A2 Key and B1 Preliminary Assessment
Cambridge exam assessment is based on, and reported, using the Common European Frame of Reference (CEFR). All Bell studens sit either the A2 Key English Test or the B1 Preliminary English Test in Mathayom 2 and/or Mathayom 3. The test format and level of achievement are summarised below.
A2 Key Assessment
Cambridge English Scale Score
140–150
133–139
120–132
100-119
<100
Grade
Pass with Distinction
Pass with Merit
Pass
Level A1
Fail
CEFR Level
B1
A2
A2
A1
No Certificate Awarded
Paper
Reading and Writing
(60 minutes)
Listening
(30 minutes, including 8 minutes' transfer time)
Speaking
(8-10 minutes per pair of candidates)
Content
7 parts, 32 questions
5 parts, 25 questions
2 parts
Marks
50%
25%
25%
Purpose
Shows that students can understand simple written information, such as signs, brochures, newspapers and magazines.
Requires students to be able to understand announcements and other spoken material when people speak reasonably slowly.
Shows that students can take part in a conversation by answering and asking simple questions. It is conducted face to face with one or two other candidates and two examiners.
B1 Preliminary Assessment
Cambridge English Scale Score
160–170
153–159
140–152
120–139
100-119
<100
Grade
Pass with Distinction
Pass with Merit
Pass
Level A2
Level A1
Fail
CEFR Level
B2
B1
B1
A2
No Certificate Awarded
No Certificate Awarded
Paper
Reading
(45 minutes)
Writing
(45 minutes)
Listening
(36 minutes, including 6 minutes' transfer time)
Speaking
(10-12 minutes per pair of candidates)
Content
6 parts, 32 questions
2 tasks of 100 words each
4 parts, 25 questions
4 parts
Marks
25%
25%
25%
25%
Purpose
Shows that students can read and understand the main points from signs, newspapers and magazines and can use vocabulary and structures correctly.
Shows that students can write simple, coherent documents with awareness of their reader and their needs.
Students have to be able to follow and understand a range of spoken materials, including announcements and discussions about everyday life.
Shows that students can take part in a conversation by asking/answering questions and talking about topics like their likes and dislikes. It is conducted face to face with one or two other candidates and two examiners.