The format and content of the ALCE™
Section |
Time |
Short Description |
Number of items |
---|---|---|---|
Listening
|
Approx. 40 minutes |
Part 1 (multiple choice) Five extracts from radio broadcasts, each followed by two questions with three answer choices. The questions are also printed in the test booklet. The extracts are heard once. |
10 |
Part 2 (multiple choice) Ten short dialogues, each followed by a question with three answer choices that is also printed in the test booklet. The dialogues are heard once. |
10 |
||
Part 3 (multiple choice) A recorded radio interview, broken into five segments. Two questions with three answer choices follow each segment. The questions are also printed in the test booklet. Each segment is heard twice, followed by the questions. |
10 |
||
Part 4 (multiple choice) A long recorded talk, broken into two segments, each followed by five questions with three answer choices that are also printed in the test booklet. Each segment is heard once. |
10 |
||
Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading(GVR)
|
80 minutes |
Grammar (multiple choice) Candidates complete each sentence by choosing from four possible answer choices. Only one choice is grammatically correct. |
40 |
Vocabulary (multiple choice) Candidates complete each sentence by choosing from four possible answer choices. Only one choice is semantically correct. |
40 |
||
Reading Part 1 (multiple choice) A review of a book, play, film, etc, followed by seven questions with four answer choices. |
7
|
||
Reading Part 2(multiple choice) A text on a scientific/academic topic, followed by seven questions with four answer choices. |
7 |
||
Reading Part 3(multiple choice) A text examining a social issue, followed by six questions with four answer choices. |
6 |
||
Writing |
30 minutes |
Candidates chose one from a choice of two possible tasks. Both tasks comprise an argumentative essay, in which the candidate argues a case based on at least two of the prompts provided. The candidates have thirty minutes to complete their chosen task and should write approximately 250 words. |
1 task |
Speaking |
11 – 13 minutes |
Task 1: Warm Up Candidates answer non-sensitive personal questions. |
4 tasks |
Task 2: Introduction to Topic Candidates are presented with one question, helped by prompts to which they give an extended answer. |
|||
Task 3: Topic Questions Candidates answer two to three questions on the topic, supported by prompts for each question. |
|||
Task 4: Arguing a Case Candidates are given the context for a controversial issue, as well as points for each side. They are expected to choose one side and argue their case effectively. |
The first three sections (Listening, GVR, και Writing) constitute the written part of the exam and are administered on the same day. The fourth part, the speaking test is administered on a different date, preceding or following the written section.
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