The School Tests for Young Learners of English (STYLE) are designed for young learners aged 7-12 who would like an objective assessment of their competency in English as a second or other language at the elementary level. The STYLE tests are aimed at the A1 and A2 levels of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
STYLE Level 1 is aimed at the A1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) designed for young learners who would like an objective assessment of their competency in English as a second or other language at the beginners’ level. STYLE Level 2 is aimed to bridge the A1 and A2 levels of CEFR designed for young learners who would like an objective assessment of their competency in English as a second or other language at the elementary level. STYLE Level 3 is aimed at the A2 level of the CEFR, and STYLE Level 4 is aimed at the high end of the A2 level of the CEFR.
All tests are specifically designed to be stimulating and motivating for young learners through the use of age-appropriate tasks, pictures and layout.
The STYLE are developed and scored by Hellenic American University, a non-profit institution of higher education chartered in the state of New Hampshire, USA, in cooperation with external experts and bodies both in Europe and the United States. All parts of the examinations are written following specific guidelines and test specifications. Items are pre-tested to ensure standardization and validity. Care is taken that the tests are fair and accessible to all candidates.
Communicative competency in all four language skills is tested: reading, writing, listening, and speaking, as well as vocabulary and grammar resources.
Listening (20 questions) (20 marks)
Task 1 (5 items) 5 short dialogues heard twice with 1 question per dialogue – candidates match the person with the picture.
Task 2 (5 items) 1 dialogue heard twice – 5 short statements to which candidates choose True or False.
Task 3 (5 items) 1 dialogue heard twice – candidates complete 5 gaps in a very simple list.
Task 4 (5 items) 5 short dialogues heard twice with 1 question per dialogue and 3 picture answer choices per question.
Listening section duration: 20 min. (approx.)
Candidates write their answers in the test booklet using pen or pencil.
Reading & Use of Language (20 questions) (20 marks)
Task 1 (5 questions): 5 short sentences, each describing a picture – candidates choose whether each sentence is True or False.
Task 2 (5 questions): A story divided into 5 short texts, each with 1 question and 3 answer choices.
Task 3 (5 questions): 5 short dialogues, each with a gap – candidates choose the best answer from three answer choices.
Task 4 (5 questions): 5 pictures – with one question per picture, each with 3 possible answers – candidates choose the best answer according to the picture
Reading & Use of Language section duration: 25 min.
Candidates write their answers in the test booklet using pen or pencil.
Writing (2 tasks) (18 marks)
Task 1 (3-4 questions): 3-4 questions forming part of a dialogue. Candidates use the picture prompts to answer the questions in the dialogue using 1 or 2 sentences.
Task 2: (1 question): 1 question on the same topic as Task 1, to which candidates write a response.
Writing section duration: 20 min.
Candidates write their answers in the test booklet using pen or pencil.
Speaking (3 tasks) (9 marks)
Task 1: Answering personal questions.
Task 2: Understanding and providing information in an information gap activity between the candidates.
Task 3: Answering questions about the topic.
Speaking section duration: 5-7 min. (1 examiner-2 candidates)
General
The first three sections (Listening, Reading & Use of Language, and Writing) comprise the written part of the examination and they are all administered at the same day. The fourth section (Speaking) is administered before or after or even at the same day of the written examinations.
Listening (24 questions) (24 marks)
Task 1 (6 questions) 6 short dialogues heard twice with 1 question per dialogue – candidates match the person with the picture.
Task 2 (6 questions) 1 dialogue heard twice – 6 short statements to which candidates choose True or False.
Task 3 (6 questions) 1 dialogue heard twice with a description – candidates complete 6 gaps in a simple form.
Task 4 (6 questions) 6 short dialogues heard twice with 1 question per dialogue and 3 picture answer choices per question.
Listening section duration: 20 min. (approx.)
Candidates write their answers in the test booklet using pen or pencil.
Reading & Use of Language (25 questions) (25 marks)
Task 1 (4 questions): 1 short text with 4 multiple-choice questions, each with 4 answer choices.
Task 2 (5 questions): 3 short texts with 5 multiple-choice questions, each with 3 answer choices.
Task 3 (5 questions): 5 short sentences, each with a gap and 4 answer choices.
Task 4 (5 questions): 5 short sentences, each with a gap and 4 answer choices
Task 5 (3 questions): 3 short dialogues, each with 1 gap – candidates choose the correct option from a list.
Task 6 (3 questions): 1 dialogue with 3 gaps – candidates choose the correct option from a list.
Reading & Use of Language section duration: 25 min.
Candidates write their answers in the test booklet using pen or pencil.
Writing (2 tasks) (18 marks)
Task 1 (1 question): Providing personal information.
Task 2: (1 question): Writing a short text.
Writing section duration: 25 min.
Candidates write their answers in the test booklet using pen or pencil.
Speaking (4 tasks) (9 marks)
Task 1: Answering personal questions.
Task 2: Understanding and providing information in an information gap activity.
Task 3: Guided discussion in order to reach an agreement.
Task 4: Follow-up questions asking about preferences.
Speaking section duration: 5-7 min. (1 examiner-2 candidates)
General
The first three sections (Listening, Reading & Use of Language, and Writing) comprise the written part of the examination and they are all administered at the same day. The fourth section (Speaking) is administered before or after or even at the same day of the written examinations.
Listening (25 questions) (25 marks)
STYLE Level 3 tests communicative competency in all four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking, as well as vocabulary and grammar resources.
Task 1 (5 questions) 5 short dialogues heard twice with 1 question per dialogue – candidates choose which picture the dialogue is about.
Task 2 (5 questions) 1 dialogue heard twice – 5 short statements to which candidates choose True or False.
Task 3 (5 questions) 5 dialogues heard twice – candidates use the information they hear to choose the correct answer choice from three short written options.
Task 4 (10 questions) 10 short dialogues heard twice with 1 question per dialogue and 3 picture answer choices per question.
Listening section duration: 25 min. (approx.)
Candidates must write their answers on the answer sheet provided using pencil. Extra time to transfer answers from the test booklet onto the answer sheet is given.
Reading & Use of Language (30 questions) (30 marks)
Task 1 (5 questions): 1 short text with 5 multiple-choice questions, each with 4 answer choices.
Task 2 (5 questions): 3 short texts with 5 multiple-choice questions, each with 3 answer choices.
Task 3 (5 questions): 5 short sentences, each with a gap and 4 answer choices.
Task 4 (5 questions): 5 short sentences, each with a gap and 4 answer choices
Task 5 (5 questions): 1 dialogue with 5 gaps – candidates choose the correct option from three answer choices.
Task 6 (5 questions): 1 text with 5 gaps – candidates choose the correct option from three answer choices.
Reading & Use of Language section duration: 35 min.
Candidates must write their answers on the answer sheet provided using pencil. Extra time to transfer answers from the test booklet onto the answer sheet is not given.
Writing (2 tasks) (18 marks)
Task 1 (1 question): Providing personal information.
Task 2: (1 question): Writing a short text.
Writing section duration: 25 min.
Candidates write their answers in the test booklet using pen or pencil.
Speaking (4 tasks) (9 marks)
Task 1: Answering personal questions.
Task 2: Understanding and providing information in an information gap activity.
Task 3: Guided discussion in order to reach an agreement.
Task 4: Follow-up questions asking about preferences.
Speaking section duration: 7-9 min. (1 examiner-2 candidates)
General
The first three sections (Listening, Reading & Use of Language, and Writing) comprise the written part of the examination and they are all administered at the same day. The fourth section (Speaking) is administered before or after or even at the same day of the written examinations.
Listening (25 questions) (25 marks)
Task 1 (5 questions) 5 short dialogues heard twice with 1 question per dialogue – candidates choose which picture the dialogue is about.
Task 2 (5 questions) 1 dialogue heard twice – 5 short statements to which candidates choose True or False.
Task 3 (5 questions) 1 long conversation heard twice – candidates use the information they hear to choose the correct answer choice from three short written options.
Task 4 (10 questions) 10 short dialogues heard twice with 1 question per dialogue and 3 picture answer choices per question.
Listening section duration: 25 min. (approx.)
Candidates must write their answers on the answer sheet provided using pencil. Extra time to transfer answers from the test booklet onto the answer sheet is given.
Reading & Use of Language (40 questions) (40 marks)
Task 1 (5 questions): 1 short text with 5 multiple-choice questions, each with 4 answer choices.
Task 2 (5 questions): 3 short texts with 5 multiple-choice questions, each with 3 answer choices.
Task 3 (10 questions): 10 short sentences, each with a gap and 4 answer choices.
Task 4 (10 questions): 10 short sentences, each with a gap and 4 answer choices
Task 5 (5 questions): 1 dialogue with 5 gaps – candidates choose the correct option from three answer choices.
Task 6 (5 questions): 1 text with 5 gaps – candidates choose the correct option from three answer choices.
Reading & Use of Language section duration: 40 min.
Candidates must write their answers on the answer sheet provided using pencil. Extra time to transfer answers from the test booklet onto the answer sheet is not given.
Writing (2 tasks) (18 marks)
Task 1 (1 question): Providing personal information.
Task 2: (1 question): Writing a short text.
Writing section duration: 25 min.
Candidates write their answers in the test booklet using pen or pencil.
Speaking (4 tasks) (9 marks)
Task 1: Answering personal questions.
Task 2: Understanding and providing information in an information gap activity.
Task 3: Guided discussion in order to reach an agreement.
Task 4: Follow-up questions asking about preferences.
Speaking section duration: 7-9 min. (1 examiner-2 candidates)
General
The first three sections (Listening, Reading & Use of Language, and Writing) comprise the written part of the examination and they are all administered at the same day. The fourth section (Speaking) is administered before or after or even at the same day of the written examinations.
The results of STYLE 1-4 are given for each of the four sections: Listening, Reading and Use of Language, Writing, and Speaking. Candidates receive a scaled score for each section expressed as a number of dolphins between one and five, with one dolphin as the lowest scoring result and five dolphins as the highest scoring result.
There is no ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ for the test and no overall score given. Candidates who receive a result of three, four, or five dolphins for the four sections on the test are considered to be ready to proceed to the next level.
The Writing Section
The Writing Section is scored out of a total of nine marks for each task. There are three criteria: Task Completion, Organization, and Linguistic Resources..
The number of marks from the two tasks is added together to give a total score out of eighteen. Candidates receive between one and five dolphins which shows their scale-score achievement for the Writing Section.
The raters have been trained and certified according to Hellenic American University standards.
The Speaking Section
The Speaking Section is scored out of a total of nine marks. There are three criteria: Task Completion, Fluency and Interaction, and Linguistic Resources.
The number of marks is added together to give a total score out of nine. Candidates receive between one and five dolphins which shows their scale-score achievement for the Speaking Section.
The oral examiners have been trained and certified according to Hellenic American University standards.
Register online for your exams through ORFEAS, our online registration system. Find an examination center close to home from a choice of 100 locations throughout Greece and abroad, and complete your application online with your debit, pre-paid or credit card.
You will receive all the details for your upcoming exam via email in a single document that you can save, print and take with you on the day of your test. You will also be sent updates on the status of your application and useful support materials. Expect invitations to webinars for tips and strategies that will help you prepare effectively for the exam.
The ORFEAS registration system does away with print application forms and visits to the bank. Start and complete your registration online in a few simple steps. Use your home computer, tablet or smartphone to apply for your exam.
How can I apply?
Use this link to enter the ORFEAS online registration system. From there, follow the steps as suggested. Choose your exam, date and venue and then provide your personal details. In the last step you will be asked to pay with your card of choice. All the information you will need for the day of the exam will arrive in your inbox via email and SMS.
What if I have a question about the procedure?
If you have any questions about the procedure, even as you complete the steps in the process, contact us on 2103680000 for assistance. We have staff available from 9 am - 7 pm on weekdays to help you complete the registration process and answer your questions.
Can I see the status of my registration after I have applied?
Once you complete your registration you will be sent updates on the status of your application. For example, any changes to the date of the examination, if these occur, will be communicated to you via email, SMS or telephone by our support team.
The results for the STYLE examination will be available on our website approximately six weeks after the completion of the exam period.
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