to ensure understanding of the format and content of the YLE tests

Transcription

1 Understanding YLE

2 Aims of this seminar to ensure understanding of the format and content of the YLE tests to analyse the tasks used in the YLE tests to consider the testing focuses of different parts to highlight the progression in level of the tests to consider the assessment criteria to suggest exam tips and classroom preparation ideas

3 The Listening test

4 Overview of the Listening tests Length (approximate) Number of tasks Number of questions Starters 20 minutes 4 20 Movers 25 minutes 5 25 Flyers 25 minutes 5 25

5 Task types Part Starters Movers Flyers 1 Draw lines between object and scene 2 Write numbers and names Choose correct option from three pictures Carry out instructions, locate objects and colour correctly Draw lines to match names to people in a picture Write words or numbers in gaps Draw lines from days of week to correct picture Choose correct option from three pictures Carry out instructions to colour and draw or write correctly Draw lines to match names to people in a picture Write words or numbers in gaps Match pictures with illustrated word or name Choose correct option from three pictures Carry out instructions to colour and draw or write correctly

6 Similarities between the tests identical format choose the correct picture question written and spoken key information given once understand the overall meaning answer may come at any point understand whole dialogue, not just one word

7 Progression up the levels (1) number of objects increased detail in pictures tasks more complex 2 3

8 Progression up the levels (2) Starters Movers Flyers one repeated object colour only short, predictable exchanges limited range of language object and colour given twice colour and write/draw range of objects colour, write and draw more varied exchanges varied length wider range of language object twice, colour once more naturalsounding language no repetition

9 Part 2 format Part Starters Movers Flyers 2 dialogue dialogue dialogue write numbers and names write words or numbers in gaps write words or numbers in gaps

10 Skills for Starters Part 2 Candidates have to: recognise and write letters of the alphabet recognise and write numbers 1 20 pick out key information

11 Skills for Movers Part 3 Candidates have to: draw a line linking day and picture recognise sound spelling relationship for days understand language for daily activities, weather, etc. pick out key information

12 Skills for Flyers Part 3 Candidates have to: match pictures to a word or name write a letter in the correct box read instructions for context and task understand overall meaning choose correct answer

13 The Reading and Writing test

14 Overview of the Reading and Writing Tests Length Number of tasks Number of questions Starters 20 minutes 5 25 Movers 30 minutes 6 40 Flyers 40 minutes 7 50

15 Part 2 language Starters there is/are present continuous numbers have got prepositions of place Movers Flyers comparatives and superlatives adjectives quantifiers more complex sentences relative clauses in/with for possessions, hair type, etc.

16 Movers Part 4 Kind of text Starters Movers Flyers a story Language in text Number of gaps 6 Type of words missing Number of distractors 2 Picture support? Global comprehension task? present simple, past simple, conjunctions, longer sentences, several paragraphs Nouns, verbs, adjectives yes yes

17 Starters, Movers, Flyers Part 4 Kind of text Language in text Starters Movers Flyers descriptive, factual present simple, short sentences a story present simple, past simple, conjunctions, longer sentences, several paragraphs Number of gaps Type of words missing nouns Nouns, verbs, adjectives Number of distractors Picture support? yes yes no Global comprehension task? a story no yes yes past simple, present simple (direct speech), conjunctions, longer sentences, several paragraphs nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs

18 Progression up the levels length of text language in text sentence length number of distractors picture support language needed for answers

19 Movers and Flyers Part 5 Movers 10 questions 1, 2 or 3 words 3 pictures text in 3 sections questions in 3 groups Flyers 7 questions 1, 2, 3 or 4 words 1 picture text in one block (with paragraphs) questions all together on opposite page

20 Part 5 exam tips spot mistakes to begin with underline parts of the text where the information is work on paraphrase

21 Why is correct spelling required? part of knowing a word all words appear on the page increases fairness ease of marking little impact on grading

22 The Speaking test 1 2

23 Test set-up one In the Speaking Test there is.. examiner and one candidate. The candidate is taken into the room and introduced to the examiner by. an usher At the start of the test, the examiner. starts with a greeting and introduces him/herself

24 Starters Parts 3 5 Part 3 four questions name the object say what colour it is say how many there are what s the (x) ing? Part 4 three questions what s this/what are these? yes/no question wh question Part 5 questions about themselves 3 4

25 Starters assessment criteria Reception listening and interaction Production language: words and phrases Production pronunciation 3 4

26 Part 1 types of differences Types of differences number colour size position weather activity clothes different object/animal, etc. direction (up/down, etc.) opposites (round/square, etc.) Language needed There is/are This is (blue) but comparatives prepositions of place weather vocabulary present continuous action verbs opposite adjectives and adverbs

27 Picture stories: examiner expectations Candidates are only expected to say a few words about each picture in the sequence without necessarily developing these comments into a narrative. YLE Handbook 2006 p.21 and p.32 5

28 Movers assessment criteria Reception listening and interaction Production appropriacy, extent and promptness of response Production pronunciation

29 Tips for picture stories In the classroom: grammatical structures actions and feelings In the test: all the pictures 6

30 Flyers assessment criteria Reception listening and interaction Production appropriacy, extent and promptness of response Production grammar and vocabulary Production pronunciation

31 Flyers Part 2 task Emma s room colour/walls pictures where/bed upstairs/downstairs what/newest thing green yes animals next to the window downstairs computer 7

32 Flyers Part 2 key points examiner first different order yes/no question two-option question short phrases communication

33 Speaking tests common features set-up of the tests topics chosen to meet children s interests tests are scripted variety of materials to use tasks at each level are always the same emphasis on communication talk about themselves and pictures

34 Progression up the levels length of test input from examiner amount of language to produce assessment criteria cognitive challenge pictures more abstract produce questions (Flyers) 8

35 Support for teachers Websites Teachers seminars Handbook Sample/Past Papers Exam Report DVD All about YLE Leaflet for parents and guardians How to do well in the Cambridge YLE Tests

36 Further information University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations 1 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB1 2EU, UK Tel: +44 (0) Fax: +44 (0) esolhelpdesk@cambridgeesol.org Keep up to date with what s new via the Cambridge ESOL website: