In a series of studies on FCE (First Certificate in English) and CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) papers, Dr Ardeshir Geranpayeh from Cambridge ESOL’s Research & Validation Group has investigated the performance of Upper Main Suite (UMS) examinations in testing individual language skills.
While people have an overall language ability, this ability is made up of particular skills and language elements. Since each skill can be developed to different degrees or at different rates, they can be separately recognised and measured. This is why Cambridge ESOL UMS involves four skills-focused papers and Use of English.
A number of explanatory models for each paper and examinations were tested against data from tens of thousands of candidates who sat FCE/CAE in 2004. The studies provided evidence to confirm that the Cambridge ESOL model of language proficiency provides exams whereby each component assesses a very different aspect of language proficiency.
Results from the studies will be used in shaping any future revisions of UMS examinations.