Cambridge Exam Parts Overview
PART/TIMING CONTENT EXAM FOCUS
Reading and Use of English Part 1 A modified cloze Candidates are expected to
(1 hour 30 minutes) containing eight gaps demonstrate their
followed by eight 4-option knowledge of vocabulary
multiple-choice items. and grammar in parts 1–4,
Part 2 A modified cloze test and their reading
containing eight gaps. comprehension skills in
Part 3 A text containing parts 5–8.
eight gaps. Each gap Candidates are also
corresponds to a word. The expected to show
stems of the missing words understanding of specific
are given beside the text information, text
and must be changed to organisation features, tone,
form the missing word. attitude, opinion, and text
Part 4 Six separate items, structure throughout the
each with a lead-in sentence exam.
and a gapped second
sentence to be completed in
three to six words, one of
which is a given 'key word'.
Part 5 A text followed by six
4-option multiple-choice
questions.
Part 6 Four short texts,
followed by multiple-
matching questions.
Candidates must read
across texts to match a
prompt to elements in the
texts.
Part 7 A text from which
paragraphs have been
removed and placed in
jumbled order after the text.
Candidates must decide
from where in the text the
paragraphs have been
removed.
Part 8 A text or several
short texts preceded by
multiple-matching
questions. Candidates must
match a prompt to elements
in the text.
Writing Part 1 Candidates are Candidates are expected to
(1 hour 20 mins) required to write an essay, demonstrate their ability to
between 220 and 260 write at a range of levels of
words, based on two points formality. They need to
given in the input text. They demonstrate awareness of
will be asked to explain style and tone, as well as
which of the two points is functions such as
more important and to give describing, evaluating,
reasons for their opinion. hypothesising, persuading,
Part 2 Candidates have a expressing opinion,
choice of task. The tasks comparing, giving advice,
provide candidates with a justifying and judging
clear context, topic, purpose priorities.
and target reader for their
writing. The output text
types are:
- letter/email
- proposal
- report
- review
Listening Part 1 Three short extracts Candidates are expected to
(Approximately 40 from exchanges between be able to show
minutes) interacting speakers with understanding of
multiple-choice questions agreement, attitude, course
on each extract. of action, detail, feeling,
Part 2 A monologue lasting function, genre, gist,
approximately three opinion, purpose, situation,
minutes. Candidates are specific information, etc.
required to complete the
sentences with information
heard on the recording.
Part 3 A conversation
between two or more
speakers of approximately
four minutes. There are six
multiple-choice questions,
each with four options.
Part 4 Five short themed
monologues, of
approximately 30 seconds
each. Each multiple-
matching task requires
selection of the correct
options from a list of eight.
Speaking Part 1 A short conversation Candidates are expected to
(15 minutes) between the interlocutor demonstrate competence at
and each candidate (spoken organising a large unit of
questions). discourse through showing
Part 2 An individual 'long understanding, description,
turn' for each candidate speculation and/or
with a response from the expressing opinion.
second candidate. In turn, Candidates are also
the candidates are given expected to demonstrate
three photographs and their ability to sustain
asked to talk about any two interaction through their
of them. use of social language and
Part 3 A two-way their ability to exchange
conversation between the ideas, express and justify
candidates. The candidates opinions, agree and
are given spoken disagree, suggest, speculate,
instructions with written evaluate and negotiate.
stimuli, which are used in a
discussion and a decision-
making task. The
conversation is divided into
a discussion phase (two
minutes) and a decision
phase (one minute).
Candidates are given
approximately 15 seconds
to initially read the task
before starting.
Part 4 A discussion on
topics related to the
collaborative task (spoken
questions).