Grade 11

C1.2 CEFR

Examination format

Total examination time: 25 minutes

The examination consists of five assessed phases:

Formal presentation of a topic prepared by the candidate (up to 5 minutes)

A candidate-led discussion of the topic presentation with the examiner (up to 5 minutes)

Interactive task (up to 5 minutes)

Listening task (up to 3 minutes)

Conversation on two subject areas selected by the examiner (up to 6 minutes).

Candidate performance

In addition to the items listed for the previous grades, the candidate is expected to demonstrate the

following communicative skills and meet the language requirements listed below during the examination.

Communicative skills

In the Formal topic presentation phase

Give a formal presentation, discursive in nature, on a chosen subject, with an identifiable

structure, using discourse connectors and cohesive devices and showing controlled use of

organisational patterns

Introduce the presentation, develop particular points, expand and support points of view at

some length with subsidiary points, and integrate sub-themes fluently

Bring the presentation to an appropriate conclusion by inviting questions and comments from

the examiner

In the Topic discussion phase

Initiate the discussion and encourage the examiner to comment and give his or her opinion on

the ideas provided in the presentation

Take responsibility for the maintenance of the discussion

Be prepared to justify the ideas and opinions given in the presentation

Respond to challenges made by the examiner spontaneously and appropriately

In the Interactive phase

Take full responsibility for maintaining the flow of conversation by changing the direction of

the conversation when a particular line of questioning dries up

Negotiate towards a logical conclusion to the interaction

In the Listening phase

Understand inferences and pick up on phonological clues

Demonstrate the ability to recognise a range of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms

In the Conversation phase

Take responsibility for the maintenance of the conversation

Anticipate the direction of the conversation and cope with topic shifts

Demonstrate the ability to infer and extract meaning from vague or imprecise language

Evaluate and challenge statements and arguments made by the examiner

Language requirements

Language functions

Justifying an argument

Inferring

Expressing caution

Expressing empathy and sympathy

Challenging arguments and opinions

Evaluating different standpoints

Expressing reservations

Grammar

A broad range of complex structures, used flexibly and effectively in combination and contrast

A high degree of grammatical accuracy, errors are rare and difficult to identify

Lexis

Vocabulary specific to the topic and subject areas

A good range of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms

Signposting expressions, e.g. I’d like to begin with... Conversely... To conclude...

Vague and imprecise language, e.g. a bit more, a hundred people or so

Phrases and expressions relating to the language functions listed above

Phonology

The correct pronunciation of topic and subject-area specific vocabulary

Various features of pronunciation which only occasionally deviate from an internationally

intelligible model

A range of stress and intonation patterns, pitch and volume to convey subtle shifts in meaning  and attitude

Subject areas for the Conversation phase

Two subject areas will be selected by the examiner from the appropriate list below. The centre

should inform the examiner which list has been prepared by the candidate (see page 43).

LIST A

Independence

Ambitions

Stereotypes

Role models

Competitiveness

Young people’s rights

OR LIST B

The media

Advertising

Lifestyles

The arts

The rights of the individual

Economic issues

Please note Grade 11 candidates should not select their topic from the lists of subject areas above

(see guidance notes on page 41).

Grade 11 communicative skills and language requirements have been mapped to C1.2 in the CEFR.