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In this era of
globalization, it is necessary to be proficient or at least
competent in English in order to make a mark in the
international arena. Knowledge of English language is the key to
a world of international opportunities. And to help you improve
as well as prove your English language skills, Cambridge
University offers a number of examinations in ESOL i.e. English
for Speakers of Other Languages. The following is an overview of
some of these exams and how they can help you.
IELTS - International English Language Testing System: The IELTS
exam can be helpful particularly if you wish to study or work in
a country where English is the language of communication. It
tests English as it is used in work, study and everyday life.
There are 4 components - listening, reading, writing and
speaking. This is one of the most popular ESOL exams and lakhs
of students from all over the world appear for this exam every
year.
KET-Key English Test: This is an elementary level English exam.
It tests the ability to cope with everyday English
communication, both spoken and written. It is meant particularly
for people who have basic English language skills of the kind
needed while travelling in a foreign country. This exam can act
as a stepping stone towards the PET and other higher level ESOL
exams.
PET-Preliminary English Test: This is the second level of ESOL
exams and it deals with English language for practical purposes
including work, study and social situations. It tests whether an
individual is able to use appropriate communication styles in
different situations, read simple texts and whether he has basic
skills in written correspondence.
You can also appear for more advanced level examination such as
the FCE-First Certificate in English, CAE-Certificate in
Advanced English and CPE-Certificate of Proficiency in English.
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Cambridge also conducts YLE-Young Learners of English. These tests
are designed for school children and they test basic language
ability as well as serve as an introduction to public exams of
this kind. There are 3 levels-Starts,Movers and Flyers and the
children can start out with any level they are comfortable with
and move to higher levels.
Apart from these academic exams, there are also exams for English
use in specific contexts. Some of these exams are:
BEC-Business English Certificates: These exams are specifically
for those who are either preparing for a career in business or are
already working in this field. These exams test proficiency in
English in a business context. These certificates will give you an
edge in job market at home as well as prepare you for the
international job market, because they deal with language skills
that you need in real business situations.
ICFE-International Certificate in Financial English: This exam
tests the ability to converse with accounting and finance
professionals from the international business community.
ILEC-International Legal English Certificate: This exam tests your
proficiency in English that is peculiar to the legal context
worldwide. It includes legal jargon and language skills of special
use to a law professional.
There are also various exams for teachers teaching English. These
include the ICELT-In-service certificate in English, CELTA-Certificate
in English Language Teaching to Adults and CELTYL Certificate in
English Language Teaching to Young Learners.
Thousands of students from more than 60 countries appear for these
exams every year. A great number of universities in UK and other
European countries as well as in USA recognize and give importance
to these exams.
How to apply and prepare There are various centers all over India
that help you to prepare for these exams and a variety of
preparatory material is available. Registration for any of these
exams can be done through The British Council. A complete list of
exam centers as well as more information about the fees, syllabus
and application procedure is available on
www.cambridgeesol.org,
www.ielts.org
as well as
www.britishcouncil.org.in.
The ESOL exams will help you to take learning of the English
language beyond that which is normally taught in schools and
colleges. It will make you aware of the latest trends in English
communication worldwide and will give your career quest a boost.
It will definitely be useful whether or not you want to pursue
studies or work abroad.
So apply for any of these exams today and begin your quest towards
the mastery of the English language.
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