Page 21 - ELG2205 May Issue 480

FEATURES

differs dramatically from the lower levels. For Candidates can find out which exam they about different topics and talk using scenario
example, B2 candidates’ reading and writing should take through a quiz on the website, prompts. In the listening test, examinees
tests cover comprehension questions that ask so the questions they will come across differ listen to recordings and answer multiple-
for details, main ideas and implications, and depending on their fluency. For instance, the choice detail and holistic-meaning questions,
two prompt-based writing tasks that require listening portion of C2 exams tests students which are also the types of questions they will
examinees to write texts such as essays and on their understanding of details and requires encounter in the reading test.
articles. The Level IV exam, however, calls them to choose the appropriate response to The writing portion, meanwhile, consists
for test takers to submit a portfolio made up an audio, while the reading test includes tasks of two prompt-based tasks, one requiring the
of three written texts, and has candidates that check for details (true-or-false items), candidate to write a casual text and the other
write an analytical essay and write about texts organisation (a sentence fill-in-the-blank an essay.
they read during the test. The speaking and exercise) and gist. The writing section has And yes, PSI is generous with resources
listening tests for B2 students involve a talk students penning an article and a story; in the – its website offers thorough guides to each
about a topic of the candidate’s choosing, speaking test, candidates state their opinions, level and sub-test, practice tests and links to
a discussion based on a prompt, a dialogue give a presentation about an assigned topic resources for improving students’ skills.
based on a chosen topic and listening to an and role play a situation.
audio, after which the candidate reports Resources for teachers are relatively few, The arrival of these new fluency tests
information they heard. In contrast, Level but Language CERT still offers practice tests, promises more options for aspiring candidates
IV speaking and listening exams include a webinars and links to books teachers can use. worldwide. And teachers should take note of
lecture, discussions about the lecture and the them, not only to help examinees pick the test
portfolio, a conversation based on a prompt, PSI Skills for English that best suits their needs, but also to extend
and comprehension questions about texts read The PSI Skills for English test has different their services to reflect the latest goings-on in
aloud that test for holistic meaning and ask the levels and, like Language CERT, PSI’s the testing market, all in the service of helping
candidate to supply endings. SkillsforEnglish.com website provides a students thrive.
Luckily, Trinity’s website provides thorough diagnostic quiz for you to assess your current
guides for each level – for both teachers and level. Skills for English has two skill tests
students – practice activities, video samples (speaking and listening) at levels A1 and A2, Kat Bautista is a freelance
of the exam and links to textbooks teachers and a two-skills version of B1, as well as four
can consult. skill tests (speaking, listening, reading and writer and TEFL-certified ESL
writing) at levels B1 to C2. teacher who handles mostly
Language CERT International ESOL For B2 examinees, the speaking section Japanese students. She lives in
Like Trinity, Language CERT’s exam has six calls for candidates to answer questions the Philippines.
versions, each corresponding to CEFR levels. about themselves, respond to questions

Secure.

Convenient.

Assured.

Skills for English tests have been designed to make
the process of organising and achieving English
language testing goals intuitive and straightforward.

Four skills in a Flexible and highly
single test session accessible test delivery

UK Government Available in over
approved SELT test 120 countries

skillsforenglish.com

editorial@elgazette.com 21