The Cambridge Young
Learners’ Examinations
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What are they?
The Cambridge Young Learners’ Examinations are the three earliest
examinations in the Cambridge Suite. These examinations have been
designed for children between the ages of 7 and 12, and are generally
taken by children who have been learning English as their second
language.
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There are three
different levels in the Young Learners’ Examinations (YLE) – Starters,
which is taken by the youngest candidates, Movers which is the
middle of the three exams and Flyers which is taken by the older
candidates. It should be noted that Flyers generally is
considered to be at a level similar to the KET (Key English Test)
level. Students don’t need to have completed an earlier exam to take a
higher level.
What does the test
involve?
Each
test consists of three papers – a listening paper, a reading and writing
paper and a speaking paper. The tests are taken in a comfortable and
non-threatening environment and are a good way for young students to be
introduced to the concept of an international exam without exposing them
to the stress which is sometimes associated with the examination
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Why take
the test?
These tests
are taken for a range of reasons. Sometimes, parents
believe that it might help their child secure a place in a
good secondary school. Or it might be an advantage if the
child is going to go to an English-medium or International
school, as it demonstrates to the school that the child has
had some verifiable experience with English. Preparing for
the exams gives a focus to the vocabulary items students
might be learning. And the child might also have the chance
to learn something about western culture from the type of
preparation done.
How to
get ready for the exams?
Exposure to
a range of vocabulary is the best way for a child to prepare
for the exams. It is possible to download the YLE Handbook
from the Cambridge website -
http://www.cambridgeesol.org/exams/yle.htm
The
Handbook will contain lists of words which commonly come up
in the tests at the different levels. If the child is
familiar with the words for the level of test which is going
to be taken, that is very good preparation for the exams. Of
course, as with any examination, an introduction to the
format of the exam and what to expect from it is also very
helpful. Finally there are some simple things which should
be reviewed with your child before they go to the exam, such
as which exam paper requires the use of coloured pencils.
For help in
getting your child ready for this exam please contact ITS. |
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