CAE Cambridge English Exam - All you need to know

Are you thinking of taking the CAE exam? I'll tell you everything you need to know about the exam to decide if it is for you. Did you know that many people can take the CAE instead of the IELTS? If you have decided to take the CAE, I'll give you details on all the different parts of this Cambridge exam, and also tell you about the 2015 changes. Here are some of the questions that I cover in this video:

- What is the exam for?
- Who takes the exam?
- How hard is the test?
- How long is the exam?
- What are the different sections of the test?
- What are the different test questions like?
- How is the test changing?

TRANSCRIPT

Hello, everyone. I'm Jade. What we're talking about today is the CAE test. This is a Cambridge exam, and it tests the advanced level of English. So, we're going to generally look at the parts of the test, and then in the next part of the video, we'll look at the test in more detail, so you'll know exactly what to expect if you're going to take this exam.

So, who takes this test? This is a test that people choose to take because they want to go to university in an English-speaking country, or you want to do a course in English at a university. You might also be taking this because you need it as part of your visa requirements. Or you might be doing it because you just want to take the test. Not so many people do that, but I've met some.

What's in the test? There are five parts at the moment; a reading part, a writing part, a listening part, a speaking part, and also this use of English, which is a vocabulary and grammar combined test that's seeing where you are with that. Importantly, though, in 2015, the reading test and the use of English will be together in one part. So, that means there'll just be four... There'll be four parts 2015 onwards.

This... I should also say about this test that it's a Secure English Language Test. That means that you do it in a test center and you have to prove your identity. It's a formal test, and it's one of the reasons why this test is well-respected, and you can use it to enter university and things like that, because the results that you get are trusted.

You can do this test on paper or computer; you have a choice. And it tests from... At the lower end, you could be intermediate, and the top end proficiency which is very, very, very, very high. So, that's a broad survey of what's in the test. Now we're going to look at the parts in more detail.

So, we have... Let's start with the reading test. The reading test is one hour and 15 minutes. There are four parts. This will be 20% of your overall mark, and you'll be expected to read 3,000 words. What kinds of text will you be reading? Well, you'll be reading newspapers, fiction, non-fiction, and promotional copy. So it could be a variety of texts that you might just encounter in life in an English-speaking country.

The skills that it's looking for is... It will be looking for your ability to read for gist, which is like the general meaning, but also detail. These are different reading skills. When you're reading for detail, you'll have to find a specific part of the text and read very closely for your answer, whereas gist relates to the general meaning.

And when you're answering the questions, sometimes it will be multiple choice. So, you know, A), B), C), and sometimes you'll need to fill in a gap. So, you need to go back to the test... To the text, read closely, and find your answer so you can fill in the gap.

It's also testing you on your ability to interpret tone in a text. So, perhaps not just the literal words written there on the page, but when we understand tone, we get an extra sense of what it really means. And also opinion, so you're reading something, and then you're making... When you're reading it for opinion, you get a sense of what is actually meant, and you'll need to express what is meant through opinion, through people's opinion. And you'll be expected to understand the main ideas of the text as well. When we come back, we're going to look at the other parts of the test in closer detail.

Let's have a look at the writing part of the exam in closer detail-this is a magnifying glass-and the use of English part of the exam. So, the writing part of the test is two questions. It's going to be 20% of your overall mark. And it's one hour, 30 minutes. Now, what you need to do in the writing test is... Question one is compulsory, that means you have to answer it; you don't have a choice. In this question, first of all, you need to read an extract, so there'll be a short text, up to 150 words, that you need to read before you write your own answer.

[bernardocea]

I've always wondered why the CAE doesn´t assess the use of informal english. If we talk to a native speaker in the real world , he'll probably make use of some informal structures, so I do think that part of the language shouldn't be left aside. Suffice it to say that language creativity is one of the elements that pumps oxygen to the undying world of English.

[joan]

I'm taking the test in July and I've been practising since September. For now I've passed all the exams I've done, so I feel confident. However, I know I'll be nervous. Good luck to everyone who is taking the exam!

[samirorellana]

Is there any "list of words you have to know for CAE"?
Not knowing a word while taking the test makes me feel really nervous. :(

[MaranCz]

Am i alone, or does this lector remind Arya Stark from Game of Thrones to anyone else?

[mictroy]

thank you so much jade, i think learning English with you would be a great opportunity for me to improve my ability and proficiency

[marianabonilla]

0:18 General
4:31 Writing and use of english
9:33 Reading and Speaking

[hugmedonkey]

Jade u forgot the main purpose for taking this exam : prove what your skills in english are to get a job. CPE is more for self interest.

[miaytuxa]

they have changed the writing part of the CAE now, Part 1 of the writing is and essay (compulsory)

[oOcitizenOo]

I'm so scared. This may i'm going to take CAE and it's not so much time left :( My main problematic parts are Use of English and Listening. Can someone advise websites or books that could help improve my skills especially in Listening.
Last May i had FCE and got 177 out of 190 and, to be honest, Listening was the most difficult part because the level of that task didn't correlate with what we were given in books. Thus, there is a chance of my failure -_-

[kavarskasgintaras]

The exam you will pass easier if you study from this book:

Grammar Advanced to Proficiency Exams: Cambridge CAE, CPE. IELTS, TOEFL, a part of SAT examination, and other examinations, tests at schools, universities
(Paperback)

[ju]

I'll do my CAE certificate in Australia in a few months and as I am German I feel a little nervous about it. 
Anyway, thanks for the information! Do you have a recommendation for an useful Workbook? I recently checked out the 'Complete Advanced Workbook' (Cambridge university press) but idk if there's a better one for me.

[filipbalik]

I am taking the exam in 6 days and I haven’t started studying yet. What are your bets ?

[victoiredupont]

I am taking this test in one hour. Why am I even watching this.

[szeannna]

I'm taking the oral part of my exam today, and I've just found this video and I have to say, your English is so beautiful!!!

[DiegodieguitoX]

I’m Mexican, I’m going to take the exam this this friday, wish me luck

[beibiboi]

Awesome :D Actually, it was the first time I listened to British accent this long and I could understand most of the things said! Thank you, Jade!

[dia]

Random question but is this still available in 2021?

[velkykopyto]

CAE tomorrow guys I'm so nervous I feel like I haven't been learning at all and all and now I just slowly fall asleep awaiting tomorrow.. still the most belly butterflies are due to speaking exam..

[stanleyconnor]

Does she have something in her mouth?
Is she chewing her own tongue?
I even didn't understand what she said

[iysarameer]

in this video i can understand you 98% but i cant understand movies and l'am nervous because i will get CAE exam after 1 month and l'am feel l'am not advanced in English but i can discuss alot of topics and deal with most of situations,