Introducing YLE

Aims to familiarise teachers with the content of the

Cambridge Young Learners EnglishTests

to consider the level of each test

to discuss the benefits of using the YLE

Aims of the YLE Tests

relevant and meaningful

accurate and fair

positive first impression

effective learning and teaching

Relevant and meaningful

appropriate and useful

enjoyable

reflect their experiences

topics relevant to children at this age

internationally accessible

Accurate and fair valid and reliable

the 4 skills

emphasis on oral and aural skills

understanding

simple, clearly-focused tasks

clearly defined content and format

Accurate and fair: marking and assessment

marked by Cambridge ESOL Oral Examiners 14-day turnaround

A positive first impression

progress can be perceived attractively presented fun elements feel at ease everyone receives an award

on the classroom is a key factor

The Common European Framework of Reference

4

BULATS IELTS

9

8

6

5

7

2

3

0

1

BEC

Preliminary

3BEC Vantage

BEC

Higher

5

BEC

Movers

Starters

Flyers

YLE

Break-

through

1

2

3

4

5

ALTE

Levels

A1

A2

B1

B2

C1

C2

CEFR

2

KET

PET

FCE

CAE

CPE

General English

0

1

4

YLE in the world

Initial development 1993-1997

Launched worldwide in 1997

Revision process 2002-2007

Revised format in 2007

Candidates in over 60 countries

Overview of the Tests

Listening, Reading and Writing, Speaking

7–12 years syllabus for each level administrative flexibility Special circumstances:

special arrangements special consideration malpractice

The Listening Tests

Length

(approx.)Parts Questions

Starters 20 mins 4 20

Movers 25 mins 5 25

Flyers 25 mins 5 25

The Reading & Writing Tests

Length Parts Questions

Starters 20 mins 5 25

Movers 30 mins 6 40

Flyers 40 mins 7 50

The Speaking Tests

Length Parts

Starters 3–5 mins 5

Movers 5–7 mins 4

Flyers 7–9 mins 4

Handbook information a description a chart recommendations for candidate preparation

1. number of questions

2. what candidates hear (Listening and Speaking)

3. what candidates look at

4. what candidates read

5. how candidates answer

6. what language is being tested.

Grammar and structures listPrepositions of place Put the clock next to the picture.

Question words Who is that man?

Where is Alex?

Impersonal you How do you spell that?

Have + obj + inf Lucy has a book to read.

ing forms as nouns Swimming is good.

I like swimming.

Activity 2 key

1 Shall for suggestions Flyers

2 adverbs of frequency Movers

3 comparatives Movers

4 have got Starters

5 -ing forms as nouns Starters

6 relative clauses Movers

7 going to Flyers

8 Let’s Starters

Vocabulary lists

alphabetical vocabulary lists per level

combined alphabetical vocabulary lists

thematic lists

combined grammatical vocabulary list

Activity 3: topics

Think of three topics you normally teach students who are aged

between 7 and 12. For each topic, write 2–3 words which you

would teach at this level for each part of speech.

For example:

the body and face mouth, arm, eye smile, look

YLE topics animals the body and face clothes colours family and friends food and drink the home places school sports time toys transport

health weather work

materials

Progression up the levels

similar tasks

differences:

language to process

picture support

distractors

Language to process

Starters single sentence, same format

Movers 1 or 2 sentences, variety in format

Flyers 1 or 2 longer sentences, more complex

sentences, variety in format

Picture support

Starters sentences based on pictures sentences beside each picture.

Movers pictures and words

sentences not beside picture

Flyers no pictures

Distractors

Starters no distractors

Movers 1 distractor

Flyers 4 distractors

Why use YLE Tests?

reflect children’s experience and learning

prepare them for the higher level exams

are accurate and fair

are attractive and child-friendly

have no pass/fail

allow for special circumstances

Why use YLE Tests?

They’re easy to integrate into the curriculum.

They provide positive washback.

Further information the YLE Handbook

sample papers

exam reports

Information for candidates

Leaflet for parents and guardians

DVD – ‘All about YLE’

further seminars

‘How to do well in the Cambridge YLE Tests’

Teaching Resources website:

www.cambridgeesol.org/teach

University of CambridgeESOL Examinations

1 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB1 2EU, UKTel: (0)1223 553355Fax: (0)1223 460278

E-mail: ESOLHelpdesk@cambridgeesol.org

Keep up to date with what's new via the Cambridge ESOL website

www.CambridgeESOL.orgwww.CambridgeESOL.org

Further information

6Y12.YLE-ModB.001 PPT