HANDBOOK ENGLISH

HANDBOOK ENGLISH A2·B1 www.telc.net All rights reserved; no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the Publishers. Published by telc GmbH, Frankfurt am Main, Germany All rights reserved © 2011 by telc GmbH, Frankfurt am Main Printed in Germany ISBN: 978–3-86375-015-2 Order Number: 5160-LZB-010101 HANDBOOK ENGLISH A2·B1 4 Contents 0 Introduction 5 1 Background Information 7 1.1 Dual-level Examination 7 1.2 Target Audience 10 1.3 Global English 11 1.4 ALTE Minimum Standards 12 1.5 Relevant CEF Scales 13 2 Test Specifications 25 2.1 Overview of the Test Format 25 2.2 Listening 29 2.3 Reading 37 2.4 Writing 46 2.5 Speaking 48 3 Inventories 54 3.1 Inventory T – Topics 54 3.2 Inventory G – Grammar 57 3.2.1 Inventory GI – The Grammar of Spoken and Written Discourse 57 3.2.2 Inventory GII – Task-oriented/ Notional Grammar 64 3.2.3 Inventory GIII – The Inventory of Grammar 85 3.3 Inventory V – Vocabulary 98 Handbook telc English A2·B1 5 Introduction 0 Introduction telc English A2·B1 is a standardised dual-level examination which measures general language competence over two levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF) using a task-based, communicative approach. telc GmbH – The European Language Certificates is currently the only language test provider to offer a dual-level English examination in addition to its range of single-level tests. Forerunner was the DTZ or Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer A2·B1 (German Test for Migrants A2·B1), a language examination designed to be taken at the end of the integration courses for migrants to Germany. The success of this format encouraged telc – language tests to introduce an equivalent dual-level exam for learners of English. The telc English A2·B1 format has been carefully developed to assess a precise combination of competencies at levels A2 and B1 within one single examination. It contains tasks to test reading, writing, speaking and listening at both levels, many of which are similar to those found in the traditional telc English examinations. Test takers have the additional advantage, however, of being able to determine exactly where their skills lie. The CEF describes learners at A2 level as basic users (Waystage) and at B1 as independent users (Threshold Level); however the transition between these categories represents a major hurdle for many learners. Test takers at A2·B1 level are likely to be those interested in taking an examination but not sure whether their language skills are sufficient for the level they wish – or need – to pass. The dual-level test measures and certifies which of the two possible competence levels being tested has been reached. Upon completion of the test, candidates receive a breakdown of their skills for each of the separate areas of reading and listening, writing and speaking, together with the overall level achieved: A2 or B1. Thus all participants have the chance to successfully complete the examination, which is especially useful in heterogeneous groups of learners. The dual-level examination encourages candidates to take the test, and the score sheet precisely documents the different levels they have reached in the various language competencies. The European Language Certificates were originally aimed exclusively at adults. Over time the educational landscape has changed dramatically, and telc now offers special exams for school pupils as well. The demand for standardised certification of language competencies among young people who are still at school or about to start a career has risen significantly, and telc has reacted to this need. The telc English A2·B1 School Mock Examination is now available and is intended for young learners between 12 and 17 years old. A more comprehensive version of this handbook including wordlists for the telc English A2·B1 School examination and other supplementary material will be available from early February. This handbook aims to describe the objectives of telc English A2·B1 as well as the needs of the targeted learner population. It also explains how these were implemented in the development of the test format. In chapter 1.5, telc’s claim that this examination is aligned to the CEF is substantiated using theoretical and empirical evidence relating both to the examination as a whole and to each individual subtest. Issues such as standardisation using qualitative and quantitative procedures, comparison with calibrated test samples and performances are discussed in detail, as is the way in which the test uses authentic and realistic testing materials. The test format, both for receptive and for productive skills, is analysed together with the marking criteria and the scoring scheme. In order to give guidance regarding the kind of vocabulary and grammar on which telc English A2·B1 is based, lists of lexis and structures are included in this handbook. We are particularly grateful to Barry O’Sullivan, Professor of Applied Linguistics at Roehampton University, London, and Director of the Centre for Language Assessment Research, for his invaluable help in collating and revising Inventory G – Grammar and Inventory V – Vocabulary. Handbook telc English A2·B1 ... - tailieumienphi.vn