Level A'

Listening Comprehension

The duration of listening comprehension in level A is 25 minutes. The examination consists of two parts. The means used to examine listening comprehension is a tape or CD where the texts, stories or dialogues as well as the instructions on the conduct of the examination are recorded. Proportional to the duration of the test is the total number of words of the two texts that candidates are required to comprehend. Thus, in listening comprehension the total number of words is 500. Candidates must be able to understand the context of a conversation between two native speakers or a simple text about common everyday issues, various simple statements in the press, radio, TV or in public places. The candidate is required to link pictures or other visual aids to the text he listens to, to put the pictures of a story in the correct sequence, to fill in tables and charts in the way indicated, to select the only correct choice out of four options provided, etc.

Reading Comprehension

The duration of reading comprehension in level A is 30 minutes. The examination consists of two parts. Candidates must be able to understand the general meaning of a simple short text on familiar issues such as announcements, simple travel advertisements, notes, programs, simple instructions, etc. Proportional to the duration of the examination is the total number of words of the two texts that candidates are required to understand. Thus, in reading comprehension the total number of words is 500. The candidate is required to link images or other visual aids to the text he reads, to put the pictures of a story in the correct sequence, to fill in tables or charts in the way indicated to him, to select the only correct choice out of four options provided, etc.

Writing

The duration of the writing examination in level A is 40 minutes. The examination consists of two parts. Proportional to the duration of the test is the total number of words of the two texts that candidates are required to write. So candidates should write in both parts texts of 160-180 words in total.
The candidate must have the ability to write simple short texts related to everyday situations and provide basic information. He is required to fill in or write simple applications, to describe persons, events or places, to write informal or formal letters, etc.

Speaking

During the speaking examination candidates are examined in pairs. The duration of the examination at level A is 12 minutes and candidates are required to speak for themselves, to answer questions posed by the examiners and to be involved in role playing with their fellow candidate. The candidate must have the ability to communicate in everyday situations that require a simple and direct exchange of information. Their answers are recorded. It is stressed that no preparation time is given to candidates.