Young Learners English (YLE) Tests are offered by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES). They are designed to test the English of primary learners (school going children) between the ages of 7 to 12, who are studying English as a Foreign Language.
This test covers all the four language skills - Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing in order to give a comprehensive picture of the learner’s overall level of English.
There are three different levels available i.e. Starters, Movers and Flyers.The tests are designed for children of all nationalities, whatever their first language and cultural background. The material is intended to be relevant and interesting to everyone.
The objectives of the YLE test are:
- sample relevant and meaningful language use
- measure accurately and fairly
- present a positive first impression of international tests
- promote effective learning and teaching
- encourage future learning and teaching
The test format is as follows:
Candidates can take Starters at 12 or Flyers at 7, as appropriate. Candidates aged 13 who are in the same class as other candidates aged 12 may also take the tests.
This is a paper and pencil test, which lasts between 20 minutes (Starters) and 40 minutes (Flyers). Texts are short and constrained by a specified set of words and structures. Candidates perform simple operations such as selecting and ticking, writing words and phrases in gaps, or answering open-ended questions.
This is also a paper and pencil test which lasts between 20 minutes (Starters and Flyers) and 25 minutes (Movers). As with the Reading and Writing paper, texts are limited in the language assessed to what is specified in the test specifications. Candidates listen to short-recorded dialogues involving both child and adult speakers, and perform simple operations such as drawing lines, selecting, matching and colouring.
This is a face-to-face test which lasts between 5 and 10 minutes with suitably qualified, experienced and trained Examiners. Children perform various activities in response to prompts from the examiner using visual stimuli, and give simple information about themselves.
While producing these tests it is ensured, as far as possible, that all versions conform to the test requirements in terms of content and level of difficulty.
These tests are intended to provide an enjoyable first experience of language testing for young learners. The question papers are produced in full colour, with attractive illustrations throughout.
Everyone who completes the test is given an ‘award ’, showing a grade between one to five represented by shields which shows them how well they have done in each of the three components –Reading and Writing, Listening and Speaking.
A candidate can be awarded a maximum of five shields for each component. Provided she/he attempts all parts of the test, she/he can achieve an award of minimum one shield in each skill, thus gaining a total of three shields.
Hence the objective is to provide positive encouragement to the learners and highlight on what they can do rather than what they cannot do.
Trained Oral Examiners (OEs) administer the Speaking component to access the children’s performance in it in the examination centre. The other two components i.e. Reading/Writing and Listening are sent to Cambridge and marked by UCLES examiners.
Any school approved by British Council can become a testing centre. Candidates register themselves through their respective schools. Whenever possible, children are tested in their own schools. However when this is not possible, arrangements are made for them to be tested at their nearest approved YLE centre.
Centres can arrange YLE tests after co-ordinating with their nearest British Council office. These tests can be arranged any time of the year, however the schools have to get their candidates registered for the test at least 8 weeks in advance before the due test date.
Interested candidates and parents can contact their respective schools to find out if their school is an approved YLE centre.
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