Cambridge and Toefl exams are accepted and trusted by education institutions, employers, and governments. They are either essential or mandatory for applying for visas and immigration and studying abroad. So, they help you to pursue your goals and ambitions!
Kickstart School can assist you with preparing any exam you are required to take, contact us and our experienced teachers are ready to help you!
“Admission tests apply a common standard to everyone. This helps colleges evaluate and compare the preparation of students who go to different high schools. All schools do not offer the same academic programs, learning environments or even expectations. ... Test scores are just one part of your application.”
Cambridge and Toefl exams assess the English language skills to communicate and succeed in the real world. Candidates can prove their skills by taking these exams! All these exams focus on a level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
Let us start with Cambridge English exams
IELTS (International English Language Testing System). English test for higher education and migration
Educational institutions, employers, professional registration bodies, and government immigration agencies often require proof of English language skills as part of their recruitment or admission procedures. IELTS is accepted for these purposes.
Results
There is no pass or fail mark in IELTS. You are graded on your performance in the test, using scores from 1–9 for each part of the test: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Your results from the four parts then produce an overall score. The candidate’s performance is measured on a unique 9-band scoring system.
Test format
In IELTS, there are four papers: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. There are two different IELTS modules: Academic and General Training. The Speaking and Listening tests are the same in both modules, but the Reading and Writing tests are different.
Go for the Academic module if you wish to study at undergraduate or postgraduate levels, or if you are seeking professional registration, e.g., doctors and nurses.
Choose the General Training module if you wish to migrate to an English-speaking country, or if you wish to train or study at below degree level.
B2 First (FCE)
First (FCE), is one of the Cambridge English Qualifications. It is accepted by businesses and educational institutions.
A B2 First qualification proves you have the language skills to live and work independently in an English-speaking country or study on courses taught in English. The Speaking test is taken face to face with two candidates and two examiners. This exam is the logical step in your language learning journey between B1 Preliminary and C1 Advanced.
B2 First Scale Scores -Depending on which university, college, or organization you are applying to, you may be asked to achieve a specific score or grade, either overall or for a particular skill. The exam is targeted at Level B2 of the CEFR. The examination also provides reliable assessment at the level above B2 (Level C1) and below (Level B1).
Scores between 122 and 139 are also reported for B2 First. You will not receive a certificate, but your Cambridge English Scale score is shown on your Statement of Results.
C1 Advanced – (CAE)
C1 Advanced, formerly known as Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE), is a high-level qualification. Educational institutions, businesses, and government departments accept C1 Advanced as proof of high-level achievement in learning English.
C1 Advanced is a computer or paper-based test. The exam has four papers- reading and use of English, writing, listening, and speaking.
The Speaking test is taken face to face with two candidates and two examiners. This exam is the logical step in the language learning journey between B2 First and C2 Proficiency.
C1 Advanced results are reported on the Cambridge English Scale.
Candidate receives a separate score for each of the four skills, and the four scores are averaged to give an overall result for the exam.
The exam targets Level C1 of the CEFR and also provides assessment at the level above C1 (Level C2) and below (Level B2).
Cambridge Business English exams
There are three Cambridge English qualifications for business.
1) B1 Business Preliminary
B1 Business Preliminary, (BEC Preliminary) assesses practical language skills needed for doing business in English with a B1 Business Preliminary qualification.
Exam format - B1 Business Preliminary has four papers -reading, writing, listening, and speaking. It is the first of the three English qualifications for business exams. The exam targets Level B1 of the CEFR.
2) B2 Business Vantage
B2 Business Vantage shows employers that you are ready to do business in English at an international level.
B2 Business Vantage is the second level exam of the three English qualifications for business. The exam targets Level B2 of the CEFR.
Exam format - B2 Business Vantage has four papers -reading, writing, listening and speaking.
3) C1 Business Higher
C1 Business Higher, formerly known as BEC Higher!
With a C1 Business Higher qualification, you show employers that you have achieved an advanced Business English level.
C1 is the third level exam of the three English qualifications for business. The exam targets Level C1 of the CEFR.
Exam format - C1 Business Higher has four papers -reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Moving on to the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) test
TOEFL IBT
Test Content - The online TOEFL iBT test measures all four academic English skills — reading, listening, speaking, and writing, and reflects the candidate’s abilities. Score validity period is two years!
The TOEFL iBT test has four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
During the test, candidates perform tasks that combine these 4 English communication skills, such as:
- read, listen and then speak in response to a question
- listen and then speak in response to a question
- read, listen and then write in response to a question
TOEFL IBT Test Score Overview
TOEFL IBT and Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) levels scores are aligned! And the CEFR levels for TOEFL IBT range from B1 to C2.
There is no pass or fail TOEFL mark, the candidate receives four scaled section scores and a total score:
· Reading section: 0-30
· Listening section: 0-30
· Speaking section: 0-30
· Writing section: 0-30
· Total score: 0-120
In addition to your scores, your test taker report will include performance feedback. MyBest Score feature combines test-takers best scores for each section from all of their valid TOEFL iBT scores in the last two years and shows their best overall test performance.
Test Your Way
You choose where to take it; you take it at a test center or at - home (the TOEFL iBT Home Edition is the same TOEFL iBT test you take at a test center). OPTIONAL
Toefl ITP Tests
The TOEFL ITP (ITP- Institutional Testing Program) assessment series evaluate academic English language skills.
Organizations use the ITP tests for English-proficiency testing programs for placement, and monitoring progress. And there are two levels: Level A and Level B. The TOEFL ITP tests are available in paper or digital format.
The tests evaluate skills in 3 areas:
- Listening Comprehension
- Structure and Written Expression
- Reading Comprehension
The TOEFL ITP Tests at a Glance
Level 1 (intermediate to advanced): Approximately 2 hours
Section | Number of Questions | Admin. Time | Score Scale |
|---|---|---|---|
Listening Comprehension | 50 | 35 minutes | 31–68 |
Structure and Written Expression | 40 | 25 minutes | 31–68 |
Reading Comprehension | 50 | 55 minutes | 31–67 |
TOTAL | 140 | 115 minutes | 310–677 |
Level 2 (high beginning to intermediate): Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes
Section | Number of Questions | Admin. Time | Score Scale |
|---|---|---|---|
Listening Comprehension | 30 | 22 minutes | 20–50 |
Structure and Written Expression | 25 | 17 minutes | 20–50 |
Reading and Vocabulary | 40 | 31 minutes | 20–50 |
TOTAL | 95 | 70 minutes | 200–500 |
The TOEFL ITP and Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level scores are aligned! And the CEFR levels for TOEFL ITP range from B1 to C1.
Finally, if your current approach to preparing for exams is daunting, and you need strategies to succeed in the Cambridge and TOEFL exams, visit the Kickstart school website.
Start your Exam preparation WHENEVER you need to.
At Kickstart School, our highly experienced teachers can prepare you for the Cambridge and Toefl exams with up-to-date teaching materials and self-study resources. You can enroll in our online or face-to-face classes. You have the option of either joining our group courses or individual courses that suit your needs.
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