CAEL
Test Format
As we mentioned earlier, it is a computer-delivered test and the participants have to complete the test in one sitting of about three and a half hours. Similar to IELTS and many other English testing programs, it covers four modules, reading, speaking, listening and writing. However, it is different in many ways, as the test takers have to speak and write on a similar subject on which they have attempted reading and listening. In that way, it provides you with a context.
There is a catch though; there are some unscored items in each test for development purposes. These items can be anywhere in the test and are no different from the scored ones. Therefore, a candidate requires to attempt all the questions with due diligence.
The test consists of the following five parts.
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You need to reply to on-screen prompts verbally. The time for tasks is around 7 – 10 minutes.
- Independent Speaking A
Your professor will ask you a question connected to studies, art, music, literature and other topics linked with the academics.
- Independent Speaking B
Your professor will ask you a question connected to studies, art, music, literature and other topics linked with the academics.
- Speaking on a Visual
You will be presented with an informative graph that you will have to describe.
- Independent Speaking A
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You need to read passages and reply to questions. You will get around 35 – 50 minutes for these tasks.
- Short Reading
It consists of a short reading passage with three questions, connected to a situation that might occur in your initial course period. The questions can be sentence completion, matching, multiple-choice questions with a single answer or multiple-choice questions with multiple answers.
- Long Reading
It consists of a long reading passage with 11 questions, connected to academic topics. The questions can be sentence completion, matching, multiple-choice questions with a single answer or multiple-choice questions with multiple answers.
- Speaking on Long Reading
A single question will be asked and it will be related to the topic of the Long Reading. Therefore, you are required to use that information in this task.
- Short Reading
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Listen to passages and reply to written and spoken questions. You will get around 25 – 35 minutes for these tasks.
- Short Listening
It consists of a short listening with three questions, connected to a situation that might occur in your initial course period. The questions can be sentence completion, matching, multiple-choice questions with a single answer or multiple-choice questions with multiple answers.
- Long Listening
It consists of a long listening passage with 11 questions, connected to academic topics. The questions can be sentence completion, matching, multiple-choice questions with a single answer or multiple-choice questions with multiple answers.
- Speaking on Long Listening
A single question will be asked and it will be related to the topic of the Long Listening. Therefore, you are required to use that information in this task.
- Short Listening
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You will need to answer comprehension questions and write a reply. There will be one writing question requiring a long response, using material from both the long reading passage and the long listening passage. You will get around 60 – 70 minutes for these tasks.
- Long Reading
It consists of a long reading passage with 11 questions, connected to academic topics. The questions can be sentence completion, matching, multiple-choice questions with a single answer or multiple-choice questions with multiple answers.
- Long Listening
It consists of a long listening passage with 11 questions, connected to academic topics. The questions can be sentence completion, matching, multiple-choice questions with a single answer or multiple-choice questions with multiple answers.
- Long Writing
You will have to attempt one long writing task based on reading and listening.
- Long Reading
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You will need to answer comprehension questions and write a reply. There will be one writing question requiring a short response, using material from both the long reading passage and the long listening passage. You will get around 40 – 45 minutes for these tasks.
- Long Reading
It consists of a long reading passage with 11 questions, connected to academic topics. The questions can be sentence completion, matching, multiple-choice questions with a single answer or multiple-choice questions with multiple answers.
- Long Listening
It consists of a long listening passage with 11 questions, connected to academic topics. The questions can be sentence completion, matching, multiple-choice questions with a single answer or multiple-choice questions with multiple answers.
- Short Writing
You will have to attempt one short writing task based on reading and listening.
- Long Reading
CAEL CE Band Descriptor | CAEL CE Score |
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Expert: Demonstrates a high level of competence, accuracy, and effectiveness in academic/professional settings | 80 - 90 |
Adept: Uses generally accurate language in most settings; some limitations in flexibility are evident | 70 |
Advanced: Displays competence in academic or professional settings | 60 |
High Intermediate: Exhibits some competence in academic or professional settings; communication may break down in places | 50 |
Intermediate: Demonstrates some ability to comprehend and articulate complex ideas and arguments typical of academic or professional settings. | 40 |
High Beginner: Expresses basic ideas about familiar topics in routine settings | 30 |
Low Beginner: Communicates with limited ability | 10-20 |
The scoring system of the Listening and Reading tests is automated through the computer. Expert CAEL CE evaluators check and mark the Writing and Speaking tests.