LanguageCert A1 Preliminary Comprehensive Exam (A1)

LanguageCert International ESOL A1 Preliminary

LanguageCert International ESOL A1 Preliminary is our introductory qualification in English, aligned with the 'innovative' level of the CEFR.

The LanguageCert IESOL A1 exams assess candidates on all four language skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking), using familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases. By focusing on familiar topics, the exams assess a candidate's ability to interact simply when approached in a simplified way. The LanguageCert IESOL A1 exams are the perfect introduction to everyday written and spoken English and encourage candidates to improve their English and continue their learning towards the A2 entry level.

There are two exams for this level:

  • Written exam (listening, reading, writing) 
  • Spoken exam (talk)

 Exam duration

BASED PAPER 1 hour and 40 minutes
 
Listening for 20 minutes
 
 
Reading and writing 1 hour and 20 minutes uninterrupted
COMPUTER BASED on 1 hour and 40 minutes
 
Listening for 20 minutes
 
 
Reading and writing 1 hour and 20 minutes uninterrupted

Listening

Response type

Task

Part 1

7 questions

Multiple choice of three options for each statement

Listen twice to match seven short sentences with letters, words, graphics, and symbols.

Part 2

7 questions

Multiple choice of three options for each statement

Listen twice to choose the best answer to seven short expressions

Part 3

6 questions

Multiple choice question with three options for each dialogue

Listen to short conversations with two speakers twice to identify: topic, purpose, context, speakers, essence, relationship between speakers, roles, attitudes, feelings and opinions.

Part 4

6 questions

A form with six headings and multiple choice options to mark the correct information for each heading

Listen to a conversation with two speakers twice to identify specific information

Total:  26 questions

 

Reading

Response type

Task

Part 1

6 questions

A multiple choice of three options for each text to complete each one correctly

Six short texts with one space per text

Part 2

5 questions

Blank text followed by a choice of six options to complete the text correctly. One option is a distractor.

Blank text with 5 deletions and 1 distractor

Part 3

7 questions

Seven questions to indicate which text provides the answer to each question

Four short texts, for example, notice, letter, appointment card, with a linked subject but with a different purpose.

Part 4

8 questions

Match each sentence with the appropriate text

Table to complete with 8 items

Total:  26 questions

 

Writing

Response type

Task

Part 1

4 sentences (about 30 words)

Simple sentences to communicate ideas or basic information.

Instructions for writing about a given topic, for example, about themselves, everyday life, people, where they live, what they do

Part 2

20-30 words

Simple and short text for a target audience

Instructions for writing a letter, card, postcard or message about two given functions

 

 

 Exam duration

FACE TO FACE  6 minutes
 
Talking 6 minutes

Talking

Task

Part 1

  • Give and spell your name.
  • Give country of origin.
  • Answer five questions.

Part 2

  • Two or three situations are presented by the interlocutor and the candidates respond to and initiate interactions

Part 3

  • Exchange information to identify similarities and differences in images of familiar situations

Part 4

  • 30 seconds of prep time
  • Talk about a topic provided by the interlocutor for half a minute.
  • Answer follow-up questions
Contact
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. For more information, please visit our cookie policy page. I accept all