Cambridge ESOL Skills for Life

Exam overview

Cambridge ESOL Skills for Life certificates are available at five levels on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) – Entry 1, Entry 2, Entry 3, Level 1 and Level 2.

What's in the exam?

Mode	Entry 1	Entry 2	Entry 3	Level 1	Level 2
Reading	50 minutes	1 hour	1 hour 15 minutes	1 hour	1 hour
Writing	40 minutes	50 minutes	1 hour	1 hour 15 minutes	1 hour 30 minutes
Speaking and Listening	16–18 minutes	18–20 minutes	20–22 minutes	24–25 minutes	26–27 minutes

Cambridge ESOL Skills for Life

If you attend an English class in the UK, it is possible that you can get a Cambridge ESOL Skills for Life certificate. They are part of the UK government's plans to improve levels of English and test the English of adults who live, work or study in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.

You may not have to pay to take a Cambridge ESOL Skills for Life examination.

Cambridge ESOL Skills for Life

• Available at five levels – Entry 1, Entry 2, Entry 3, Level 1 and Level 2
• Wholly externally assessed by trained and experienced examiners
• Available on demand to suit the learner and the learning provider
• Accredited in the UK and, in some cases, funded by the UK government
• Available every day of the year, except UK public holidays

Who can take Cambridge ESOL Skills for Life?

People taking these exams come from all sorts of educational and employment backgrounds. They also have different aspirations, literacy levels and language learning skills. This diversity is reflected in the range of material selected for use in these tests and in the types of task you will need to complete.

• Are you over 14 years old?
• Have you lived in England, Wales or Northern Ireland for many years, and now want to take an examination in English for work or study?
• Are you a refugee or asylum seeker?
• Do you want to become a British Citizen (naturalisation)?
• Have you come to England, Wales or Northern Ireland to work?
• Or to be with your family and want to improve your English?

If this describes you, then Cambridge ESOL Skills for Life is the right exam for you.

Real-life language skills

Cambridge ESOL Skills for Life reflects the use of English in everyday life and is fully based on the Adult ESOL Core Curriculum. You will meet topics in the tests which are both familiar and relevant to you as a learner of English. Topics may include:

personal details/experiences	family and friends	buying goods
work	health	leisure
education/training	transport	UK society
housing	weather

Convenient

The certificates are available on demand, enabling course providers to offer them at a time that suits you.

Reliable

Backed by the largest research programme of its kind, Cambridge English exams provide the most reliable reflection of your language skills.

Fair

Cambridge English exams cover all major varieties of English and are designed to be fair to users of all nationalities and linguistic backgrounds.

Support

There are many materials available to help you prepare for your exam.

A Cambridge English qualification

Cambridge ESOL has the world’s leading range of qualifications for learners of English. Every year over 3.25 million people in the world take Cambridge English exams. Cambridge ESOL is part of Cambridge Assessment, a department of the University of Cambridge.

Exam format

Five different levels

Cambridge ESOL Skills for Life certificates are available at Entry 1, Entry 2, Entry 3, Level 1 and Level 2 on the National Qualifications Framework. The guided learning hours for an average learner are estimated to be a minimum of 100 per mode per level.

After Level 2, you can progress onto other Level 3 qualifications, as shown in the table below.

Progression with Cambridge ESOL

NQF	Cambridge ESOL Skills for Life	Cambridge English	Professional English	Key Skills Communication	Common European Framework of Reference
L5				Level 5
L4				Level 4	C2.2
L3		Cambridge English: Proficiency		Level 3	C2
L2	Level 2	Cambridge English: Advanced	Cambridge English: Business Higher	Level 2	C1
L1	Level 1	Cambridge English: First	Cambridge English: Business Vantage	Level 1	B2
E3	Entry 3	Cambridge English: Preliminary	Cambridge English: Business Preliminary		B1
E2	Entry 2	Cambridge English: Key			A2
E1	Entry 1				A1

Three separate modes

There are three modes at each level – Reading, Writing, and combined Speaking and Listening. You decide if you want to take one or more of these tests. You can also choose to take the modes at different levels within the same exam session if you are better at some skills than others. This means you can build up a portfolio of achievement over time.

• Reading

  Available as a paper-based test

  All Reading tasks are designed to reflect your everyday experiences as a learner of English. They use authentic or semi-authentic texts and task types, and provide an opportunity for you to respond to language as you would in your daily life. You can use dictionaries at Entry levels but dictionary use will only actually be tested at Entry 2 and Entry 3. 

  In common with other awarding bodies providing Skills for Life examinations, Cambridge ESOL makes use of the National Literacy Test at Level 1 and Level 2 to provide the Reading examination at those levels.

  Focus

  At each level, the assessment will reflect the word, sentence and text focus of the ESOL Core Curriculum. You will need to show that you can:

  Entry 1	read and understand short texts with repeated language patterns on familiar topics read and obtain information from common signs and symbols.
  Entry 2	read and understand short, straightforward texts on familiar topics read and obtain information from short documents, familiar sources and signs and symbols.
  Entry 3	read and understand short, straightforward texts on familiar topics accurately and independently read and obtain information from everyday sources.

  Format

  You will need to engage with at least three input texts and perform a variety of task types. Tasks in the Reading mode may have a linked theme, forming a scenario both familiar and relevant to you, and giving authentic reasons for reading in each case.

  Task types

  All tasks aim to reflect the purpose for which a text is used in the real world.

  Entry 1

  You will need to show you are capable of (among others): understanding the overall message (gist) of a text critical response locating specific information in a text factual understanding following instructions identifying the type of text involved (advertisement, article, etc.) identifying the purpose and/or intended audience of a text deciding on an appropriate course of action on the basis of information in a text. You are expected to respond to a variety of item types, including: open-ended questions requiring short responses note-taking true/false questions correction tasks 3-option multiple-choice questions matching simple alphabetical ordering.

  Entry 2 & 3

  As at Entry 1, plus: inferential understanding use of a simplified dictionary.

  Text types

  The texts are based on authentic or semi-authentic material, although the language is graded so that it is appropriate to your level. They are designed to be accessible in terms of genre and topic to all adult learners at the level.

  Entry 1 & 2	You may be asked to engage with a range of text types, for example: advertisements public signs and notices lists timetables forms records diagrams letters notes leaflets sets of instructions simple narratives simplified newspaper or magazine articles.
  Entry 3	As at Entry 1 & 2, plus: emails newspaper or magazine articles short reports.

  FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

  Can I use a dictionary in the Reading test?

  Monolingual dictionaries are allowed in the Reading mode at Entry 1, 2 and 3 only. Bilingual dictionaries are not allowed. At Levels 1 and 2, Reading is assessed through the National Literary Test, which does not permit the use of dictionaries.

  Do I need to answer in full sentences?

  No, short answers are sufficient unless the question specifies writing full sentences.

  Does it matter if I make a spelling or grammar mistake?

  No, as long as it is possible to recognise your answer or it gives the necessary information.

• Writing

  Available as a paper-based test

  All Writing tasks are designed to reflect your everyday experience as a learner of English. The Writing paper will draw on authentic or semi-authentic texts and task types, and provides an opportunity for you to use and respond to language as you would in daily life. You cannot use a dictionary in any of the Writing tests.

  Focus

  At each level, the Writing mode aims to gather evidence that you can write in different forms and communicate with different intended audiences. You need to be aware of different levels of formality, and be able to use a range of lexical and grammatical features appropriate to the task.  

  Format

  Question papers in the Writing mode may have a linked theme, forming a scenario both familiar and relevant to you, giving authentic reasons for writing in each case. You need to produce at least two of the types of output texts required at the level.

  Text/task types

  There is no fixed format of task and item types. All tasks aim to reflect a real-world writing purpose, and are designed to be accessible in terms of genre and topic to all adult learners at the level.

  FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

  Do I have to use cursive handwriting?

  No. Your ability to produce cursive handwriting is not part of the assessment.

  At L1 and L2 can I use dictionaries in the Writing tests?

  You cannot use any dictionaries in the Writing test. This is because spelling is assessed under the Word mark schemes, and because our intention is to encourage the orchestration of all writing skills, rather than focus too closely on this one area.

  What happens if I don’t have space on the question paper to finish my answer?

  For reasons of practicality, a 4-page booklet is used at Entry level. Your centre will provide extra paper if you need it and this is collected at the end of the test and marked in the normal way.

  All Cambridge ESOL material is extensively trialled before use in live tests, and one aim of trialling is to establish that the majority of candidates are able to complete their answer in the space provided.

  Can I use email language such as 'u' for 'you' when writing an email, assuming that the context is clearly informal?

  Yes – you can be credited for showing awareness of or adaptation to audience in this way.

  Can I use correction fluid in the Writing test?

  You are asked not to use correction fluid or correction tape, but to make corrections by crossing out. This will, of course, be disregarded by examiners in awarding the mark.

  Can I have rough paper to plan my writing?

  Yes, your centre will provide this. You can use it for planning or to continue your answers if you run out of space. If you use it to continue your answers, your responses will be marked as normal.

  What if I write too little/too much?

  You are given guidelines about how much to write, but this is to help you in planning your writing. If you write considerably more than the guideline you will only be penalised if the answer contains irrelevance or would have a negative effect on the intended audience. If you write considerably less than the guideline, but still cover the requisite aspects of the task, you will not be penalised. However, you should bear in mind we are gathering evidence that you have achieved the level in Writing skills and if you write considerably less than the guidelines, it is possible that this evidence will not be forthcoming.

  Can I just use capital letters?

  You will not be penalised for any particular style of handwriting — there is no obligation, for example, to use cursive handwriting and the exclusive use of capitals is acceptable.

• Speaking and Listening

  Face-to-face Speaking and Listening test

  All Speaking and Listening tasks are designed to reflect your everyday experience as a learner of English, and involve you in familiar formal exchanges connected with education, training, work and social roles.  

  Focus

  At each level, the assessment focuses on gathering evidence that you can listen and respond, speak to communicate and engage in discussion.

  Entry 1
  Assessment focus:	listen and respond to spoken language, including simple narratives, statements, questions and single-step instructions speak to communicate basic information, feelings and opinions on familiar topics engage in discussion with another person in a familiar situation about familiar topics.
  Functions may include (among others):	describing giving opinions giving personal information stating (dis)likes and preferences commenting asking for information or descriptions (dis)agreeing explaining/giving reasons/justifying exchanging opinions deciding suggesting selecting.
  Entry 2
  Assessment focus:	listen and respond to spoken language, including straightforward information, short narratives, explanations and instructions speak to communicate information, feelings and opinions on familiar topics engage in discussion with one or more people in a familiar situation, to establish shared understanding about familiar topics.
  In addition to those at Entry 1, functions may include (among others):	comparing prioritising planning persuading.
  Entry 3
  Assessment focus:	listen and respond to spoken language, including straightforward information and narratives, and follow straightforward explanations and instructions, both face-to-face and on the telephone speak to communicate information, feelings and opinions on familiar topics, using appropriate formality, both face-to-face and on the telephone engage in discussion with one or more people in a familiar situation, making relevant points and responding to what others say to reach a shared understanding about familiar topics.
  In addition to those at Entry 1, functions may include (among others):	comparing/making comparative questions showing contrast/cause/reason/purpose prioritising planning persuading narrating asking about past or future events expressing future certainty/possibility.
  Level 1
  Assessment focus:	listen and respond to spoken language, including information and narratives, and follow explanations and instructions of varying lengths, adapting response to speaker, medium and context speak to communicate information, ideas and opinions, adapting speech and content to take account of the listener(s) and medium engage in discussion with one or more people in familiar and unfamiliar situations, making clear and relevant contributions that respond to what others say and produce a shared understanding about different topics.
  In Phase 1, functions may include (among others):	describing both things and processes giving personal information stating (dis)likes and preferences exchanging views and opinions expressing agreement/disagreement explaining/giving reasons/justifying comparing/asking for comparison/making comparative questions showing contrast/cause/reason/purpose commenting asking for information, descriptions and definitions narrating asking about past or future events expressing future certainty/possibility interrupting politely asking for/giving confirmation, clarification and repetition asking for/giving advice.
  In Phase 2, functions may include (in addition to those listed for Phase 1)	persuading suggesting prioritising deciding/planning selecting making requests asking for/giving advice warning.
  Level 2
  Assessment focus:	listen and respond to spoken language, including extended information and narratives, and follow detailed explanations and multi-step instructions of varying length, adapting response to speaker, medium and context speak to communicate straightforward and detailed information, ideas and opinions clearly, adapting speech and content to take account of the listener(s), medium, purpose and situation engage in discussion with one or more people in a variety of different situations, making clear and effective contributions that produce outcomes appropriate to purpose and topic.
  In addition to those at Level 1, functions may include (among others):	expressing tentative agreement/disagreement speculating and deducing hypothetic processes giving personal information.

  Format

  Entry 1, 2 and 3

  There are two main phases in the Speaking and Listening mode at Entry 1, 2 and 3. In the first phase, you are expected to ask and answer questions on familiar topics.

  The second phase consists of an integrated listening and speaking event. A listening text delivered on CD allows assessment of your ability to listen for both gist and detail, with evidence of achievement gathered through spoken answers (though you can note responses on paper). A discussion on a particular theme follows.

  Levels 1 and 2

  There are also two main phases in the Speaking and Listening mode at Levels 1 and 2. In the first phase, you are asked for your name (for identification purposes only) and then given a short, informal, lead-in discussion task to prepare you to give a formal presentation. This presentation lasts 2 minutes, and is in response to a written statement. You have 1 minute to prepare and are encouraged to make notes. After your presentation, the other candidate and the assessor are each given an opportunity to comment or ask questions.

  The second phase consists of an integrated listening and speaking event. Two parallel texts, or two extracts of a single text, are delivered on CD, and you answer two questions after each text. These questions are presented orally, and you are encouraged to make notes. This is followed by a two-part discussion on a particular theme. In the first part, the interlocutor may take part, but only if necessary in order to prompt you to complete the task. In the second part, the topic is extended, with the interlocutor (and the assessor at Level 2) asking extension questions to lead the discussion into other areas and contexts.

  Delivery

  This test is carried out in a paired format, with two candidates, an interlocutor and an assessor. The interlocutor will be a teacher from your college/centre and the external assessor is provided by Cambridge ESOL. The assessor does not take an active part in the interaction at Entry 1–3, but does take part in Phase 1b at Level 1, as well as in Phases 1b and 2b at Level 2.

  Where there is an odd number of candidates to be assessed in Speaking and Listening at your centre, the final test will still use a paired format, but an extra student will need to be provided by the college to take the test with the final candidate. This extra student is not assessed, but must be at the appropriate level for the test.

  FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

  Why is there a combined Speaking and Listening test?

  This is to reflect the Adult ESOL Core Curriculum which integrates the two skills.

  How am I assessed in the Speaking and Listening test?

  Assessment criteria are based on the Adult Core Curriculum.

Cambridge ESOL Skills for Life preparation resources

Cambridge ESOL offers a comprehensive range of printed and online exam preparation and support products and services for teachers and learners for all Cambridge English exams.

Materials to buy

Books for study

Books for study

A huge range of coursebooks, practice tests and learning resources are produced by independent publishers in the UK and overseas to help you prepare for Cambridge ESOL Skills for Life.

Find books for study

'Move On with a National Qualification'

This National Test Toolkit is a valuable resource for Cambridge ESOL Skills for Life practice materials. It has been completely revised and updated within the current 'Move On' project.

Find out more on www.move-on.org.uk/

You can also order the toolkit from DfES Publications at:

DfES Publications
PO Box 5050
Sherwood Park
Annesley
Nottingham
NG15 0DJ
Tel: 0845 60 222 60
Fax: 0845 60 333 60
Email: dfes@prolog.uk.com

The Toolkit is called Move On with a National Qualification and includes three large files of information, guidance, plans and materials.

• The complete set of three files is ref. NTT/NTT04
• File 1 National Test Toolkit Update is ref. NTT/TL04
• File 2 Teaching and Learning is ref. NTT/PT04
• File 3 Practice Tests (on paper and CD-ROM) is ref. NTT/PT04
• Practice Tests CD-ROM can be ordered separately ref. NTT/PT04/CD

FREE materials

To help you get started, Cambridge ESOL has some free materials which you can download:

Summary regulations for candidates

All the important information you need to know when taking the exam

Read now

Pass rates

2010 - 2011 (14k)

Past papers

Entry 1 Reading

Entry 1 Writing

Entry 1 Speaking and Listening

Entry 2 Reading

Entry 2 Writing

Entry 2 Speaking and Listening

Entry 3 Reading

Entry 3 Writing

Entry 3 Speaking and Listening

Level 1 Reading

National Literacy Test

In common with other awarding bodies providing Skills for Life exams, Cambridge ESOL makes use of the National Literacy Test at Level 1 and Level 2 to provide the Reading examination at those levels.

Level 1 Writing

Level 1 Speaking and Listening

Level 2 Reading

National Literacy Test

In common with other awarding bodies providing Skills for Life exams, Cambridge ESOL makes use of the National Literacy Test at Level 1 and Level 2 to provide the Reading examination at those levels.

Level 2 Writing

Level 2 Speaking and Listening

Exam dates

The tests are available on demand. Please contact your centre to find out what dates they offer.

Results

You will ordinarily receive a statement of results approximately two to three weeks (depending on the test taken) after receipt of materials at Cambridge ESOL. The statement of results indicates whether you have achieved ‘Pass’ or ‘Below Pass’ in the given mode. Results are issued for all modes taken and include diagnostic feedback for test-users. (For Reading at Levels 1 and 2, this is only provided for ‘Below Pass’ candidates.)

At each level, if you achieve Passes in Reading and/or Writing, you will be awarded certificates at mode level. If you achieve a Pass in Speaking and Listening, you will be awarded a separately accredited qualification.

If you achieve a Pass in all three modes, you will receive a ‘Level’ certificate, which will be issued at the lowest level of successful achievement across the modes.