Articles about Cambridge English Qualifications

As part of our series of blogs summarising Research Notes articles relevant to teachers preparing learners for Cambridge exams, here we look at the recent revisions to Key and Preliminary Writing.

'Health checks' are periodically conducted on our exams to make sure they remain relevant to both learner needs and new approaches to assessment and learning. Debbie Howden and Angela Wright tell us about the market research employed to gather feedback on A2 Key, A2 Key for Schools, B1 Preliminary, and B1 Preliminary for Schools.

In Updating the A2 Key and B1 Preliminary vocabulary lists, Lanes, Love, Kalman, Brenchley and Pickles describe the process of updating the wordlist for A2 Key and B1 Preliminary exams and their schools variants.

In Revising the A2 Key and B1 Preliminary Speaking exam, Kathryn Davies and Nick Glasson from our Assessment department report on how a periodic ‘health check’ prompted changes to A2 Key and B1 Preliminary.

In Revising the A2 Key and B1 Preliminary Reading exam, Marianne Pickles, Tony Clark and Mark Elliott from our Assessment, Research and Thought Leadership, and Validation and Data Services departments, report on how one of our regular exam 'health checks' led to the revision of two of our exams.

Motivation is probably the most important factor in successful language learning. Well-designed tests provide structure, encouragement and reward which boost learners’ motivation and confidence. Dr Edmund Jones and Dr Sian Morgan review the evidence that shows the positive impact of studying for Cambridge English Qualifications.