AcCEPT Proficiency Level
Providing properly calibrated levels and certificates to help the students through this stage is invaluable!
This level has been designed to test the candidate's effective use of the English language. An extended piece of written work that is 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 reading is vital as is the need to be able to use the English language in a way that is the 'norm' within certain social or learning contexts. The candidate will need to respond to what they hear with a high level of precision and basically be able to provide evidence they would be comfortable in any 'social or professional exchanges'.
Overview of Tasks:
Reading & Writing:
SECTION |
DESCRIPTION |
Section W1A/W1 (25 marks) |
Writing: composition |
Section W2 (15 marks) |
Writing: formal/informal correspondence |
Section R1 (10 marks) |
Reading comprehension |
Section R2 (10 marks) |
Reading for information |
Section R3 (10 marks) |
Reading for inference and information |
Section W3 (10 marks) |
Writing: sentence transformation |
Section R4 (10 marks) |
Use of English: word transformation |
Section R5 (10 marks) |
Use of English: grammar in context |
Listening:
SECTION |
DESCRIPTION |
Section L1 (20 marks) |
Listening for information One monologue Three-option multiple choice/complete the sentences Ten questions |
Section L2 (20 marks) |
Listening for meaning |
Section L3 (10 marks) |
Listening for information |
Speaking:
SECTION |
DESCRIPTION |
Section s1 (up to 4 minutes) |
Warm up Style of questions similar to an interview for a job or a place in higher education not a simple informal chat |
Section s2 (up to 8 minutes) |
Making a case |
Section s3 (up to 8 minutes) |
Discussion of complex or difficult issues |
Syllabus and Specifications:
Performance Indicators
The student has a very good active vocabulary and structural understanding, and can therefore undertake a course of study in English in further or higher education. The student can successfully:
- write clear, organised text on descriptive, narrative, or discursive topics, including giving opinion and explaining the advantages and disadvantages of a given issue.
-
write 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 social or learning context.
-
manipulate structures to create emphasis, and vary style and idiom.
-
listen and respond accurately to passages and questions in a variety of forms and contexts, delivered at a normal speaking pace.
A good example of an essay at this level:
Marking Criteria
Composition
C |
Content organisation |
5 = Clear relevant paragraphs to organise work. A range of connectives/conjunctions (whereas, alternatively, likewise, furthermore etc). Elements of description and discussion have logical connectors and grouping |
A |
Accuracy |
5 = Minimal errors with C1 level language used. Shows total control of language |
R |
Range of vocabulary and structure |
5 = Competent use of a range of language expected at this level. (E.g. range of tenses, conditional, inversion, unreal past) |
A |
Appropriacy of tone and register |
5 = Natural. Fully appropriate use of language and style |
T |
Task completion |
5 = Full completion of task. No repetition. Very positive effect on reader |
Grade boundaries for composition
GRADE |
MARKS |
Distinction |
20 - 25 |
Merit |
16.5 - 19.5 |
Pass |
12.5 - 16 |
Referred |
5 - 12 |
Ungraded |
0 - 4.5 |
Section W2 - Writing a formal letter (110 – 130 words) and an informal email (at least 80 words)
N.B. One overall mark is awarded for both pieces of writing.
C |
Content organisation/ appropriacy |
5 = Letter and email set out correctly and clearly. Well organised with appropriate salutations/signing off. Clear paragraphs in letter. Language organised into a logical thread, with natural use of connectors/linkers and clear distinction in tone and register according to recipient |
A |
Accuracy and organisation |
5 = Accurate use of C1 level language. One or two minor errors but they do not impede understanding at all. Accurate use of contractions and other punctuation in informal writing |
T |
Task completion and language range |
5 = Full completion of task. Competent use of a range of C1 language. Some attempt at using more advanced language, maybe with errors. |
Grade boundaries for message writing
GRADE |
MARKS |
Distinction |
12.5 - 15 |
Merit |
10 - 12 |
Pass |
7.5 - 9.5 |
Referred |
4 - 7 |
Ungraded |
0 - 3.5 |
Grade Boundaries:
Grades are calculated by weighting the Listening % by 0.2 and the Written % by 0.8 - adding the results together and then using the information above.