LEARN ABOUT THE STRUCTURE OF THE CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH YOUNG STARTERS TEST (PRE A1 STARTERS)

Cambridge Starters or Pre A1 Starters is the first test in the Cambridge YLE test system to assess children’s English proficiency. The test requires each candidate to spend 45 minutes to complete 3 parts:

Total time for the four skill sections of the Starters level

Reading & Writing test: 20 minutes (5 parts, 25 questions)

Part 1: VOCABULARY – Match words with pictures: Match the pictures in the left column with the appropriate definition in the right column.

Part 2: READING – Understanding image content: A picture with given descriptive sentences, candidates need to classify the descriptive sentences as true or false by writing Yes or No below each sentence.

Part 3: VOCABULARY – Arrange jumbled letters into meaningful words: The given objects correspond to the pictures. Candidates use the given words to write the names of the objects in the picture.

Part 4: COMPLETE THE PARAGRAPH – Choose a word from the general word bank to fill in the blank: Fill in the blank in the paragraph with the words given.

Part 5: WRITING SENTENCES – Complete the sentences about the content in the picture: Answer the questions after reading and understanding the story with the pictures.

Speaking test: 3-5 minutes (4 small parts)

Part 1: Find objects in the picture according to the examiner’s request.

Part 2: Answer general questions about the picture.

Part 3: Answer questions about small objects in the picture.

Part 4: Answer questions about the candidate himself.

Listening test: 20 minutes (4 parts)

   Part 1: LISTEN – Identify the people in the picture mentioned: Draw a line connecting the people in the picture with the appropriate names outside the picture.

Part 2: LISTENING – Record some detailed information: Answer questions about a child or animal.

Part 3: LISTENING – Choose the correct picture with the information: Choose the correct picture with the information heard.

Part 4: LISTENING – Color and write on the picture according to the instructions: Choose an object in the picture and color it in the correct color.

About how to calculate Starters level test scores: Test results are shown by the Cambridge English shield icon. Each test section will have a maximum of 5 shields , parents will rely on the number of shields their child receives to evaluate their child’s English ability. Although there is no rule for passing or failing, the normal assessment level to be considered a pass must be over 10 shields and all sections must achieve at least 2 shields.

Cambridge English shield symbol