Reading (1 hour, 15 minutes) comprises 4 parts with 34 questions in total:

Part 1 – 3 texts on one theme with 2 multiple choice questions on each text;
Part 2 – gapped text;
Part 3 – multiple choice;
Part 4 – multiple matching.

There are 6 texts in this paper. For Parts 1, 2 and 3 two marks are given for each correct answer. For Part 4 one mark is given for each correct answer.

To learn more about this part of the exam and to download a sample paper please visit the Cambridge ESOL Candidate Support website.

Writing (1 hour 30 minutes) comprise 2 writing tasks:

Part 1 – compulsory task such as newspaper/magazine article, report, proposal letter (180-220 words);
Part 2 – one task selected from a choice of five. In Part 2 candidates choose to write an article, a letter (including letters of reference and application), a report, a proposal, a review, an information sheet, a competition entry, a contribution to a longer piece or an essay (220-260 words) or they can choose a task on a prescribed background reading text.

To learn more about this part of the exam and to download a sample paper please visit the Cambridge ESOL Candidate Support website.

In 2012 sessions one or more of the following texts may be read as preparation for the two optional set text tasks: essay, review, article, report.

• William Golding: Lord of the Flies
  (Teachers may choose to prepare candidates for questions on this set text by studying a film version as well as, or instead of, the novel.)
• P D James: The Lighthouse

English in Use (1 hour) comprises 5 parts with 50 questions in total:

Paper 1 – multiple choice cloze;
Paper 2 – open cloze;
Paper 3 – word formation;
Part 4 – gapped sentences;
Part 5 – key word transformations.

For Parts 1, 2 and 3 one mark is given for each correct answer. For Part 4 two marks are given for each correct answer and for Part 5 up to 2 marks are given for each correct answer. To learn more about this part of the exam and to download a sample paper please visit the Cambridge ESOL Candidate Support website.

Listening (ca 40 minutes) comprises 4 parts with 30 questions in total:

Part 1 – short extracts;
Part 2 – sentence completion;
Part 3 – multiple choice;
Part 4 – multiple matching.

Each text is heard twice. One mark is given for each correct answer.

To learn more about this part of the exam and to download a sample paper please visit the Cambridge ESOL Candidate Support website.

Speaking (15 minutes) comprises 4 parts:

Part 1 – interview;
Part 2 – individual long turns;
Part 3 – collaborative task;
Part 4 – discussion.

The speaking test format is two candidates and two examiners.

To learn more about this part of the exam and to download a sample paper please visit the Cambridge ESOL Candidate Support website.

The oral part of CAE is marked in Poland by experienced and highly trained examiners.

Grades:

A - 80% and above

B - 75 - 79 %

C - 60 - 74%

CEFR* Level B2 - 45 - 59%

Fail - 44% and below

*CEFR = Council of Europe Framework of Reference

NEW!!!

In March 2011 University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations introduced an extended certification of its English language exams. Candidates taking the Cambridge English language exams who do not achieve a passing grade but have demonstrated language ability at the Council of Europe Framework of Reference level below the examination they have taken will be awarded a certificate showing that level. The following information will be given as the overall grade:

Council of Europe Level B2 - for CAE exam.

A preparation course is not a requirement for those wanting to register for CAE, although candidates may find it beneficial to prepare for the examination under the guidance of an experienced teacher. You can register for a course in our Teaching Centre in Warsaw and Krakow or other language schools which run preparation courses

A wide range of books on preparing for CAE is available at most language bookshops in Poland. Preparation materials are also available in the British Libraries in Poland.