Cambridge English: Advanced examination (formally CAE)
Do you feel confident enough when using English, but still make errors when speaking and writing? Or do you speak accurately using basic structures and vocabulary, but tend to play safe and only use the language you feel comfortable with? If so, challenging yourself by preparing for and taking the Advanced examination will give your English the boost that is necessary to become an all-round proficient English language speaker.
Studying for the Advanced exam will make you more accurate and will widen your use of vocabulary and structures. In addition, your achievement will be rewarded with an internationally recognised certificate that you can use to enhance your CV and it might even impress your boss.
How to prepare for the Advanced exam?
Of course, you can prepare and practise for the exam by yourself using many of the good support and practice materials on the market, for example our Cambridge Exam blog. But following an English language course to prepare for the Cambridge English: Advanced exam will really improve your chances of getting a good result. Having a teacher to guide you and answer your questions will be more motivating than trying to study on your own.
What does the Cambridge English: Advanced exam consist of?
The newly updated Cambridge English: Advanced examination consists of 4 papers: Reading and Use of English, Writing, Listening and Speaking. It is 45 minutes shorter than the old version of the examination. You still receive scores of A, B, C (pass) and D, E, U (fail) and a Statement of Results. Candidates who achieve a level of B2-C2 will get a certificate.
It remains highly relevant for those who want to demonstrate they can communicate confidently, accurately and fluently in English at a C1 level. Potential employers will be know your English is good enough for most work situations and many universities accept Cambridge English: Advanced for entry to their courses.
- Reading and Use of English tests your control of grammar, vocabulary and your ability to comprehend a range of text types, such as fiction, newspapers and journals.
- Writing shows how you deal with essays, letters/emails, proposals, reviews and reports etc.
- Listening tests how much you can follow and understand a range of spoken language, for example interviews, radio broadcasts, talks, presentations and everyday conversations.
- Speaking checks how effectively you communicate in face-to-situations. You take the speaking test together with another candidate.
ECS Scotland’s Advanced course helps students to successfully prepare for the examination and combines development in overall general English with a specific focus on what you need for the examination.
ECS Scotland provides exam preparation courses throughout the year, please see here.
