Assessing English for the International Community |
The Higher Levels of the Anglia general English examinations are for those students who have established a broad and effective understanding of the basic structure of the language. Age is not a barrier for inclusion but Anglia does encourage everybody to work through each level to achieve full proficiency.
Application of the language within various scenarios is one element that distinguishes the Higher Levels from the Lower Levels as is their ability to write, read and understand progressively longer sections of text. At the top two levels in particular, some of the scenarios may contain themes and topics difficult for younger children to grasp.
These are levels which are designed to show that the candidate is ready and able to undertake higher education through the medium of English, which will necessarily require the ability to understand and articulate higher level concepts.
These levels present an increasing challenge to the candidates. At Anglia we feel that those who have developed an effective use of the English language should enjoy the real value of the ach¡evement and have that achievement recognised and endorsed.
The Advanced level takes its place w¡thin the Anglia examination suite as part of the top three. Its title adequately describes the standard of English required and each candidate must be able to write an extended piece of text that stays “on topic” and joins together very well when read. The examination asks the candidate to write formal/ informal letters and to manipulate structures to add a variety of styte. Listening skills are also tested more vigorously and a question/ answer section is an important part of the overall assessment.
The student has a good active vocabulary and structural understanding, and can
• write clear connected text on descriptive, narrative, imaginary or discursive topics
• write letters, both formal and informal
• understand and respond to the main points of a text on any topic, concrete or abstract
• use language to perform any function likely to arise in a normal social or learning context
• manipulate structures to create emphasis and vary style and idiom
• listen and respond to passages and questions in a variety of forms, delivered at a measured speaking pace
To test your level take our online placement test at www.anglia.org
Th¡s level has been des¡gned to test the cand¡date's effective use of the English language. An extended piece of written work that ¡s clearly well organised and may involve opinions and/ or discussion of the 'pros/cons' of a set issue is an important part of the test. Accuracy in writing and read¡ng ¡s vital as is the need to be able to use the English language in a way that is the 'norm' w¡thin certa¡n social or learning contexts. The candidate will need to respond to what they hear with a high level of prec¡sion and basically be able to prov¡de evidence they would be comfortable in any “social or profess¡onal exchanges”.
The student has a very good active vocabulary and structural understanding, and can therefore undertake a course of study in English in further or h¡gher education.
The student can successfully
• write clear, organised text on descr¡pt¡ve, narrative, or discursive top¡cs, including giving opinion and explaining the advantages and d¡sadvantages of a given ¡ssue
• wr¡te letters, both formal and informal
• read and respond to a longer text on any topic, concrete or abstract
• provide an accurate summary of a text
• use language to perform any function likely to arise in a normal soc¡al or learning context
• manipulate structures to create emphasis, and vary style and id¡om
• listen and respond accurately to passages and questions ¡n a variety of forms and contexts delivered at a normal speaking pace
This is Anglia´s top level and is for those candidates who can confidently use the English language in a variety of circumstances. Be it a social or professional setting, the student should be at ease taking notes whilst listening to a set text and then from an extended piece of text.
From the set notes they must first be able to complete a set task and then write a clear and organised piece that argues for or against a particular case. Masters level has been designed to examine the candidate´s ability to understand and produce language in a variety of styles that “fits” well within the given scenario. If you are at Masters Level, could you change your language when “talking to teenagers" or “giving a formal presentation to an adult group” or maybe “presenting an argument in an answer to a coursework question within a higher level course”?
The student can confidently manipulate the language and use it both for any study or professional purpose. Building on proficiency level, the student can successfully
• take notes white listening to information given at normal speaking pace and then use those notes for a targeted task
• take notes from a long text on any topic and use those notes to argue a case in clear, organised written text
• show understanding of a variety of texts in both a detailed and global way
• understand and produce language in a variety of styles and idioms
As confidence increases from the bridg¡ng levels of Pre-Intermediate and Intermediate so the door opens for students to enjoy and share opportunities and experiences and to increasingly immerse themselves in the language.
We have high expectations and high standards, but believe the examinations are a fair and balanced test of those students who choose to take Higher Level examinations.
Many students who follow higher level courses have already sat English language examinations and understand the challenge they face. Their natural ability will be extended by these examinations and as their depth of knowledge increases, as they build on previous learning, so they will come to enjoy success knowing that they have taken another step towards mastery of the English language.
Anglia Ascentis ESOL Examinations Advanced, AcCEPT Proficiency and Masters Levels are listed on the UK National Database of Accredited Qualifications under ESOL International, level1, 2 and 3.
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