Young Learners - Cambridge English
Young LearnersHandbook for teachersStarters Movers Flyers
Giving childrena head startin EnglishFind a wide range of support,including official Cambridge Englishpreparation materialswww.cambridgeenglish.org/younglearners
CONTENTSPrefaceThis handbook contains the specifications for all three levels of Cambridge English: Young Learners – Starters, Movers and Flyers. It is designed foruse by teachers who are preparing candidates for the tests, or who are considering doing so.For further information on any of the Cambridge English examinations and teaching qualifications, or if you need further copies of thishandbook, please email marketingsupport@cambridgeenglish.orgContentsAbout Cambridge English Language Assessment2The world’s most valuable range of English qualifications2Key features of Cambridge English exams2Proven quality3Cambridge English: Young Learners – an overviewWho is Cambridge English: Young Learners for?What level are the tests?Movers19Listening19Reading & Writing21Speaking233Topics243Grammar and structures list253Alphabetic vocabulary list27Flyers31Listening31Reading & Writing33Speaking35Topics36Marks and results3Cambridge English Placement Test for Young Learners3Exam support4Support for teachers4Support for candidates4About the exam4Grammar and structures list37The three syllabuses4Alphabetic vocabulary list39The three levels5Can Do summary6Combined lists43Starters7Starters and Moverscombined alphabetic vocabulary list43Listening7Reading & Writing9Starters, Movers and Flyerscombined alphabetic vocabulary list48Speaking11Topics12Starters, Movers and Flyerscombined thematic vocabulary list55Grammar and structures list13Starters, Movers and Flyerscombined grammatical vocabulary list61Alphabetic vocabulary list15CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH: YOUNG LEARNERS HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS1
ABOUT CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH LANGUAGE ASSESSMENTAbout Cambridge EnglishLanguage AssessmentCambridge English: Young Learners, also known as CambridgeYoung Learners English (YLE), is developed by Cambridge EnglishLanguage Assessment, a not-for-profit department of the Universityof Cambridge.We are one of three major exam boards which form the CambridgeAssessment Group (Cambridge Assessment). More than 8 millionCambridge Assessment exams are taken in over 170 countriesaround the world every year.The world’s most valuable range of EnglishqualificationsCambridge English Language Assessment offers the world’s leadingrange of qualifications for learners and teachers of English. Over5 million Cambridge English exams are taken each year in more than130 countries.We offer assessments across the full spectrum of language ability– for school children, for general communication, for professionaland academic purposes, and also for specific business Englishqualifications. All of our exams are aligned to the principles andapproach of the Common European Framework of Referencefor Languages (CEFR).To find out more about Cambridge English exams and the CEFR, go towww.cambridgeenglish.org/cefrCambridge EnglishA range of exams to meet different needsCambridge Assessment: the trading name for theUniversity of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES)Departments (exam boards)Cambridge English LanguageAssessmentProvider of the world’s mostvaluable range of qualifications forlearners and teachers of EnglishOxford Cambridge and RSA2Proficient userBULATSIELTSIndependent userFirst(FCE) ary(PET) C)Flyers(YLE Flyers)Key (KET)for Schools7 (YLE Movers)Cambridge English exams:Prepares school students for life,helping them develop an informedcuriosity and a lasting passion forlearningCAMBRIDGE ENGLISH: YOUNG LEARNERS HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERSC1BusinessHigher(BEC)Key features of Cambridge English exams One of the UK’s leading providersof qualifications990Advanced(CAE)Starters(YLE Starters)Cambridge InternationalExaminationsOCR: Oxford Cambridge and RSAExaminationsProficiency(CPE)C275Basic userDepartments of the UniversityCommon European Framework of Reference (CEFR)One of the oldest universities in the worldand one of the largest in the United Kingdomare based on realistic tasks and situations so that preparing fortheir exam gives learners real-life language skillsaccurately and consistently test all four language skills – reading,writing, listening and speakingencourage positive learning experiences, and seek to achieve apositive impact on teaching wherever possibleare as fair as possible to all candidates, whatever their national,ethnic and linguistic background, gender or disability.A1
CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH: YOUNG LEARNERS – AN OVERVIEWProven qualityWhat level are the tests?Our commitment to providing exams of the highest possible quality isunderpinned by an extensive programme of research and evaluation.Question papers are produced and pretested using rigorousprocedures to ensure accuracy and fairness, and the marking andgrading of our exams is continuously monitored for consistency. Moredetails can be found in our publication Principles of Good Practice,which can be downloaded free fromwww.cambridgeenglish.org/principlesThe Cambridge English: Young Learners tests are aligned with the CEFRat pre-A1, A1 and A2 levels. The Flyers test is roughly equivalent toCambridge English: Key for Schools in terms of difficulty, but the wordsand contexts covered are suitable for younger children.Cambridge English:Young Learners – an overviewCambridge English: Young Learners gives a reliable and consistentmeasure of how well a child is doing in learning English.Cambridge English: Young Learners encourages younger children towork towards three certificates: Starters, Movers and Flyers. Testsare designed to make learning fun and children are motivated byworking towards certificates and earning the ‘shields’ that recordtheir progress.Cambridge English: Young Learners leads on to other Cambridge Englishexaminations designed for young people, e.g. Cambridge English: Keyfor Schools, Cambridge English: Preliminary for Schools and CambridgeEnglish: First for Schools.The tests take account of relevant research in a number of areasand the specific needs of prospective test users (children, parentsand teachers).In producing the tests, particular attention is paid to the educationalconsequences of using a language test with young learners, and thefollowing areas are carefully considered: current approaches to curriculum design and pedagogy foryoung learners, including recent coursebooks and other resourcematerialschildren’s cognitive and first language developmentthe potential influence of test methods, including the familiarityand appropriacy of different task types, question formats,typography and layoutprobable variation between different first language groups andcultures.Above all, it is essential for the testing experience to have a positiveimpact on the children’s future language learning.Who is Cambridge English: Young Learners for?Cambridge English: Young Learners is designed to offer acomprehensive approach to testing the English of learners in primaryand lower secondary education.Marks and resultsIn the Reading and Writing paper in Starters, Movers and Flyers correctspelling is required. In Part 2 of the Listening paper some misspellingsare allowed. Candidates must follow the instructions carefully andkeep within the word limits. The completed question papers arereturned to Cambridge to be marked. The results are then issued assoon as possible (normally within about two weeks of receipt of thescripts by Cambridge English Language Assessment).Results are reported in a way designed to provide positiveencouragement to the learners. All candidates who complete theirtest receive a certificate, which focuses on what they can do (ratherthan what they can’t do) and gives the children credit for having takenpart in the test.The Cambridge English: Young Learners tests are high-facility tests.This means that most candidates do very well. In order to equatedifferent test versions, the shield score boundaries are set so thatall candidates’ results relate to the same scale of achievement. Thismeans, for example, that the shield 4 boundary may be set at aslightly different raw score across versions.Cambridge English Placement Test forYoung LearnersThe Cambridge English Placement Test for Young Learners is a fast andaffordable way to place students in the right English classes, givingthem the best possible chance of success in their English languagelearning. To find out more, download the guide for teachers atwww.cambridgeenglish.org/younglearnersCAMBRIDGE ENGLISH: YOUNG LEARNERS HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS3
EXAM SUPPORTSpecial circumstancesCambridge English exams are designed to be fair to all test takers.For more information about special circumstances go towww.cambridgeenglish.org/helpExam supportCandidates must be entered through an authorised CambridgeEnglish Language Assessment examination centre. Find your nearestcentre at ers joining our lively Facebook community can get tips, take partin quizzes and talk to other English language ing candidates for an examOfficial Cambridge English exam preparation materialsTo support teachers and help learners prepare for their exams,Cambridge English Language Assessment and Cambridge UniversityPress have developed a range of official support materials includingcoursebooks and practice tests. These official materials are availablein both print and digital formats.www.cambridgeenglish.org/prepareSupport for teachersThe Teaching English section of our website provides user-friendly,free resources for all teachers preparing for our exams. It includes:General information – handbooks for teachers, sample papers.Detailed exam information – format, timing, number ofquestions, task types, mark scheme of each paper.Advice for teachers – developing students’ skills and preparingthem for the exam.Exam entries must be made through an authorised CambridgeEnglish examination centre.Centre staff have all the latest information about our exams, and canprovide you with: details of entry procedurescopies of the exam regulationsexam datescurrent feesmore information about Cambridge English: Young Learners andother Cambridge English exams.We have more than 2,800 centres in over 130 countries – all arerequired to meet our high standards of exam administration, integrity,security and customer service. Find your nearest centre atwww.cambridgeenglish.org/centresearchFurther informationIf your local authorised exam centre is unable to answer yourquestion, please contact our helpdesk:www.cambridgeenglish.org/helpDownloadable lessons – a lesson for every part of every paper.Teaching qualifications – a comprehensive range ofqualifications for new teachers and career development for moreexperienced teachers.About the examSeminars and webinars – a wide range of exam-specificseminars and live and recorded webinars for both new andexperienced teachers.The three syllabusesTeacher development – resources to support teachers in theirContinuing Professional ishSupport for candidatesWe provide learners, and parents whose children are takingCambridge English: Young Learners, with a wealth of exam resourcesand preparation materials throughout our website, includingexam advice, sample papers, candidate guides, games and onlinelearning hExam sessionsThe Cambridge English: Young Learners tests are available on paper (ondemand), on computer and on supported tablets (fixed exam dates).We are launching our computer-based tests on a country-by-countrybasis. Talk to your centre to find out more.4CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH: YOUNG LEARNERS HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERSThe syllabuses for the three levels follow. They describe the topics,the grammar and structures, the lexis and the tasks on which thetests are based.These are test syllabuses. Considerable care has been taken to reflectthe language covered in a wide range of Primary English coursesand materials.A guiding principle for the tests is a desire to close the distancebetween the children’s experiences of learning and of testing.Tasks are intended to test the meaningful use of language in clear,relevant, accessible contexts. Children must know what to expectwhen they sit down to take the tests. For this reason, we publish thefull vocabulary and grammar and structures lists. Teachers shouldfamiliarise the children with the test format whilst continuing theirnormal teaching programmes, and concentrate on teaching through afocus on meaning and context.In general, the language input to the tests is likely to be of a standardBritish English variety, although care is taken to avoid terms whichmight cause confusion for learners of American English. SomeAmerican English terms are included in the vocabulary lists. Versionsof the Listening test contain both British and American accents.In terms of a candidate’s output, both standard British English andstandard American English are equally acceptable.
ABOUT THE EXAMThe three levelsCambridge English: Young Learners consists of three key levels ofassessment: Starters, Movers and Flyers.The aims of the tests are to: sample relevant and meaningful language usemeasure accurately and fairlypresent a positive first impression of international testspromote effective learning and teachingencourage future learning and teaching.A wide range of textbooks and teaching materials which are used inclassrooms with young learners throughout the world are reviewed aspart of the ongoing test development process.The tests and their presentation reflect the main content areas whichfrequently occur in these materials (topic, vocabulary, etc.). Both textand pictures are presented in a clear and attractive way, taking intoaccount the age and background of the intended candidates.The table below indicates the common characteristics and variationsin the different levels of the tests.The three tests together form a bridge to take children learningEnglish as a second language from beginner to basic user level (A2).Overall lengthNumber of tasks/partsNumber of itemsListeningapprox 20 mins420Reading & Writing20 mins525Speaking3–5 mins4–Totaltotal approx 45 minsStartersMoversListeningapprox 25 mins525Reading & Writing30 mins635Speaking5–7 mins4–Totaltotal approx 1 hour 2 minsFlyersListeningapprox 25 mins525Reading & Writing40 mins744Speaking7–9 mins4–Totaltotal approx 1 hour 14 minsCAMBRIDGE ENGLISH: YOUNG LEARNERS HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS5
ABOUT THE EXAMCan Do summaryThe tables below give some examples at each Cambridge English: Young Learners level of typical general ability, plus ability in each of the skill areas andin a range of contexts (Social & Leisure and School). These statements are linked to the CEFR.StartersTypical abilitiesListening & SpeakingReading & WritingOverall general abilityCAN understand simple sentences about things aroundthem, like ‘This is a chair’, ‘I like my school’, ‘That’s mypen’.CAN recognise the letters of the English alphabet.CAN write the letters of the English alphabet and spelltheir name and simple words.CAN respond to personal questions on topics such as age,family and their home.Social & LeisureSchoolCAN understand simple expressions of communication,such as ‘Hello’, ‘How are you?’, ‘Thank you’.CAN read short, simple words and the names of someobjects, such as animals, toys, clothes.CAN respond to simple expressions of communicationwith ‘Yes, please’, ‘Sorry’, ‘I don’t understand’.CAN write simple sentences about themselves and theirfamily.CAN understand and follow simple classroom instructionsgiven by the teacher, such as ‘Open your book’, ‘Read thequestion’, ‘Listen to me’.CAN understand simple written instructions, for examplehow they should do an exercise in their coursebook.CAN listen to and repeat words and phrases appropriateto the level after their teacher.CAN recognise and copy words, phrases and shortsentences from a text, a book, or the board in theclassroom.Typical abilitiesListening & SpeakingReading & WritingOverall general abilityCAN agree or disagree with someone, using phrases suchas ‘I think so’, ‘You are right’, ‘I don’t think so’.CAN understand simple sentences if they read themslowly and several times.CAN ask questions and use fixed expressions, such as‘How much is/are ?’, ‘What’s the matter?’, ‘I’m goodat ’.CAN write simple sentences, using words given to them.CAN understand when somebody talks about their familyor friends in simple sentences.CAN understand simple stories and shorter texts with thehelp of pictures and drawings.CAN ask somebody about how they are and what they likedoing and answer similar questions.CAN write about what they like doing in their free time,using words given to them.MoversSocial & LeisureCAN understand instructions given by the teacher in theCAN understand signs and simple notices.classroom, such as ‘You must do this’, ‘Take off your coats’.CAN continue a story or text that has been started inCAN ask questions about school activities, for exampleEnglish or add words that are missing.classroom tasks, homework, holidays.SchoolFlyersTypical abilitiesListening & SpeakingOverall general abilityCAN say that they do not understand something or cannot CAN understand longer texts about everyday topics, evendo something, and ask for help, using expressions such as if they do not know all the words.‘Could you say it again, please?’.CAN use a dictionary to help them understand a wordCAN talk about a problem in simple terms.they do not know.Social & LeisureCAN arrange with friends to do something or playtogether.CAN make and respond to invitations, suggestions,apologies and requests.School6Reading & WritingCAN write a short message on a postcard or in an email.CAN write about how they feel and give reasons why, insimple sentences.CAN understand audio and video clips used in the Englishlesson.CAN write short dialogues, for example in speech bubbles,picture stories, comics.CAN talk briefly about things they have done, for exampleabout their favourite holiday.CAN make up a story in English using ideas, pictures orwords that the teacher gives them.CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH: YOUNG LEARNERS HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS
STARTERS LISTENINGStartersListeningApproximately 20 minutes/20 itemsThere are four parts. Each part begins with one or two examples. All tasks are heard twice.Part 1Part 3This is a test of five different lexical items – normally taken fromtwo or three semantic fields. The context is provided by a picture,within which the objects are ‘placed’ by the candidate, who has todraw a line from the named object to a location within the picture.The information is conveyed by a dialogue between male and femaleadult speakers.This task consists of five questions, each a three-option multiplechoice with pictures. Candidates listen to the information conveyed infive separate dialogues in which the speakers are clearly differentiatedby age or gender. Candidates listen and tick the correct picture.Part 4This is a test of lexis, particularly names of colours, and prepositionsof place. There is one large picture, and in it there are a number ofexamples of the same object. The candidate has to identify a certainobject by listening to details of its position, and then colour it incorrectly. The information is given in a dialogue between an adult anda child.Part 2This is a simple note-taking exercise, in which candidates hear aconversation between a child and an adult. There is one picture toset the context, and a comprehension question for each item. Eachanswer is either a name or a number. The numbers dictated can bewritten as digits or words. All names are spelled out letter by letter,and must be spelled correctly for the mark to
In the Reading and Writing paper in Starters, Movers and Flyers correct spelling is required. In Part 2 of the Listening paper some misspellings are allowed. Candidates must follow the instructions carefully and keep within the word limits. The completed question papers are returned to Cambridge to be marked. The results are then issued as soon as possible (normally within about two weeks of .
Keep Cambridge English: Young Learners relevant to the evolving needs of learners and schools. Incorporate evolving approaches to best practice for teaching and assessing young learners. Ensure there is a clear progression from Cambridge English: Young Learners to Cambridge English exams for secondary schools and beyond.
2 Cambridge English: Young Learners. Introduction. Cambridge English: Young Learners. is a series of fun, motivating English language tests for children in primary and lower secondary education. The tests are an excellent way for children to gain confidence and improve their English. There are three levels: Cambridge English: Starters Cambridge English: Movers Cambridge English .
Cambridge University Press 978-1-107-63581-4 – Cambridge Global English Stage 6 Jane Boylan Kathryn Harper Frontmatter More information Cambridge Global English Cambridge Global English . Cambridge Global English Cambridge Global English
Cambridge English: Young Learners is a series of fun, motivating English language tests for children in primary and lower secondary education. The tests are an excellent way for children to gain confidence and improve their English. There are three levels: Cambridge English: Starters Cambridge English: Movers Cambridge English: Flyers About these sample papers These sample papers .
Cambridge English: Preliminary – an overview Cambridge English: Preliminary is an intermediate level qualification in practical everyday English language skills. It follows on as a progression from Cambridge English: Key and gives learners confidence to study for taking higher level Cambridge English exams such as Cambridge English: First.
Cambridge English: Young Learners is a series of fun, motivating English language tests for children in primary and lower secondary education. The tests are an excellent way for children to gain confidence and improve their English. There are three levels: Cambridge English: Starters Cambridge English: Movers Cambridge English: Flyers
º vCambridge English: Starters º vCambridge English: Movers º vCambridge English: Flyers. Cambridge English: Starters is for children who are just starting to learn English. Cambridge English: Young Learners, also known as Young Learners English (YLE), is a series of fun, motivating English
Cambridge English Qualifi cations Young Learners tests The Cambridge English Qualifi cations Young Learners tests are for learners of English between the ages of 7 and 12. The tests are comprised of three levels: Pre A1 Starters, A1 Movers and A2 Flyers. These tests are designed to take learners from beginner level up to CEFR level A2.
