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English

A girl and three boys smiling and looking at some schoolwork

Scoring second language spoken and written performance: issues, options and directions

Speaking and writing are key skills in language learning, but scoring these performances is complex and has attracted a lot of attention in both first and second language learning contexts.

British Council image of two people at a 2 metre distance with the words keeping our distance but staying connected

How we are adapting our work during COVID-19

During this public health crisis, the British Council is innovating at a pace you might not expect from an 86-year old organisation.

British Council celebrates 85 years as the UK’s cultural relations organisation

The British Council turns 85 this month. From humble beginnings in 1934, we now have offices in 108 countries, creating opportunities, making connections, and building trust for the UK.

Image of Dr Benjamin Zephaniah

‘English is the currency!’

British poet Dr Benjamin Zephaniah opened the British Council ELTons Awards for Innovation in English Language Teaching with a poem to mark our 85th anniversary.

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Time-extension and the second language reading performance of children with different first language literacy profiles

Can extra time help those with learning difficulties perform better on reading tests? This study puts common assumptions to the test with real data from Aptis for Teens.

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China's Standards of English language ability (CSE): linking UK exams to the CSE

Researchers from the UK and China explore a methodology for linking UK examinations to the China Standards for English (CSE).

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Assessing writing at lower levels: research findings, task development locally and internationally, and the opportunities presented by the extended CEFR descriptors

Explore how writing tests for beginner language learners are designed by international test providers and language teachers.

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English in Europe

New evidence suggests that English will continue to be the lingua franca in the EU after Brexit.

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Identifying key criteria of written and spoken English at C1

Explore the key features that define spoken and written English at the C1 level.

Four adults are sitting at desks in an exam room, taking a writing test

Validating the Core Inventory for General English

The Core Inventory for General English aims to inform teachers about the levels at which learners of English master certain aspects of the language.

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The United Kingdom's international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.
A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales) SC037733 (Scotland).