Composite Assessment B1 (CAB)

CAB assesses four aspects of English language that include reading, listening, speaking, and writing.

Qualification Accreditation Number	603/0704/3
Level	LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (CAB) (CEF B1)
Duration	9 to 1
CEFR level	B1
Test format	Computer or paper-based

What you'll learn

Writing
Reading
Listening
Speaking

Introduction

This specification document provides an overview and orientation to LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (CAB) (CEF B1) for candidates, centres, administrators, teachers and examiners and outlines the key features and administrative procedures required for this test.

Objective

The LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (CAB) (CEF B1) is designed for those who wish to improve their English language skills at CEFR level B 1. Candidates taking LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (CAB) (CEF B1) will need to demonstrate the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc and focus on familiar and everyday situations and contexts. Candidate responses will be at a level of language that would be expected on the Common European Framework of References for Languages (CEFR) at B1.

Candidate Category

Candidates interested in taking the LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (CAB) (CEF B1) may include those:

1. needing a starting point in order to work towards a qualification in English.

2. Working or seeking work in an English speaking environment.

3. Living and working in a country where the native and official language is English.

Candidates who take LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (CAB) (CEF B1) are made up of a range of different national and cultural backgrounds.

Entry Requirements

There are no entry requirements for candidates wishing to undertake this qualification, including prior knowledge, levels of understanding and areas of familiarity. It is also not necessary for candidates to have achieved a qualification in English prior to registering. However, LRN would recommend that candidates are well-prepared before taking this test. Downloadable sample materials are accessible through the qualifications section of the LRN website whereby candidates can access sample assessment material. LRN approved centres ensure that candidates are fully prepared to sit LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (CAB) (CEF B1) through using fully trained teachers and appropriate resources as laid out in the centre agreement with LRN.

Progression

LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (CAB) (CEF B1) has been designed to reflect the wide variation in candidates’ origins, levels of education and career aims. Progression opportunities may, therefore, take a variety of paths. Depending on the level of qualification achieved, it may be appropriate for the candidate to progress to:

• A higher level of any ESOL International qualification – E .g. Level 1 ESOL qualification

•A key skills or functional skills qualification

• Vocational qualifications

Language of Assessment

LRN aims to use English that is plain, clear, free from bias and appropriate to Entry Level candidates. All assessments and assessment related materials are written in English and rigorously checked by LRN officers and subject specialists before release. Teachers preparing candidates are expected to ensure that their materials are clear, diverse and appropriate to Entry Level ESOL candidates.

Qualification Overview

LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (CAB) (CEF B1) is based on the CEFR in that it reflects the level(s) of language ability which are as defined by the CEFR.
LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (CAB) (CEF B1) is a single unit qualification. Candidates are assessed in all four components of reading, listening, writing and speaking. The total qualification time is just over 302.15 hours for this qualification.

Qualification Features

The LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (CAB) (CEF B1) is a four language skills qualification which assesses four sub skills of the English language: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. References to the CEFR are made in the LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (CAB) (CEF B1) Mark Scheme in order to demonstrate linkage between the qualification construct and CEFR. The information below is a breakdown of LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (CAB) (CEF B1) qualification features.

Results

LRN trained examiners are allowed to mark the writing and speaking components of the LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (CAB) (CEF B1 ). Marks are allocated for each candidate in accordance with the LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (CAB) (CEF B1) mark scheme for writing and speaking. The timescales in which LRN will issue its results within 10 days (upon receiving the candidate results from the test centre).

Reading and Listening

The marking of Reading and Listening components of LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (CAB) (CEF B1) are completed by clerical markers using answer keys for each question paper. To ensure standardisation of each exam, the Reading and Listening clerical markers completed induction training followed by standardisation exercises prior to each paper (where required). Results are then moderated by the moderation team in accordance with LRN’s moderation policy. Moderated results are then forwarded to the Lead Moderator for final approval.

Speaking and Writing

The speaking examination is conducted by one examiner, trained by LRN, and is recorded on a dictaphone. Marks are allocated for speaking and writing skill to each candidate in accordance with the LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (CAB) (CEF B1) mark scheme. LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (CAB) (CEF B1) is 100% externally assessed by an LRN examiner. Results are moderated by the moderation team in accordance with LRN’s moderation policy. Moderated results are then forwarded to the Lead Moderator for final approval.

Marking

Each Reading question carries 1 mark. (20 questions/20 marks);
Each Listening question carries 1 mark (20 questions/20 marks);
Writing is based on 2 tasks; each task carries a maximum of 10 marks
Speaking is a three-part exam and carries a maximum of 20 marks

For each sub-component candidates will be graded as follows:

0-10 = Fail
11-14 = Pass
15-17 = Merit
18+ = Distinction

Each sub-component skill mark is out of 20 and the total marks for this qualification are 80.

Grading

Results are reported as distinction, merit, pass or fail grades. In order to achieve the qualification, the candidate must get the pass in each sub-skill, where a candidate failed any sub-skill, they will not achieve the qualification.

Candidates marks for all sub-components will be added together to give an overall grade based on the minimum marks per grade level below: