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:
  • an understanding of about 800 words (including the 400 from previous levels)
  • an understanding and use of the past simple, regular and irregular verbs
  • adjectives and modifiers, for descriptive and comparative purposes
  • possession – expressions of ownership
  • countable and uncountable things, quantifiers both positive and negative
  • instructions and commands
Foto
Click on the cover to open the sample Step To Book.

​What does the candidate have to do in the Preliminary exam?
  • read short passages
  • multiple choice questions
  • fill in gaps
  • answer questions
  • write questions
  • write sentences
  • answer true/false questions

​Performance Indicators
The candidate
  • has a basic active vocabulary of about 800 words
  • can communicate present and past events, actions in progress, completed actions and life experiences
  • can use conjunctions to order events
  • can communicate where things are and when things happen
  • can express opposites, comparisons and ownership
  • can ask questions, answer questions, and write full sentences
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
GP 5: Present continuous
Talking about recent actions. 
My brothers are playing football in the park at the moment. 
GP 16: Past simple including common irregular past forms as well as regular forms, interrogative and negative
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?
GP 17: Present Perfect Simple interrogative and negative
 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.
GP 9: Modals 
Talking about skills
- I can play the guitar.
GP 1: Imperative
Following single-step instructions in a familiar context
- Take a piece of paper.
- Stand near the door.
GP 18: Adjectives
 
 
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 
GP 6: Possessives
  
  
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.
GP 19: Quantifiers
 
 
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.
GP 7: Prepositions
 
 
By, with, next to
Talking about where things are
- The children are standing next to the clock.
GP 13: Adverbs
Ever, never, ago, yet, just
Talking about when things happen
I went to Paris six years ago.