Action
Conducting the Reading and Use of English, Writing and Listening papers
Conducting the Speaking paper
In the Speaking exam, there are two examiners and, typically, two candidates. However, it is possible to test three learners at the same time, which is useful when you have a large class or an odd number of students.
In the mock test, for practical reasons, it is alright to have one examiner. Where possible, find a quiet space to conduct the test such as a spare classroom or quiet corridor.
During the Speaking paper the examiner reads from a script – this is provided for you in the sample paper. Use the same script as the examiner as this helps to familiarise your learners with the phrasing of the instructions for each of the tasks.
Print off the Teacher checklist to ensure you have everything you need on test day.
How to mark the test papers
The Cambridge English Scale and conversion tables
The exam results at each level are given as a score using the Cambridge English Scale. This score aligns with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Note that, according to the scale, your learners have successfully demonstrated English at the CEFR level of the exam when they achieve Grade B or C. Students who achieve Grade A, have successfully demonstrated ability at the CEFR level above.
Points on the practice test are converted to Cambridge English Scale scores using test score conversion tables.
Important note: these conversion tables will not necessarily reflect the score your learners will get in the real exam and this should be made clear to them. However, they are useful to give an idea of learners’ readiness to take the exam and to help identify strengths and areas to work on.
Marking the Writing paper
Written tasks are assessed using criteria. These are descriptions of what the learner is expected to achieve. Some examples of criteria for writing are:
- Content
- Communicative Achievement
- Organisation
- Language
It is worth noting that writing in A2 Key for Schools is not assessed for Communicative Achievement.
The teacher guides Assessing Writing for Cambridge English Qualifications show you how to assess writing for each exam. They describe the assessment criteria in more detail for specific exams and help you with key terminology, tasks and examples:
Being able to assess learners’ writing using assessment criteria is a useful skill for teachers to develop as it helps you mark all written work fairly and consistently.