Breakdown of the Exam: Inicial

The exam consists of the following sections:

1. Reading Comprehension

In the official exams, candidates have 40 minutes to complete this section, which consists of two types of exercises:

• A. multiple choice questions based on informative texts.

• B. selection of information from a text based on a series of questions.

2. Written Expression

This section consists of short and simple texts of a practical nature, such as notes, signs etc. Candidates have 50 minutes to complete this section.

3. Listening Comprehension

In the official exams this section has a duration of 30 minutes. During this time the candidate must complete four exercises based on simple dialogues or recorded information, with the candidates selecting the appropriate answer in each case.

4. Grammar and vocabulary

In the official exams, candidates have 40 minutes to complete this section, which has three parts:

• A. Matching of various phrases with the corresponding situations.

• B. Identification in various phrases of words or expressions which are not adequate in the context.

• C. Completion of a text by selecting the correct option in the context.

5. Oral Expression

In the official exams, candidates must maintain a 10 to 15 minute conversation with the tribunal. 10 minutes before the oral exam, the candidate is given a series of illustrations representing a situation and a brief description of the same, which will then form the subject of the interview.

The exam has the following parts:

Part 1

The candidate must answer a series of questions of a personal nature regarding their life, work, family, home city, likes/dislikes, hobbies, etc. These initial questions are not evaluated as their function is simply to open the interview.

Part 2

The candidate acts out a situation with the examiner. The handout given before the interview outlines the situation which the candidate must prepare, and guidelines for its execution.