A1 Preliminary

Language Cert International ESOL A1 Preliminary

Written (Listening, Reading, Speaking) exams in English, aligned to the A1 level of the CEFR*. Exams are delivered through our global network of Test Centres.

Listening:

Part 1: 7 multiple choice questions (each with 3 options)
Task: Listen twice to match 7 short statements to letters, words, graphics and symbols

Part 2: 7 multiple choice questions (each with 3 options)
Task: Listen twice to choose the best reply to 7 short utterances

Part 3: 6 multiple choice questions (each with 3 options)
Task: Listen twice to 6 short conversations between 2 speakers to identify: topic, purpose, context, speakers, gist, relationship between speakers, functions, attitudes, feeling and opinions

Part 4: 6 multiple choice questions (each with 3 options)
Task: Listen twice to a conversation between 2 speakers to identify specific information

Reading:

Part 1: 6 multiple choice questions (each with 3 options)
Task: Choose the correct multiple choice option to fill in the gaps

Part 2: 5 multiple choice questions (fill in an incomplete text, 1 option is a distractor)
Task: Choose the correct options to fill the gaps in the text

Part 3: 7 multiple choice questions (each with 3 options)
Task: Choose the correct text for the corresponding question

Part 4: 8 questions (match each statement to the appropriate notice)
Task: Choose the correct multiple choice option for the corresponding statement

Writing:

Part 1: 4 sentences in about 30 words (to communicate ideas or basic information)
Task: Write 4 sentences on a given topic, e.g. about themselves, daily life, people, where they live, what they do

Part 2: 20 – 30 words (short simple text for an intended audience)
Task: Write a letter, card, postcard or message about 2 given functions

Speaking:

Part 1
Task:  • Give and spell name
• State country of origin
• Answer 5 questions

Part 2
Task: • 2 or 3 situations are presented by the interlocutor
• Candidates are expected to respond to questions and initiate interactions

Part 3
Task: • Exchange information to identify similarities and differences in pictures depicting familiar situations

Part 4
Task:  • Candidates are given 30 seconds preparation time
• Talk about a topic provided by the interlocutor for half a minute
• Answer follow-up questions