Richmond Park
Academy
Exams
- Richmond Park Academy Exams
An overview of the Cambridge English exam levels
Our adult Cambridge courses prepare learners for internationally recognised exams at every stage, from A2 Key to C2 Proficiency, with structured development in reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Exam level & Description
Pre A1 Starters exam has the following components:
Listening:
about 20 minutes, 4 parts / 20 questions
Reading and Writing:
20 minutes, 5 parts / 25 questions
Speaking:
3–5 minutes, 4 parts
A1 Movers exam components:
Listening:
about 25 minutes, 5 parts / 25 questions
Reading and Writing:
about 25 minutes, 5 parts / 25 questions
Speaking:
5–7 minutes, 4 parts
That reflects the step up in difficulty: Movers is longer, has more reading and writing demands, and expects more independent language use
A2 Key has three components:
Listening:
30 minutes, 5 parts, 25 questions
Reading and Writing:
1 hour, 7 parts, 32 questions
Speaking:
8–10 minutes per pair, 2 parts
It is designed around simple everyday English, so candidates read short texts, listen to reasonably slow spoken English and take part in a short face-to-face speaking test.
B1 Preliminary has four components:
Listening:
30 minutes, 4 parts, 25 questions
Reading:
45 minutes, 6 parts, 32 questions
Writing:
45 minutes, 2 tasks
Speaking:
10–12 minutes per pair, 4 parts
It is designed around simple everyday English, so candidates read short texts, listen to reasonably slow spoken English and take part in a short face-to-face speaking test.
B2 First has four components:
Reading and Use of English:
1 hour 15 minutes, 7 parts, 52 questions
Writing:
1 hour 20 minutes, 2 tasks
Listening:
about 40 minutes, 4 parts, 30 questions
Speaking:
14 minutes per pair, 4 parts
The first paper combines reading with grammar and vocabulary control, and the writing paper requires two pieces of writing such as essays, letters, reports or reviews.
C1 Advanced has four components:
Reading and Use of English:
1 hour 30 minutes, 8 parts, 56 questions
Writing:
1 hour 30 minutes, 2 tasks
Listening:
about 40 minutes, 4 parts, 30 questions
Speaking:
15 minutes per pair, 4 parts
The writing paper includes one compulsory essay and one choice task, with options such as a letter or email, proposal, report or review.
C2 Proficiency has four components:
Reading and Use of English:
1 hour 30 minutes, 7 parts, 53 questions
Writing:
1 hour 30 minutes, 2 tasks
Listening:
about 40 minutes, 4 parts, 30 questions
Speaking:
16 minutes per pair, 3 parts
The writing paper includes a compulsory essay based on two short texts plus one further task from a choice of three, and the exam as a whole is built around complex reading, advanced listening and high-level spoken interaction.
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