General English overview FAQs
FAQs about General English exams
- How many hours of study are needed to reach the levels of the Main Suite exams?
- How long are Main Suite grades valid?
- How are the papers marked?
- Do candidates have to pass all components/papers in order to pass the exam?
- What information is available about candidates' results?
- Is there any information on the number of candidates getting different grades each year?
- Are non-UK standard versions of English acceptable?
- Is the use of dictionaries allowed in Main Suite exams?
- Can candidates use highlighter pens?
- When can candidates use pens or pencils?
- When may candidates use correction fluid?
- Is the use of phrasal verbs acceptable?
- Do contractions count as one word or two?
- Does the content of the Cambridge ESOL General English exams meet the needs of learners from different countries?
How many hours of study are needed to reach the levels of the Main Suite exams?
The following information is only to be used as a guideline as the learning speeds of individuals can vary depending upon a number of different factors.
| Common European Framework | Main Suite | Guided Learning Hours (from beginner level) |
|---|---|---|
| C2 | Certificate of Proficiency in English | Approx. 1,000—1,200 |
| C1 | Certificate in Advanced English | Approx. 700—800 |
| B2 | First Certificate in English | Approx. 500—600 |
| B1 | Preliminary English Test | Approx. 350—400 |
| A2 | Key English Test | Approx. 180—200 |
Typically, candidates spend three years studying following a Pass at FCE before attempting the CPE examination.
How long are Main Suite grades valid?
The grade a candidate achieves does not have a limited period of validity — it is a statement of their performance on a particular day and remains valid indefinitely.
How are the papers marked?
Different elements of each of the papers are marked in different ways:
Some questions, such as multiple-choice questions, are scanned by computer. Typically these are questions where a candidate lozenges a small box to identify the answer, for example, A, B, C or D.
Questions which require a longer answer, for example a word or phrase, are marked by human markers who check to see if the answers are correct or not. In this case the marking is carried out by two different markers — the second exercise is a check that the first marker has marked correctly.
Writing tasks in PET, FCE, CAE and CPE are marked by experienced examiners. These examiners undergo rigorous training prior to the marking session and are closely monitored throughout the exercise by team leaders, who are in turn supervised by a Principal Examiner. Cambridge ESOL takes great care to ensure that the marking of all papers is fair and standardised.
In the case of the Speaking tests, examiners undergo a standardisation session each year to ensure that they are assessing performances correctly. During the live test, two examiners are present, each of whom gives an independent assessment of each candidates' performance. Examiners are also monitored on a regular basis by Team Leaders.
Do candidates have to pass all components/papers in order to pass the exam?
No. It is not possible to pass or fail an individual paper. The final mark on which the grade is awarded is based on the aggregate score of all of the papers. Candidates who perform poorly on one paper can compensate by performing well on the other papers.
What information is available about candidates' results?
Each candidate who enters for a Main Suite examination is provided with a Statement of Results, which includes a graphical display of the candidate's performance in each paper. These are shown against the scale Exceptional — Good — Borderline — Weak and indicate the candidate's relative performance in each paper.
Is there any information on the number of candidates getting different grades each year?
Yes, we provide this information going back several years.
Are non-UK standard versions of English acceptable?
Yes. Candidates' responses to tasks in the Cambridge ESOL examinations are acceptable in varieties of English which would enable candidates to function in the widest range of international contexts. Some degree of consistency, however, is expected in areas such as spelling.
Is the use of dictionaries allowed in Main Suite exams?
No, the use of dictionaries is not allowed in any Main Suite exam — this applies to KET, PET, FCE, CAE and CPE. This is because many of the questions test your understanding of the meaning of words and how they are used. All the material is pretested, and this ensures that texts and questions are at an appropriate level.
Can candidates use highlighter pens?
Highlighter pens may be used on the question papers, but must not be used on the answer sheet.
When can candidates use pens or pencils?
In KET and PET, candidates must use pencil in all papers.
For FCE, CAE and CPE, pen must be used in the Writing paper, but pencil must be used in the other papers.
When may candidates use correction fluid?
The only papers where correction fluid may be used are the FCE, CAE and CPE Writing papers.
Correction fluid may not be used in KET and PET.
Is the use of phrasal verbs acceptable?
It is perfectly acceptable to use phrasal verbs in Cambridge ESOL examinations, providing that they are suitable in register to the context and that they are not used as responses where a single word answer is required.
Do contractions count as one word or two?
Contracted words count as the number of words they would be if they were not contracted. For example, isn't, didn't, I'm, I'll are counted as two words (replacing is not, did not, I am, I will ). Where the contraction replaces one word (e.g. can't for cannot ), it is counted as one word.
Does the content of the Cambridge ESOL (General English) exams meet the needs of learners from different countries?
Cambridge ESOL exams are relevant worldwide, and the subject matter contained in them is wide ranging in content. The writers of the exams are encouraged to use worldwide sources for the material included in the examinations, and at the stage of test construction, the range of contexts is borne in mind. In listening texts a variety of accents is included, as is stated in the handbooks.
In terms of candidate responses, these are acceptable in varieties of English which would enable candidates to function in a range of international contexts.
