CAE is the second highest level Cambridge ESOL exam, at level C1 of the Council of Europe's Common European Framework. At this level learners can be expected to cope confidently in most situations that would arise in an English speaking country - socially, professionally and in higher education. CAE is accepted by almost all universities and colleges in Britain and many others throughout the world including employers.
CAE has five papers:
Paper 1 – Reading (75 minutes)
This paper tests your ability to understand fiction and non-fiction texts, articles from newspaper and journals. You are expected to understand the text structure and detail and grasp an opinion or standpoint.
Paper 2- Writing (90 minutes)
This paper tests your ability to compose two different pieces of writing in the form of a letter, article, review or report covering a range of topics.
Paper 3 – Use of English (60 minutes)
Your use of English will be tested by tasks which show how well you can control your grammar and vocabulary.
Paper 4 – Listening (45 minutes)
You need to show you can understand the meaning of a range of spoken material, including lectures, radio broadcasts, speeches and talks.
Paper 5 – Speaking (15 minutes)
You will take the Speaking test with another candidate or in a group of three, and you will be tested on your ability to take part in different types of interaction: with the examiner, with the other candidate and by yourself.
Kingsley Amis, Lucky Jim
John Grisham, The Pelican Brief
Each component carries 20% of the total marks. There are three pass grades (A, B and C) and certificates are awarded to candidates who achieve these grades. Candidates who achieve a grade D or E are judged not to have reached the required standard for CAE.
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