This presentation was given on Methodology Day on 18 April 2014 by Tatiana Polovinkina. "A Chinese proverb says, “When the winds of change blow, some people build walls and others build windmills”. Yes, there have been more updates to one of the most popular exams but there is no need to panic; in fact, there are all the reasons to be enthusiastic and embrace this change. In our session we will * analyse the update to Cambridge English: First and First for Schools for 2015 providing a brief rationale for the revision * outline the new structure of the exam, focusing on the papers that have undergone the biggest change * highlight continuity and teaching implications. We will also discuss whether/how we may need to adjust our teaching to meet the new exam specifications and ensure our students’ success in the exam."

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An introduction to the
Cambridge English: First
update for 2015

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Aims of this seminar
• to introduce the update to Cambridge
English: First for 2015
• to outline the changes to the exam, while
highlighting continuity and teaching
implications
• to provide a rationale for the revision

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The CEFR

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Level B2
‘Level B2 is required in everyday written
and spoken situations, and achieving
a certificate at this level proves that a
candidate is becoming skilled in English.’

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Can Do statements
Reading Writing
• CAN scan texts for relevant
information
• CAN read the media for
information quickly and with
good understanding
• CAN write a simple report of
a factual nature and begin to
evaluate, advise, etc.
• CAN express opinions and give
reasons
Speaking Listening
• CAN keep up a conversation on
a fairly wide range of topics
• CAN check that all instructions
are understood
• CAN follow a talk on a familiar
topic
• CAN ask for factual information
and understand the answer

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Candidature
Cambridge English: First is aimed at
learners who want to:
• start working in an English-speaking
environment
• study at an upper-intermediate level, such
as foundation or pathway courses
• live independently in an English-speaking
country.

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Why choose a Cambridge English
exam?
Quality:
• extensive programme of research and
evaluation
• continuous monitoring of marking and
grading
• internationally recognised ISO 9001:2008
standard for quality management
• accredited by Ofqual

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Five principles
• Validity
• Reliability
• Impact
• Practicality
• Quality

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Purpose
The purpose of the project was to revise
Cambridge English: First in order to ensure
that it continues to meet the needs of
candidates, teachers, centres and other
users in terms of content and length.

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Aims
To ensure the updated examination:
• is suitable for use for further education study purposes
• is suitable for use for higher education foundation or pathway
courses
• is suitable for use for work or career enhancement purposes
• retains appropriate and specific testing focuses for each
paper
• is thoroughly validated and reflects the most up-to-date
methodological approach to communicative language testing
• is more user-friendly in terms of its length.

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Stages of the process
1) Data collection
2) Development of exam specifications
3) Production of examination support
materials

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Key changes made
• a reduction of the number of papers from
five to four
• a reduction in the total assessment time
from about 4 hours to about 3 hours 30
minutes

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Timings of papers
1 hour 15 minutes
14 minutes
1 hour 20 minutes
40 minutes
Reading and Use of English
Speaking
Writing
Listening
= 3 hours 30 minutes

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Shared features
• Text-based tasks
• Similar strategies needed
• Pre-printed answer sheets used

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Reading and Use of English Part 1

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Reading and Use of English Part 2

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Reading and Use of English Part 3

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Reading and Use of English Part 4

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Reading and Use of English Part 5

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Reading and Use of English Part 6

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Reading and Use of English Part 7

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Writing Part 1

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Speaking paper quiz
Match these numbers to the questions:
1 2 2 or 3 4 14
1) How many minutes does the
Speaking paper last?
2) How many candidates take the test
together?
3) How many examiners are there?
4) How many parts does the Speaking
paper have?
5) How many minutes is the ‘long turn’
in Part 2?
14
2 or 3
2
4
1

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Speaking Part 3 task
Interlocutor:
Now, I’d like you to talk
about something together
for about 2 minutes.
I’d like you to imagine
that a town wants more
tourists to visit. Here are
some ideas they’re
thinking about and a
question for you to discuss.
First you have some time to
look at the task.
Now, talk to each other
about why these ideas
would attract more tourists
to the town.

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Aims of this seminar
• to introduce the update to Cambridge
English: First for 2015
• to outline the changes to the exam, while
highlighting continuity and teaching
implications
• to provide a rationale for the revision

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Teaching Support website
• Over 1 million visits
• 100,000 registered
teachers
• 500,000 downloads
• Lots of features and
information to support
teachers
www.cambridgeenglish.org/teach

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New microsite for revised exams
• Information about
all the changes
• Videos, specifications,
sample papers, teaching
tips, classroom activities
teachingsupport.cambridgeenglish.org

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• Courses
Earn a certificate from Cambridge.
• Webinars
Interact with expert trainers.
• Knowledge
Articles with industry-leading ideas.
Join at
www.cambridgeenglishteacher.org
Online
Professional
Development

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Further information
Cambridge English Language Assessment
1 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB1 2EU,
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1223 553997
Fax: +44 (0)1223 553621
Keep up to date with what’s new via the website:
www.cambridgeenglish.orgwww.cambridgeenglish.org
For important information about Cambridge English exams:
www.cambridgeenglish.org/helpwww.cambridgeenglish.org/help

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Thank you!
Authorised Cambridge ESOL Centre BKC-IH
8(495) 604 4584
exams@bkc.ru
BKC-IH Teacher Training Centre
8(495) 234 0314
t-training@bkc.ru
BKC-IH Moscow
8 (495) 737 5225
www.bkc.ru