INTRODUCTION About the IGCSE in E2L
• They help to build confidence and to develop exam techniques.
These Practice Tests are designed to give practice in the Listening and Oral papers of the Cambridge IGCSE examination in English as a Second Language. The exam is set at two levels, known as Core and Extended. The Core papers are aimed at lower-intermediate to intermediate students, while the Extended are for students at intermediate to upper-intermediate level. (See IGCSE in E2L at a Glance on pages 4/5 for a detailed overview of the exam.) The separate papers for Core and Extended levels are intended to encompass a wide ability range and to allow all students a chance of being awarded a qualification and a grade which reflect their level of ability in English. The exam is often taken as part of the IGCSE curriculum which offers a wide range of subjects. However, IGCSE in E2L may be taken as a single subject entry alongside another course of study or independently as a qualification in English. The exam can be taken at any age, although most candidates are about 16 years old. Students usually study for the exam over a period of two years, which allows time for them to develop both intellectually and emotionally. The IGCSE in E2L qualification is widely recognised by universities where evidence of attainment in English is a requirement for entry.
• Gaps in students’ learning and skills can be uncovered and remedied. • Students can acquire insight into what the examiners are looking for.
About the Listening Tests As in the exam, there is an incline of difficulty in the listening passages. The skills required range from listening for short, specific bits of information, to listening to longer and more complex monologues and discussions where students are required to interpret as well as understand. Candidates hear each recording twice, with pauses between for them to write their answers and check their work. All the pauses and repeats are included in the recording, so no pausing or rewinding by the teacher is necessary.
Core and Extended
As in the exam, most of the recordings for both Core and Extended are the same. Differentiation of ability is achieved largely through the questions and question format. Core candidates do ‘short answer’ questions, complete very brief notes and do boxticking exercises. Extended candidates do more ‘short answer’ questions and have more gaps in the notes to fill in. See page 5 of IGCSE in E2L at a Glance for more detail.
About the Practice Tests Like the exam, the material used in the Practice Tests aims to be international in perspective, culturally fair to students from all parts of the world, educational in impact and to reflect the needs and interests of teenagers. Exam tasks are realistic and similar to what students could be expected to meet at work, in training or in academic study. The Practice Tests have the following benefits:
Topics
• They introduce students to the exam format.
Voices
In addition to the short scenarios for Part 1, a broad range of topics has been chosen so that students, whatever their particular interests, will find something of real benefit to listen to and enjoy. Topics include life as an astronaut, the thrill of highrisk sports, playing truant from school, a mysterious archaeological find in Egypt, the potential of telemedicine and an interview with a child actor. The voices represent a wide range of ages and backgrounds. To increase the international flavour there are occasional accents from outside the UK (e.g. Caribbean, Australian, American) as well as mild regional accents.
• They allow students to experience a simulated exam under exam-type conditions, if desired, and to practise under timed conditions.
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