Certificate of Proficiency in English
Encyclopedia
The Certificate of Proficiency in English or CPE (as it is usually referred to) is the most advanced general English
exam provided by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. The English level of those who have passed the CPE is supposed to be similar to that of a fairly educated native speaker of English. Most of the candidates that take the CPE are from South America
.
The Reading paper assesses the ability of the candidates to read and understand texts taken from a wide range of sources, including fiction and non-fiction books, journals, newspapers and magazines. They are expected to understand the meaning of written English at word, phrase, sentence, paragraph and whole text level. It includes understanding of text content, organisation and structure, and the development of ideas, opinions and attitudes.
The Writing paper assesses the ability to write non-specialised texts types such as letters, articles, reports and reviews for a given purpose and target reader, covering a wide range of topics. The paper also includes questions on set texts. Responses are of 300–350 words in length.
In the Use of English paper, candidates are expected to demonstrate their knowledge and control of the language system by completing various tasks at word, sentence and text level. These include gap-filling and word formation exercises, comprehension questions and a summary writing task.
The Listening paper assesses the ability to listen to and understand texts taken from a variety of text types including interviews, discussions, lectures and conversations. It tests the ability to understand the meaning of spoken English, to extract information from a spoken text and to understand speakers' attitudes and opinions.
The Speaking Test assesses the ability to interact in conversational English in a range of contexts. The paper contains three parts, which take the form of an interview section, a collaborative task and individual long turns with follow-up discussion. Candidates are provided with picture and written stimuli and they normally take the Speaking Test in pairs.
Exam scripts are sent to Cambridge ESOL for marking and grading and the results are sent back to the centres.
Once awarded, Cambridge ESOL CPE certificates are valid for life.
CPE is ranked at the C2 level. Like all the other Cambridge exams, once the candidate has passed the exam this qualification never expires. It is considered to be very valuable for professional purposes, since a large number of companies and employers use it as an indicator of the would-be employee's English skills.
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
exam provided by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. The English level of those who have passed the CPE is supposed to be similar to that of a fairly educated native speaker of English. Most of the candidates that take the CPE are from South America
South America
South America is a continent situated in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. The continent is also considered a subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east...
.
Examination parts
The exam comprises five parts/components:- Reading (1 hour and 30 minutes)
The Reading paper assesses the ability of the candidates to read and understand texts taken from a wide range of sources, including fiction and non-fiction books, journals, newspapers and magazines. They are expected to understand the meaning of written English at word, phrase, sentence, paragraph and whole text level. It includes understanding of text content, organisation and structure, and the development of ideas, opinions and attitudes.
- Writing (2 hours)
The Writing paper assesses the ability to write non-specialised texts types such as letters, articles, reports and reviews for a given purpose and target reader, covering a wide range of topics. The paper also includes questions on set texts. Responses are of 300–350 words in length.
- Use of English (1 hour and 30 minutes)
In the Use of English paper, candidates are expected to demonstrate their knowledge and control of the language system by completing various tasks at word, sentence and text level. These include gap-filling and word formation exercises, comprehension questions and a summary writing task.
- Listening (approx. 40 minutes)
The Listening paper assesses the ability to listen to and understand texts taken from a variety of text types including interviews, discussions, lectures and conversations. It tests the ability to understand the meaning of spoken English, to extract information from a spoken text and to understand speakers' attitudes and opinions.
- Speaking (approx. 19 minutes)
The Speaking Test assesses the ability to interact in conversational English in a range of contexts. The paper contains three parts, which take the form of an interview section, a collaborative task and individual long turns with follow-up discussion. Candidates are provided with picture and written stimuli and they normally take the Speaking Test in pairs.
Results and Grading
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 CPE.Exam scripts are sent to Cambridge ESOL for marking and grading and the results are sent back to the centres.
Once awarded, Cambridge ESOL CPE certificates are valid for life.
New version from 2013
From 2013, the exam switches to a new version consisting of the following four parts, each of which carries 25% of the total markshttp://www.cambridgeesol.org/assets/pdf/exams/cpe/cpe-spec-2013.pdf.- Reading (1 hour and 30 minutes)
- Writing (1 hour and 30 minutes)
- Listening (approx. 40 minutes)
- Speaking (approx. 16 minutes)
Purpose
CPE is ideal for those who want to work or study abroad, or to develop a career which requires language skills (e.g., business, medicine, engineering & TESOL etc.). The CPE certificate is recognised by many universities and employers throughout the world.Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
In the Common European Framework of Reference for LanguagesCommon European Framework of Reference for Languages
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment, abbreviated as CEFR, is a guideline used to describe achievements of learners of foreign languages across Europe and, increasingly, in other countries...
CPE is ranked at the C2 level. Like all the other Cambridge exams, once the candidate has passed the exam this qualification never expires. It is considered to be very valuable for professional purposes, since a large number of companies and employers use it as an indicator of the would-be employee's English skills.