PRELIMINARY (A1)Preliminary is the first of the levels to divide the language tested into separate skills: reading (including use of English), writing, listening, and speaking. The A1 speaking exam is optional. It is also the first of the steps in the 10-step system to reach a Common European Framework of Reference level. It is an A1 level exam. This A1 level exam tests the following:
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What does the candidate have to do in the Preliminary exam?
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Performance Indicators The candidate
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An alternative version is available for adults learning at this level. The exam consists of the same performance indicators, but has been adapted for use by more adult learners.
GRAMMAR & STRUCTURES |
WHAT ARE THEY USED FOR? |
SOME EXAMPLES |
Talking about recent actions. |
My brothers are playing football in the park at the moment. |
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Talking about past events |
- We watched a football match on TV last night. - I drove to the hotel. - Did John drink all the orange juice? |
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Talking about actions only recently completed Talking about experiences |
- The man has just eaten the sandwich. - Have you ever been to London? - I have never seen a dolphin. |
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Talking about skills |
- I can play the guitar. |
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Following single-step instructions in a familiar context |
- Take a piece of paper. - Stand near the door. |
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Basic adjectives |
For descriptive purposes, including expressing opposites |
- My father bought a new car yesterday. |
Comparatives and superlatives |
Talking about comparisons between people and things |
- John isn't as tall as Jane. - Sue is the tallest / the most beautiful girl in our class. - My rabbit is older than /more beautiful than my friend's rabbi |
The possessive form |
Expressing ownership..Value |
- That sandwich is Jane's. |
Mine, yours, his, hers, its, ours, theirs |
Talking about ownership, possessions, who things belong to |
- My bicycle is newer than yours. - That book is mine. |
Much, many, a lot, a lot of |
Talking about amounts of things which can and cannot be counted |
- How much money have you got? I've got a lot of it! - It rains a lot in England. - How many brothers has she got? |
some, any |
Talking about things which can and cannot be counted, in the positive and negative. |
- There is some bread. - There isn't any butter. |
By, with, next to |
Talking about where things are |
- The children are standing next to the clock. |
Talking about when things happen |
I went to Paris six years ago. |