efw handbook 2007

8/8/2019 Efw Handbook 2007

1/22

Candidate Handbook

October 2007


2/22

Preface

This handbook is intended principally for candidates who are intending to take CambridgeESOLs Certificates in ESOL for Work. It has sections to help them familiarise themselves withthe skills, topics and tasks included in the test and gives advice on how to improve theirlanguage skills and how to prepare for the test. Some of the information included in thehandbook may also be of use to teachers and to centres administering the ESOL for Work tests.

For further information about ESOL for Work, contact your nearest Cambridge ESOL, ESOL forWork centre or contact Cambridge ESOL directly:

ESOL for WorkUniversity of Cambridge ESOL Examinations1 Hills RoadCambridgeCB1 2EUUnited Kingdom

Email: [email protected]

www.ESOLforWork.orgTel: +44 1223 553997
mailto:[email protected]://www.esolforwork.org/http://www.esolforwork.org/mailto:[email protected]


3/22

Contents Page

1 Introduction 4

What is ESOL for Work? 4What topics and situations are covered? 5

2 The Reading and Listening Test 6

What is in the Reading and Listening test? 6How are the results reported? 7How should you prepare for the Reading and Listening test? 7What should you do during the test? 8Sample questions 9

3 The Writing Test 13

What is in the Writing test? 13How is the Writing Test assessed? 13How are the results reported? 13How should you prepare for the Writing test? 13What should you do during the test? 14Sample questions 15

4 The Speaking Test 17

What is in the Speaking test? 17How are you assessed in the Speaking test? 17How are the results reported? 17How should you prepare for the Speaking test? 18What should you do during the test? 19Sample questions 20


4/22

1 Introduction

What is ESOL FOR WORK?

The Cambridge ESOL Certificates in ESOL for Work are qualifications which are designed tooffer candidates relevant and reliable tests, and quick results. Cambridge ESOL is the leadingprovider of English language qualifications in the UK, and has developed the new assessmentsto meet the needs of employers, and to support migrant and settled workers who are in work orintending to work in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Candidates English language competence is assessed through three separate modes: Readingand Listening, Speaking, and Writing, using tasks which are relevant to employers andemployees in the workplace environment. These modes can be taken in any order.

For each mode completed, a candidate receives a Statement of Results with their scoresreported across National Qualifications Framework (NQF) levels Entry 1 to Level 3, and Councilof Europe Framework (CEF) levels A1 to C2. As ESOL for Work is currently accredited by theQualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) at NQF levels Entry 3 and Level 1, certificates will

be awarded at these levels only. Certificates are issued by Cambridge ESOL when candidateshave successfully completed all three modes.

National Qualifications Framework (NQF)Levels

Council of Europe (CEF) Levels

Level 3 C2

Level 2 C1

Level 1 B2

Entry 3 B1

Entry 2 A2

Entry 1 A1

For more information on the National Qualifications Framework and the Council of Europe Framework levels, visitCambridge ESOLs ESOL for Work website: www.ESOLforWork.org


5/22

What topics and situations are covered?

The topics and situations covered include the following:

Personal information

Asking for and giving personal details (name, occupation, etc.)Asking about and describing jobs and responsibilities

Asking about and describing a company and its organisation, staff etc.Asking about and describing interestsAsking about and describing future plansAsking about and describing learning experiences

The office, general work environment and routine

Describing daily routine and common work practicesArranging appointmentsPlanning future events and tasksAsking for and giving permissionGiving and receiving instructionsPredicting and describing future possibilities

Asking for and giving opinionsAgreeing and disagreeingMaking, accepting and rejecting suggestionsExpressing needs and wantsDiscussing problemsMaking recommendationsJustifying decisions and past actionsMaking applicationsAttending interviews and training

Relationships with employers, colleagues and customers

Discussing interests and leisure activitiesInviting, accepting and refusing offers and invitationsThanking and expressing appreciationApologising and accepting apologiesMaking and receiving enquiries, reservations, requests and complaintsAsking for and giving information about a product or serviceMaking comparisons, expressing opinions, preferences, etc.Understanding and discussing prices and delivery dates, offers and agreements

Other work related topics

AdministrationCatering, food and food hygiene

Computing and ITConstructionCultural issues, equality and diversityCustomer careHealth and safety in the workplaceHealth and social care, hospitalsOffice equipment and maintenancePayment systems and incentive schemesProducts and servicesRetail, consumer goods, shopping and pricesTourism and hospitalityTraining and training coursesTransport and delivery


6/22

6

2 The Reading and Listening Test

The ESOL for Work Reading and Listening mode assesses your ability to use English inthe workplace. This mode of the test is taken on computer. Questions appear on screenand you answer them by clicking on a particular option or by typing in words or phrases.The computer-based Reading and Listening test is adaptive. This means that it adapts toyour level. If you get questions right, it will give you more difficult ones. If you getquestions wrong, it will give you easier ones. You can change your mind and change ananswer you have selected. However, once you move on to the next task, you cant goback to a previous one.

What is in a Reading and Listening Test?

There are eight types of question and they assess reading and listening skills, includinggrammar and vocabulary knowledge. The computer test starts by testing your readinglanguage proficiency before starting the second section consisting of the listening part ofthe test. The task types can come in any order within each part of the test. As the test isadaptive, the length of the test will depend on your level of ability but it is usuallybetween 50 and 60 minutes long.

Reading Tasks

Read and Select Candidates are presented with a notice, diagram,label, memo or letter containing a short text.They choose a phrase that most closely matchesthe meaning of that text.

Extended Reading Candidates read a longer text and answer aseries of multiple choice questions based on it.The questions are presented in the same order asthe information in the text.

Multiple Choice Gap-fill Candidates choose the best word or phrase to fillgaps in a text. There are usually four choices foreach gap.

Open Gap-fill Candidates complete blanks in a text by typing inthe missing word.

Gapped Sentences Candidates complete gaps in a sentence bychoosing the correct word or phrase. There areusually four choices for each gap.

Listening Tasks

Listen and Select Candidates listen to a short recording andanswer a short multiple choice question. Youcan hear each of the listening recordings twice.

Listen and Select (Graphic) The same as above, but the choice is betweenthree pictures or images. You can hear each ofthe listening recordings twice.

Extended Listening Candidates listen to a longer recording andanswer a series of multiple choice questionsbased on it. The questions are presented in thesame order as the information in the text. Youcan hear the listening recordings twice.


7/22

7

How are the results reported?

Your result on the computer-based Reading and Listening mode of ESOL for Work iscalculated immediately. The centre where you took the test will therefore be able toprovide you with a Statement of Results for this mode shortly after you have completedit. The Statement of Results will report your performance as an NQF level (Entry 1 toLevel 3) and a CEF level (A1 to C2).

How should you prepare for the Reading and Listening test?

ESOL for Work tests your ability to use English in real-life workplace situations. So thebest way to prepare for the test is to practise using the language in realistic situations.You should also familiarise yourself with the task types in the computer-based test bylooking at the sample questions in this handbook and on the ESOL for Work website:www.ESOLforWork.org.

ReadingYou should prepare for the Reading section by reading a wide variety of relevantmaterials. You should practise reading extensively as well as intensively: Extensivelymeans reading lots of materials without stopping to check any difficult words or phrases,

while intensively means reading slowly and carefully, checking each unfamiliar word.Some of the reading texts in ESOL for Work are quite long and you need to havedeveloped skills in quickly looking through a text to get the general meaning, and to pickout answers to particular questions.

Sources of reading materials include language learning books most publishersproduce good course books with a variety of workplace-related texts; newspapers andmagazines; graded readers (novels adapted for learners of English); texts on theinternet; and work-related brochures, advertisements, catalogues etc.

Some of the types of reading text included in ESOL for Work are:

lettersmemosinformal messages, notesnoticesadvertsformsbrochures, cataloguesproduct descriptions

office diariesinstructions, guidesarticles from newspapers, newsletters ormagazineschartstablesgraphs

Grammar and VocabularyESOL for Worktests the vocabulary required for general communication at work. It doesnot include specialised vocabulary for particular areas of business. A useful way of

developing your general and work vocabulary is to read a wide range of work-relatedtexts. Course books produced by international publishers also contain many usefulexercises for developing grammatical and vocabulary knowledge.

ListeningYou should prepare for the Listening section by taking as many opportunities as you canto listen to English used in real-life situations. Some useful sources of listening practiceare: your English language teacher

your employer and colleagues talks, meetings, clubs, films
http://www.esolforwork.org/http://www.esolforwork.org/


8/22

8

radio and TV broadcasts, e.g. BBC World Service and BBC English programmes(contact BBC English, Bush House, Strand, London WC2B 4PH, UK for a free schedule)

language learning cassettes: most international publishing companies produce excellentcassettes which give you the chance to listen to a variety of native speakers

there are many websites offering online listening opportunities and activities including theBBC website and the British Council website.

Remember that it is the meaning of what you hear that is important, not the exact words said.

Concentrate on understanding the general meaning, before worrying about particular wordsyou could not hear or understand.

Some of the types of listening recordings included in ESOL for Work are:

face-to-face conversationstelephone conversationsanswerphone messagesrecorded informationinterviews, discussions, presentationsverbal instructions and explanations

What should you do during the test?

Relax - the test is designed to be easy to use. Some candidates lose marksbecause they misread instructions in their nervousness.

Pay close attention to the demonstration that plays before the test begins. This willtell you how you should answer the questions.

Read the instructions carefully.

Do not hurry - answer questions carefully. Remember, you cannot review youranswers before finishing the test. Some candidates lose marks because they racethrough the test. However, do not spend too long on a question - generally, the firstanswer a candidate produces is the best one. Reading tasks do not require you tounderstand every single word in the text.

Keep an eye on the progress indicator which shows how far through the test you are.


9/22

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

Below are some sample screens showing the types of question that are in the computer-based Reading and Listening test. It is not possible to produce sample questions for awhole test because it is adaptive, and each test is therefore unique.

Read and SelectCandidates are presented with a notice, diagram, label, memo or letter containing a

short text. They choose a phrase that most closely matches the meaning of that text.

Extended ReadingCandidates read a longer text and answer a series of multiple choice questions basedon it. The questions are presented in the same order as the information in the text.

9


10/22

Multiple Choice gap-fillCandidates choose the best word or phrase to fill gaps in a text. There are four choicesfor each gap.

Open gap-fillCandidates complete blanks in a text by typing in the missing word.

10


11/22

Gapped sentencesCandidates complete gaps in a sentence by choosing the correct word or phrase. Thereare four choices for each gap.

Listen and SelectCandidates listen to a short recording and answer a short multiple choice question.

11


12/22

Listen and Select (Graphic)The same as above, but the choice is between three pictures or images.

Extended ListeningCandidates listen to a longer recording and answer a series of multiple choice questionsbased on it. The questions are presented in the same order as the information in thetext.

12


13/22

13

4 The Writing Test

What is in the Writing test?

There are two parts to an ESOL for Work Writing test:

Part 1: Short Email / Message / Note/ Letter /Fax (50-60 words)

You write a short message or letter using information given. It is recommended that youspend 15 minutes on this part.

Part 2: Letter or Report (180-200 words)

You write a letter or report following brief instructions. For this part, you choose a taskfrom two alternatives. It is recommended that you spend 30 minutes on this part.

How is the Writing test assessed?

You are assessed independently by two trained examiners.

You are assessed on

how accurately and appropriately you use the language (the main focus is ongrammar and vocabulary)

how well you organise your ideas

how effectively the piece of writing achieves its purpose.

How are the results reported?

The centre where you took the test should provide you with a Statement of Results forthis mode within a few weeks. The Statement of Results will report your performance asa National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level (Entry 1 to Level 3) and a Council of

Europe Framework (CEF) level (A1 to C2).

How should you prepare for the Writing test?

ESOL for Work Writing tests your ability to use English in real-life workplace situations.So the best way to prepare for the test is to practise using the language in realisticsituations.

In preparation for the test, make sure that you:

know, in general, the appropriate format and style for a standard short email, letterand report

know how to select the appropriate information to be included in your document

know how to structure the information in clear and logical sections

know how to write in a style appropriate to the type of document and reader

know how to use a range of basic grammar and standard phrases accurately

keep within the time frame for the task


14/22

14


Arrive early so that you have time to settle down before the test starts

read the instructions very carefully - many candidates lose marks for not followingthe instructions correctly

make sure you cover all the points in the instructions

plan a logical order for the information you are going to give

concentrate on communicating the information in the most appropriate style for adocument

do not worry too much about the exact number of words; examiners usually justcheck that there is approximately the right length of text, rather than actually countingthe exact number of words

think about who the letter or report is for - you should write in an appropriate style

For most people, there is not enough time to write the whole text in full draft beforewriting on the question paper. Just make a few notes about what points you are going tomake and in what order.


15/22

15

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

Part One

You have seen this advertisement for some part-time job vacancies:

Part-time Job Opportunities

Part-time vacancies in our Marketing,Accounts and Customer Service Departments

Applicants should have related work experience in one of the areas above.

Send an email in the first instance to jobs@MiraiComputers

Write an email saying that you are interested in applying for one of the jobs:

say which job you are interested in;

confirm that you meet the requirements;

say when you are available to start work.

Write 50- 60 words on the opposite page.


16/22

16

Part Two

In Part 2, the candidates have a choice between two tasks: a letter or a report.

EITHER

Task A

Your boss has asked you to write a letter to welcome new employees to the company.

Write the letter for new employees.

Write about:

hours of work;

work clothes and behaviour;

training opportunities

and any other points which you think are important.

Write 180 200 words on the following pages.

OR

Task B

The manufacturing company you work for has recently had problems with deliveringorders to customers. Your boss has asked you to write a report on the problem.

Write the report for your boss.

Write about:

the problems there have been with deliveries;

the causes of the delivery problems;

possible ways of solving the delivery problems

and any other points which you think are important.

Write 180 200 words on the following pages.


17/22

17

5 The Speaking Test

What is in the Speaking test?

The ESOL for Work Speaking test is in three parts.

Part 1: Interview (about 4 minutes)

The examiner asks you questions about yourself, your work or yourstudies and about other topics such as your interests or where you live.

Part 2: Presentation (about 4 minutes)

The examiner gives you a sheet with three topics on it. You choose atopic and have one minute to prepare a short presentation. You speak onthe topic for one minute. Afterwards, the examiner asks you a questionabout your presentation.

Part 3: Information Exchange and Discussion (about 4 minutes)

The examiner gives you a sheet with a role-play situation. You ask theexaminer questions to get the required information. This leads to adiscussion on a related topic.

How is the Speaking test assessed?

The test is conducted by one examiner. This examiner gives you a mark. The SpeakingTest is recorded and the recording is sent to a second examiner who assesses yourspeaking separately.

Examiners use a set of scales to assess your ability in English. These scales focus onparticular areas of language ability. These are described below:

Accuracy of language This means using the right vocabulary and grammar and notmaking mistakes.

Range of language This means the range of words and sentences structures youuse. How large is your vocabulary; how much grammar doyou know.

Pronunciation This means how well you are able to pronounce words andhow well you can use stress and intonation to express whatyou want to say.

Discoursemanagement

This means how well you speak when giving longer answers;how fluent are you and how well do you organise what you

say.InteractiveCommunication

This means how easy it is for the examiner to talk with you;how much does (s)he have to help you and how well do you

join in the conversation.

Overall Ability This is a general assessment of your speaking skills.

How are the results reported?The centre where you took the test should provide you with a Statement of Results forthis mode within a few weeks. The Statement of Results will report your performance asa National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level (Entry 1 to Level 3) and a Council ofEurope Framework (CEF) level (A1 to C2).


18/22

18

How should you prepare for the Speaking test?

ESOL for Work Speaking tests your ability to use English in real-life workplacesituations. The best way to prepare for the test is to practise using the language inrealistic situations.

You can prepare for the Speaking test by:

a) becoming familiar with the types of task in the test

To become familiar with the types of task in the test, look at the sample questions in thishandbook. Practise going through the tasks with your teacher or with a friend/colleaguewho is competent in the language. Make sure you know how long each part is likely totake.

b) looking at the aspects of speaking skills that you will be assessed on and find outwhere you need to improve most

Read through the assessment criteria and think about how your own speaking skillsmeet these criteria: accuracy of language, range of language, pronunciation, discoursemanagement, interactive communication.

Ask your teacher for feedback on each of these skills. Try recording yourself speaking inthe English and listen to the recording, focusing on each of the skills.

c) practising your speaking, focusing on the areas where you need to improve most.

Decide which skills you need to concentrate on. Ask your teacher for help withimproving each of these skills.

The key to improving is practice. The more you practise, the better you will be.

So how can you get the practice that you need? There are different ways, as follows:

you can join an English course

you can use opportunities from your workplace

you can use opportunities from people you meet .

Preparing for Part 1Make sure that you:

can talk about your own job, studies, future work plans and personal interests

know what to say if you dont understand a question or get confused

Preparing for Part 2You can expect to be asked to give a short presentation about a work topic. Make surethat you:

are familiar with talking for one minute - you need a good idea of how long you willneed to speak for

organise the information in a clear and logical manner

deliver the information clearly and smoothly

are prepared to answer a question about the content of the presentation


19/22

19

Preparing for Part 3You can expect to be asked to role-play a situation with the examiner and thenparticipate in a discussion on a similar topic. Make sure that you:

listen carefully to the instructions given

participate actively in the role-play and the discussion

remember that you are not being assessed on your knowledge of the topic but onyour language ability


Make sure you arrive early so that you have time to settle down before the test starts.

During the test:

Try to give full answers where possible - dont just say yes or no, but give a littlemore information or an explanation.

Dont worry too much about grammar mistakes - grammatical accuracy is only one ofthe skills being assessed.

Concentrate on communicating the information and ideas in the best way that youcan.

Know what to say or do when you dont understand a question or you are not surewhat to do


20/22

20

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

Part 1

No sample questions are provided for Part 1 of the Speaking test. Questions will be onsuch topics as your work, your education, your interests, where you live etc.

Part 2Task Sheet

INSTRUCTIONS

Please read all THREE topics below carefully.ChooseONEwhich you feel you will be able to talk about for one minute.

You have one minute to read and prepare your talk.You may make notes.

Topic A

Talk about the best place you have ever worked.

You should say:where the workplace was;what you were doing there;why you liked to work there.

Would you change anything about it? Why?/Why not?

Topic B

Talk about how your company deals with customer complaints.You should say:

who deals with customer complaints;what customers usually complain about;what your company does about the complaints.

Are some customers difficult to please? Why?/Why not?

Topic C

Talk about an important piece of equipment in your workplace.You should say:

what this piece of equipment is;what it does;what staff need to know about it.

Is this the best piece of equipment available for the work? Why?/Why not?


21/22

Part 3 Information Exchange and Discussion

In Part 3 of the test you will be asked to take part in a communicative activity with theexaminer which is made up of an information exchange and a discussion.

This part will last approximately four minutes.

Staff Uniforms Candidate T

Part 3 Candidate Task

You have one minute to read through this task.

21

InformationExchange

Your company is thinking about replacing the uniforms worn by your production and

delivery staff. The examiner works for a company that supplies and cleans uniforms forbusinesses. You are meeting him/her to discuss a possible contract.

Find out this information:1. types of uniform2. cleaning contracts3. cost of uniforms

You will then be asked for your opinion on this information.

Now discuss this topic with the examiner.

What are the advantages to companies if staff wear uniforms?


22/22

efw handbook 2007

Documents