Assessing English for the International Community |
Our Young Learner general English examinations are for children from as young as five/ six to about 12. Recognising the way that young children learn is very important and we at Anglia concentrate on recognition and reception at an early stage, only gradually introducing active production.
The reasons why children take examinations often have little to do with the children themselves. Their parents may want to know how they are getting on or their teachers may want to check their progress to know what class they should be in. A head teacher might want to know how a teacher is doing with a class. These are valid reasons but at Anglia we believe that the most important reason of all is to encourage and motivate the children themselves.
Often, children learn English for many years at school and then, at about the age of 15 or 16, finally sit an examination in it. This may be too late to convince them of their natural ability, however. Much better, then, if at every small step of the way a child learns a little, is tested on that, and then receives a certificate and well-deserved praise for their achievement. This way, they will never, at whatever stage they leave the education system, come away with nothing.
They may also realise, at a young age, what a good speaker of English they could become and go on to take it to academic and professional standards.
When you take this level exam you can show us that you know some of the important words in English, for example words like Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and mother, father, sister and brother.
You can also show us that you can do things in English like answer questions, count, and use the right colours when you are asked. You can even show us that the teacher can tell you to do things in English and you will understand.
The student
• has a basic vocabulary recognition of about 100 words
• can read and follow simple instructions
• can understand the language of basic identification
When you take the Junior level exam you show that you know important words in English for a lot of the things you find in important places in your life, like home and school.
You also show us that you know words for things like sports, food, transport and clothes. At this level you also show us that you know important words for doing things (verbs) like watch, play, listen, drink, sit etc.
You can show us some grammar, too, like the difference between ‘she and he’ and ‘her and his’.
The student
• has a basic vocabulary recognition of about 200 words
• knows how to describe present actions
• can identify and describe basic location and position
• can follow a short, simple written text
When you take a Primary level exam you can show us that you have learnt more words and can now do useful things like tell the time in English and read a postcard in English from a friend.
At this level, you can also show us that you are good at getting some things exactly right, like making plural words and forming simple questions.
The student
• has a basic active vocabulary of about 300 words
• can tell the time
• can describe present actions, give personal and family information, describe habits, routines, and everyday activities
• can communicate when and how often an action or event takes place
• can form questions and negatives
When you take a Preliminary level exam you show us that you now know even more words, for example you know two words for some things and you know words and their opposites.
You can also show that your grammar is expanding and with your words and grammar you can read in English, answer comprehension questions from reading and listening, write whole sentences and answer real questions about yourself.
The student
• has a basic active vocabulary of about 400 words
• can communicate present and past events, recently completed actions and life experiences
• can communicate where things are and when things happen
• can express opposites, comparisons and ownership
• can ask questions, answer questions, and write full sentences
With your Preliminary certificate you show everyone that your English is really taking off and that you are ready to move up and away from the younger learner levels and into the intermediate levels of English.
Your Primary level certificate means you understand lots of important things about English, and that you are beginning to use your English to communicate with.
Your Junior certlficate means you are really on the way to understanding lots of important things about English, both the words and the way the words are put together.
When you get your First Step certificate it shows everyone that you have made a really good first step in learning English and are on your way.
To test your level take our online placement test at www.anglia.org
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Anglia
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