (exam boards) • are as fair as possible to all candidates, whatever their national, ethnic and linguistic background, gender or disability. Proven quality Cambridge English Language Assessment Provider of the world’s most Our commitment to providing exams of the highest possible quality is valuable range of qualifications for underpinned by an extensive programme of research and evaluation, learners and teachers of English and by continuous monitoring of the marking and grading of all Cambridge English exams. Of particular importance are the rigorous Cambridge International procedures which are used in the production and pretesting of Examinations question papers. The world’s largest provider of international education programmes All our systems and processes for designing, developing and and qualifications for 5–19-year-olds delivering exams and assessment services are certified as meeting the internationally recognised ISO 9001:2008 standard for quality OCR: Oxford Cambridge and RSA management and are designed around five essential principles: Examinations Validity – are our exams an authentic test of real-life English? One of the UK’s leading providers Oxford Cambridge and RSA of qualifications Reliability – do our exams behave consistently and fairly? Impact – does our assessment have a positive effect on teaching and learning? The world’s most valuable range of English Practicality – does our assessment meet learners’ needs within qualifications available resources? Quality – how we plan, deliver and check that we provide Cambridge English Language Assessment offers the world’s leading excellence in all of these fields. range of qualifications for learners and teachers of English. Over How these qualities are brought together is outlined in our 4 million people take our exams each year in 130 countries. publication Principles of Good Practice, which can be downloaded free We offer assessments across the full spectrum of language ability. from www.cambridgeenglish.org/principles We provide examinations for general communication, for professional and academic purposes, and also specialist legal and financial English qualifications. All of our exams are aligned to the principles and approach of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). 2 CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH: PRELIMINARY HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH: PRELIMINARY – AN OVERVIEW Cambridge English: Preliminary – Cambridge English Language Assessment, as one of the founding members of ALTE, uses this framework as a way of ensuring its an overview exams reflect real-life language skills. Examples of Can Do statements at Level B1 Cambridge English: Preliminary is a qualification at intermediate level Typical abilities Reading and Writing Listening and Speaking that is officially recognised by administrative, industrial and service- based employers and educational institutions around the world. It Overall CAN understand routine CAN understand straightforward demonstrates that a person can deal with everyday English at an general ability information and articles. instructions or public intermediate level. CAN write letters or make announcements. notes on familiar or predictable CAN express simple opinions Candidates can choose to take Cambridge English: Preliminary as either matters. on abstract/cultural matters in a a paper-based or computer-based exam. limited way. Cambridge English: Preliminary for Schools, a version of Cambridge Social & Tourist CAN understand factual CAN identify the main topic of a English: Preliminary with exam content and topics targeted at the articles in newspapers, routine news broadcast on TV if there is letters from hotels and letters a strong visual element. interests and experience of school-age learners, is also available. expressing personal opinions. CAN ask for information about Who is the exam for? CAN write letters on a limited accommodation and travel. range of predictable topics Cambridge English: Preliminary is aimed at people who want to: related to personal experience. Work CAN understand the general CAN follow a simple • understand the main points of straightforward instructions or meaning of non-routine letters presentation/demonstration. public announcements and theoretical articles within CAN offer advice to clients • deal with most of the situations they might meet when travelling own work area. within own job area on simple as a tourist in an English-speaking country CAN make reasonably accurate matters. • ask simple questions and take part in factual conversations in a notes at a meeting or seminar work environment where the subject matter is • write letters/emails or make notes on familiar matters. familiar and predictable. Who recognises the exam? Study CAN understand most CAN understand instructions on information of a factual nature in classes and assignments given • Cambridge English: Preliminary is a truly international exam, his/her study area. by a teacher or lecturer. recognised by thousands of employers as a qualification in CAN take basic notes in a lecture. CAN take part in a seminar or intermediate English, suitable for industrial, administrative and tutorial using simple language. service-based roles. • It is also accepted by a wide range of educational institutions for study purposes. Exam content and processing • The exam has been accredited by Ofqual, the statutory regulatory authority for external qualifications in England and its counterparts in Wales and Northern Ireland. Cambridge English: Preliminary is a rigorous and thorough test of • It meets the UK Home Office language requirements for Tier 1, English at Level B1. It covers all four language skills – reading, writing, 2, 4 and Spouse visa applications.* listening and speaking. Preparing for Cambridge English: Preliminary *In some cases you will need to achieve a Pass with Distinction helps candidates develop the skills they need to use English to grade. All information accurate as of January 2014. Check the latest communicate effectively in a variety of practical contexts. requirements at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk A thorough test of all areas of language ability For more information about recognition go to www.cambridgeenglish.org/recognition There are three papers: Reading and Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Reading and Writing carries 50% of the total marks, the Listening What level is the exam? paper and the Speaking paper each carry 25% of the total marks. Detailed information on each test and sample papers follow later in Cambridge English: Preliminary is targeted at Level B1, which is this handbook, but the overall focus of each test is as follows: intermediate on the CEFR scale. At this level users can understand factual information and show awareness of opinions, attitudes and Reading and Writing: 1 hour 30 minutes mood in both spoken and written English. It can be used as proof Candidates need to be able to understand the main points from signs, newspapers and of a candidate’s ability to use English to communicate with native magazines and use vocabulary and structure correctly. speakers for everyday purposes. Listening: 30 minutes (approximately) What can candidates do at Level B1? Candidates need to show they can follow and understand a range of spoken materials including announcements and discussions about everyday life. The Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE) has carried Speaking: 10–12 minutes out research to determine what language learners can typically do at each CEFR level. It has described these abilities in a series of Can Do Candidates take the Speaking test with another candidate or in a group of three, and are statements using examples taken from real-life situations. tested on their ability to take part in different types of interaction: with the examiner, with the other candidate and by themselves. CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH: PRELIMINARY HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS 3 EXAM CONTENT AND PROCESSING Each of these three test components provides a unique contribution making comparisons and expressing degrees of difference to a profile of overall communicative language ability that defines talking about how to operate things what a candidate can do at this level. describing simple processes expressing purpose, cause and result, and giving reasons Language specifications drawing simple conclusions and making recommendations making and granting/refusing simple requests Candidates who are successful in Cambridge English: Preliminary making and responding to offers and suggestions should be able to communicate satisfactorily in most everyday expressing and responding to thanks situations with both native and non-native speakers of English. The giving and responding to invitations following is a list of the language specifications that the Cambridge giving advice English: Preliminary examination is based on. giving warnings and prohibitions persuading and asking/telling people to do something Inventory of functions, notions and communicative tasks expressing obligation and lack of obligation Note that ‘talking’ is used below to refer to BOTH speaking and asking and giving/refusing permission to do something writing. making and responding to apologies and excuses expressing agreement and disagreement, and contradicting people greeting people and responding to greetings (in person and on the paying compliments phone) criticising and complaining introducing oneself and other people sympathising asking for and giving personal details: (full) name, age, address, expressing preferences, likes and dislikes (especially about hobbies names of relatives and friends, occupation, etc. and leisure activities) understanding and completing forms giving personal details talking about physical and emotional feelings understanding and writing letters, giving personal details expressing opinions and making choices describing education, qualifications and skills expressing needs and wants describing people (personal appearance, qualities) expressing (in)ability in the present and in the past asking and answering questions about personal possessions talking about (im)probability and (im)possibility asking for repetition and clarification expressing degrees of certainty and doubt restating what has been said checking on meaning and intention Inventory of grammatical areas helping others to express their ideas interrupting a conversation Verbs starting a new topic Regular and irregular forms changing the topic resuming or continuing the topic Modals asking for and giving the spelling and meaning of words can (ability; requests; permission) counting and using numbers could (ability; possibility; polite requests) asking and telling people the time, day and/or date would (polite requests) asking for and giving information about routines and habits will (offer) understanding and writing diaries and letters giving information shall (suggestion; offer) about everyday activities should (advice) talking about what people are doing at the moment may (possibility) talking about past events and states in the past, recent activities and might (possibility) completed actions have (got) to (obligation) understanding and producing simple narratives ought to (obligation) reporting what people say must (obligation) talking about future or imaginary situations mustn’t (prohibition) talking about future plans or intentions need (necessity) making predictions needn’t (lack of necessity) identifying and describing accommodation (houses, flats, rooms, used to + infinitive (past habits) furniture, etc.) Tenses buying and selling things (costs, measurements and amounts) Present simple: states, habits, systems and processes (and verbs not talking about food and ordering meals used in the continuous form) talking about the weather Present continuous: future plans and activities, present actions talking about one’s health Present perfect simple: recent past with just; indefinite past with yet, following and giving simple instructions already, never, ever; unfinished past with for and since understanding simple signs and notices Past simple: past events asking the way and giving directions Past continuous: parallel past actions, continuous actions interrupted asking for and giving travel information by the past simple tense asking for and giving simple information about places Past perfect simple: narrative, reported speech identifying and describing simple objects (shape, size, weight, colour, Future with going to purpose or use, etc.) 4 CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH: PRELIMINARY HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS EXAM CONTENT AND PROCESSING Future with present continuous and present simple Determiners Future with will and shall: offers, promises, predictions, etc. a + countable nouns Verb forms the + countable/uncountable nouns Affirmative, interrogative, negative Adjectives Imperatives Colour, size, shape, quality, nationality Infinitives (with and without to) after verbs and adjectives Predicative and attributive Gerunds (-ing form) after verbs and prepositions Cardinal and ordinal numbers Gerunds as subjects and objects Possessive: my, your, his, her, etc. Passive forms: present and past simple Demonstrative: this, that, these, those Verb + object + infinitive give/take/send/bring/show + direct/ Quantitative: some, any, many, much, a few, a lot of, all, other, indirect object every, etc. Causative have/get Comparative and superlative forms (regular and irregular): So/nor with auxiliaries (not) as ... as, not ... enough to, too ... to Compound verb patterns Order of adjectives Participles as adjectives Phrasal verbs/verbs with prepositions Compound adjectives Conditional sentences Adverbs Type 0: An iron bar expands if/when you heat it. Regular and irregular forms Type 1: If you do that again, I’ll leave. Manner: quickly, carefully, etc. Type 2: I would tell you the answer if I knew it. Frequency: often, never, twice a day, etc. If I were you, I wouldn’t do that again. Definite time: now, last week, etc. Simple reported speech Indefinite time: already, just, yet, etc. Degree: very, too, rather, etc. Statements, questions and commands: say, ask, tell Place: here, there, etc. He said that he felt ill. Direction: left, right, along, etc. I asked her if I could leave. Sequence: first, next, etc. No one told me what to do. Sentence adverbs: too, either, etc. Indirect and embedded questions: know, wonder Pre-verbal, post-verbal and end-position adverbs Do you know what he said? Comparative and superlative forms (regular and irregular) I wondered what he would do next. Prepositions Interrogatives Location: to, on, inside, next to, at (home), etc. What, What (+ noun) Time: at, on, in, during, etc. Where; When Direction: to, into, out of, from, etc. Who; Whose; Which Instrument: by, with How; How much; How many; How often; How long; etc. Miscellaneous: like, as, due to, owing to, etc. Why Prepositional phrases: at the beginning of, by means of, etc. (including the interrogative forms of all tenses and modals listed) Prepositions preceding nouns and adjectives: by car, for sale, Nouns at last, etc. Singular and plural (regular and irregular forms) Prepositions following (i) nouns and adjectives: advice on, afraid of, Countable and uncountable nouns with some and any etc. (ii) verbs: laugh at, ask for, etc. Abstract nouns Connectives Compound nouns and, but, or, either ... or Complex noun phrases when, while, until, before, after, as soon as Genitive: ’s & s’ where Double genitive: a friend of theirs because, since, as, for Pronouns so that, (in order) to Personal (subject, object, possessive) so, so ... that, such ... that Reflexive and emphatic: myself, etc. if, unless Impersonal: it, there although, while, whereas Demonstrative: this, that, these, those Note that students will meet forms other than those listed above Quantitative: one, something, everybody, etc. in Cambridge English: Preliminary, on which they will not be directly Indefinite: some, any, something, one, etc. tested. Relative: who, which, that, whom, whose CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH: PRELIMINARY HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS 5 EXAM CONTENT AND PROCESSING Topics Certificates Clothes Personal identification We have made enhancements to the way we report the results of our Daily life Places and buildings exams because we believe it is important to recognise candidates’ Education Relations with other people achievements. Entertainment and media Services Environment Shopping The Common European Cambridge English: Framework of Reference Preliminary Food and drink Social interaction Free time Sport C2 C Health, medicine and The natural world Proufisceiernt C1 exercise Transport Hobbies and leisure Travel and holidays B2 B House and home Weather Independent Pass with Distinction* ........................ Language Work and jobs user B1 Pass with Merit Pforra cetviecrayl dEanyg luisshe Pass People ........................ Personal feelings, opinions A2 Level A2 A and experiences Basic user ................................... A1 Lexis * Pass with Distinction was introduced in September 2011 The Cambridge English: Preliminary examination includes items which Cambridge English: Preliminary – Level B2 normally occur in the everyday vocabulary of native speakers using Pass with Distinction English today. Exceptional candidates sometimes show ability beyond Level B1. If Candidates should know the lexis appropriate to their personal a candidate achieves a Pass with Distinction, they will receive the requirements, for example, nationalities, hobbies, likes and dislikes. Preliminary English Test certificate stating that they demonstrated ability at Level B2. Note that the consistent use of American pronunciation, spelling and lexis is acceptable in Cambridge English: Preliminary. Cambridge English: Preliminary – Level B1 A wordlist of vocabulary that could appear in the Cambridge If a candidate achieves Pass with Merit or Pass in the exam, they will English: Preliminary examination is available on our website: be awarded the Preliminary English Test certificate at Level B1. www.cambridgeenglish.org/teaching-english Level A2 Certificate The does not provide an exhaustive list of all the words which If a candidate’s performance is below Level B1, but falls within Level appear in Cambridge English: Preliminary question papers and A2, they will receive a Cambridge English certificate stating that they candidates should not confine their study of vocabulary to the list demonstrated ability at A2 level. alone. Special circumstances International English Cambridge English exams are designed to be fair to all test takers. English is used in a wide range of international contexts. To reflect This commitment to fairness covers: this, candidates’ responses to tasks in Cambridge English exams are • Special arrangements acceptable in all varieties and accents of English, provided they do These are available for candidates with a permanent or long-term not interfere with communication. Materials used feature a range of disability. Consult the Centre Exams Manager (CEM) in your area accents and texts from English-speaking countries, including the UK, for more details as soon as you become aware of a candidate North America and Australia. US and other versions of spelling are who may need special arrangements. accepted if used consistently. • Special consideration We will give special consideration to candidates affected Marks and results by adverse circumstances such as illness or bereavement Cambridge English: Preliminary gives detailed, meaningful results. immediately before or during an exam. Applications for special All candidates receive a Statement of Results. Candidates whose consideration must be made through the centre no later than performance ranges between CEFR Levels A2 and B2 will also receive 10 working days after the exam date. a certificate. • Malpractice We will investigate all cases where candidates are suspected of Statement of Results copying, collusion or breaking the exam regulations in some other way. Results may be withheld while they are being investigated, The Statement of Results outlines: or because we have found an infringement of regulations. Centres • the candidate’s result based on their total score in all three paper. are notified if a candidate’s results have been investigated. • a graphical display of a candidate’s performance in each paper For more information about special circumstances go to (shown against the scale Exceptional – Good – Borderline – www.cambridgeenglish.org/help Weak) • a standardised score out of 100 which allows a candidate to see exactly how they performed. 6 CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH: PRELIMINARY HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS EXAM SUPPORT Exam support Support for candidates We provide learners with a wealth of exam resources and preparation materials throughout our main website, including exam advice, sample papers and a guide for candidates. Official Cambridge English exam preparation materials www.cambridgeenglish.org To support teachers and help learners prepare for their exams, Cambridge English Language Assessment and Cambridge University Press have developed a range of official support materials including coursebooks and practice tests. These official materials are available in both print and digital formats. www.cambridgeenglish.org/prepare Support for teachers Our website provides an invaluable, user-friendly, free resource for all teachers preparing for our exams. It includes: General information – handbooks for teachers and sample papers Facebook Detailed information – format, timing, number of questions, task Students can also join our active Facebook community to get tips on types, mark scheme of each paper English language learning and take part in fun and topical quizzes. Advice for teachers – developing students’ skills and preparing www.facebook.com/CambridgeEnglish them for the exam Downloadable lessons – a lesson for every part of every paper Exam sessions Teaching qualifications – the whole range of Cambridge English Cambridge English: Preliminary is available as a paper-based or Teaching Qualifications computer-based test. Candidates must be entered through an Seminars and webinars – a wide range of exam-specific seminars authorised Cambridge English Language Assessment centre. Find and live and recorded webinars for new and experienced your nearest centre at www.cambridgeenglish.org/centresearch teachers. www.cambridgeenglish.org/teaching-english Further information Contact your local authorised exam centre or our helpdesk (www.cambridgeenglish.org/help) for: • copies of the regulations • details of entry procedure • exam dates • current fees • more information about Cambridge English: Preliminary and other Cambridge English exams. Cambridge English Teacher Cambridge English Teacher is the professional membership that supports teaching excellence. It offers teachers continuous professional development that is both reliable and convenient. It includes online courses, access to ELT experts and other professionals, sharing best practice and networking. Everything is online, so is available anytime, anywhere. Cambridge English Teacher is provided by Cambridge University Press and Cambridge English Language Assessment, world leaders in English language teaching and assessment. Join as a teacher, or find out about Institutional Membership at www.cambridgeenglishteacher.org CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH: PRELIMINARY HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS 7 8 CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH: PRELIMINARY HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS