Cambridge Young Learners English Tests 8 Starters (2013) Answer Booklet

These tests are an enjoyable and non-threatening way of assessing the English of children between the ages of 7 and 12.

There are three levels:
Flyers (at Level A2 of the Council of Europe's Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
Movers (at Level A1)
Starters (below Level A1)

Why take YLE?
The tests provide a gentle introduction to public exams and research shows that children find the tests highly motivating. They aim to:
* sample relevant and meaningful language use
* measure ability accurately and fairly
* present a positive impression of international tests
* promote and encourage effective learning and teaching


What do the tests involve?

Reading and Writing
This is a paper and pencil test which lasts 20 minutes (Starters), 30 minutes (movers) and 40 minutes (Flyers). Texts are short and constrained by a specified set of words and structures. Children perform simple operations such as selecting and ticking, writing words and phrases in gaps, or answering open-ended questions. Papers are sent to Cambridge ESOL for marking.

Listening
This is also a paper and pencil test which lasts between 20 minutes (Starters) and 25 minutes (Movers and Flyers). As with the Reading and Writing paper, texts are limited in the language assessed to what is specified in the test specifications. Children listen to short recorded dialogues involving both child and adult speakers, and perform simple operations such as drawing lines, selecting, matching and colouring. Papers are sent to Cambridge ESOL for marking.

Speaking
This is a face-to-face test which lasts between 5 and 10 minutes with suitably qualified, experienced and trained Examiners. Children perform various activities in response to prompts from the examiner using visual prompts, and give simple information about themselves.