The Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) is the highest level examination from Cambridge English and is recognized by employers worldwide. Originally introduced in 1913, the CPE originally consisted of just two sections - oral and written - and lasted 12 hours. The modern exam now consists of 4 sections - reading and use of English, writing, listening, and speaking - and lasts 236 minutes. The exam draws materials from English-speaking countries like the UK, US, Canada, South Africa and Australia.
2. What is CPE?
Cambridge University’s Certificate of Proficiency in English is…
1. the highest level of Cambridge’s ESOL examinations
2. set at the Common European Framework of Reference level C2
3. recognised by employers and institutions across the world
3. A little history
• CPE was originally introduced in YYYY
• It had only ? sections: Oral a?nd Written
• It lasted for X hours
4. A little history
• CPE was originally introduced in 1913
• It had only ? sections: Oral and? Written
• It lasted for X hours
5. A little history
• CPE was originally introduced in 1913
• It had only two sections: Oral and? Written
• It lasted for X hours
6. A little history
• CPE was originally introduced in 1913
• It had only two sections: Oral and Written
• It lasted for X hours
7. A little history…
• CPE was originally introduced in 1913
• It had only two sections: Oral and Written
• It lasted for a gruelling 12 hours
21. International English
The CPE draws its materials from English-speaking countries including
the UK, US, Canada, South Africa and Australia.
Non UK spelling is acceptable but must be consistent
23. Attributions
"Law Faculty University of Cambridge". Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons -
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Law_Faculty_University_of_Cambridge.jpg#/media/File:La
w_Faculty_University_of_Cambridge.jpg
Photo on slide 18…
"Law Faculty University of Cambridge". Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons –
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Law_Faculty_University_of_Cambridge.jpg#/media/File:Law_Faculty_University_of_Cambridge.jpg
Information drawn from:
http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/images/168194-cambridge-english-proficiency-teachers-handbook.pdf
This presentation was produced as a lightweight introduction to CPE and its history for potential candidates. It is intended to be followed by a detailed discussion of all four papers including sample questions. Slides with shields indicate new phase of presentation.
Handout: description of CEFR C2 requirements if audience is unfamiliar with CEFR. Mention differences between IELTS and CPE.
Ask audience to guess
Interestingly
Ask audience if they know the answers
Interestingly, only 3 people took that first exam – they all failed.
Ask audience.
Point out that although papers are numbered they may be given in a different order for admin purposes e.g. availability of oral examiners.
Check audience’s understanding of ‘cloze’ (open and closed) and ‘multiple-matching’ Tell them this is just an overview and that we will discuss each paper in depth later.
Remind audience that this is just an overview…
Check audience’s understanding of ‘cloze’ (open and closed) and ‘multiple-matching’ Tell them this is just an overview and that we will discuss each paper in depth later.
Remind again that this is just an overview and that they will get a chance to try out the question types later. Handout: Breakdown of the 4 papers.
A perfect accent is not required BUT a clear and understandable pronunciation is required at all times during the speaking test.