If you’ve been following the latest telc English news via our Facebook page, you will probably have heard about the new telc English A2-B1 examination. To find out more about this ground-breaking test format, read on!
telc GmbH – The European Language Certificates is currently the only language test provider to offer an English examination that covers two different levels of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF) in addition to its range of single-level tests.
Traditionally, language examinations like those in the telc English programme target one particular level of the CEF only. This makes a lot of sense and is often the best approach to language assessment. Test takers are generally reasonably confident in their ability to gain a certificate at that level and will prepare accordingly. If you think you’re ready to take the telc English B1 examination, therefore, you will sit the test and subsequently receive a crisp, stamped piece of paper that attests to your language abilities and is recognised by employers and educational establishments throughout Europe and beyond.
But what if you’re not one hundred percent certain of your language level? What if you’re pretty confident you’ve reached level B1, but also a little unsure about proving this in an examination context? Or perhaps you’re comfortable at level A2, but would like the opportunity to see whether your English is better than you thought? In either case, a dual-level examination could be right for you!
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 questions to test reading, writing, speaking and listening at both levels, and many tasks 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 at the important threshold to becoming an independent language user.
Everyone has strengths in different areas when it comes to learning a foreign language: some of us are particularly good at listening, for example, while others are at their best when speaking. A dual-level examination gives you the opportunity to demonstrate this individual skillset and see a precise reflection thereof on your telc certificate. Upon completion of the test, you will receive a breakdown of your skills for each of the separate areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening, together with your overall level achieved: A2 or B1.
If you’re interested to see exactly what the examination is like, why not give the telc English A2-B1 Mock Examination a try? It will give you a good idea of what to expect and some additional information about the content and format that you will encounter. And if you go on to sit the examination itself, the ‘From A to B’ telc English A2-B1 examination preparation booklet provides a wealth of practice material with some fun activities to help you on your way to exam success.
Special Facebook Launch Competition
Be one of the first to ‘like’ our page and win a copy of the new telc English A2-B1 examination preparation booklet “From A to B” which includes 2 audio CDs to help you practice for the new dual-level examination! Five lucky winners will be drawn every week until the end of August.
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Look out for next week's article, which will be out on telc Current News on 22 August.