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21'st Century Skills

Language Proficiency

Assessment Series

Graduation Handshake

Graduating

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4 SKILLS® S&W

4SKILLS Speaking & Writing Test is designed for candidates who are not native speakers of English and wish to achieve a high quality, internationally recognised qualification in English are designed to reference the descriptions of language proficiency in the Common European Framework Reference for Languages (CEFR).

About the Test

The aim of the ‘4SKILLS ® S&W‘ qualifications is one of the steps of the English test to demonstrate a candidate’s ability to communicate using the English language across the CEFR levels.

Assessment offers a comprehensive test of Speaking and Writing skills in English.

The tasks in the examinations are designed to test the use of English in real-life situations. This is suitable for candidates attending short courses in English.

These qualifications and associated examinations have been mapped to the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Who are the '4SKILLS ® Speaking and Writing Tests' intended for?

The overall objective of the ‘4Skills S&W’ qualifications is to provide candidates with a qualification that they can use where the ability to speak, write and understand verbal and written English is required.

The qualifications are suitable for:

non-native speakers of English worldwide
adults attending an English course
students learning English as part of their school or college curriculum
people needing English for their everyday or working life
learners attending short courses in English

3.1 Levels and duration of the Exam

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Writing

Part 1: 100 - 150 words

Task:

Respond appropriately using defined number points

Part 2: 150 - 200 words (writ a personal letter, story or a descriptive composition)

Task:

Write an informal essay on a general subject

Speaking

Part 1
Task:

spelling name
State country of origin
Answer 5 different questions

Part 2
Task:

2 or 3 situations are presented
Candidates are expected to Answer questions

Part 3
Task:

Create a short discussion to make a plan, arrange or decide on a event

Part 4
Task:

Talk about a provided topic for 2 minutes
Answer follow-up questions

Results and certificates

Results & e-certificate sent by email or to the Test Centre / School;

5- 7 business days for Online exams with remote, live invigilation or computer – based exams

Hard-copy certificates are sent either to the candidate or to the Test Centre

Text structure

The candidate will be able to:

recognise how purpose is achieved in a range of texts including those containing images, graphical and tabular data
understand a broad range of discourse markers including those expressing addition, cause and effect, contrast, sequence and time.

The candidate will be able to:

write coherently on topics of general interest linking ideas appropriately and effectively
write clear connected text describing real or imaginary people or events
present an argument giving points for and against, supporting and evaluating different views
write formal letters, reports or articles to fulfil a range of functions for practical purposes
write letters describing significant personal events, people or experiences
use correct punctuation in formal and informal writing to enhance meaning
correctly spell words used in work, study and daily life
control grammar to communicate effectively although errors may occur when complex structures are attempted
use words and expressions appropriate to topic and purpose of the writing
adjust register in familiar contexts to suit purpose and readership
use a range of linking words effectively to show clearly the relationship between ideas

Speaking

The candidate will be able to:

speak with a degree of fluency and spontaneity making sustained interaction possible without undue strain
communicate personal information, opinions, feelings and ideas
communicate in a variety of social situations using a range of functional language
exchange information to perform a task
narrate, describe, explain and express opinions in extended speech
give straightforward descriptions, narratives, directions, instructions on topics encountered in personal, social, academic or vocational life
contribute points to an argument on a familiar topic integrating sub-themes and coming to a conclusion.

Pronunciation

The candidate will be able to:

pronounce clearly the sounds of English in connected speech
produce stretches of language with few noticeable long pauses, but with some hesitation when searching for patterns and expressions.

Accuracy

The candidate will be able to:

display a relatively high degree of grammatical control without impeding errors.

Range

The candidate will be able to:

use sufficient range of language to give detailed descriptions and arguments and be able to highlight personal events and emotions
produce complex sentences although there is still some searching for vocabulary and expressions.

Register

The candidate will be able to:

adopt a degree of formality appropriate to the circumstances
cope linguistically with more stressful kinds of interaction such as complaints or disputes.

Fluency

The candidate will be able to:

manage the conventions of turn taking using appropriate phrases for making and dealing with interruptions and requesting information

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