LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 2) (CEF A2)

LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 2) (CEF A2) is a single unit qualification. Candidates are assessed in all four English language skills of reading, listening, writing and speaking.

Qualification Accreditation Number	603/0524/1
Level	Entry 2- CEFR A2
Total Qualification Time	Total: 304 hours Guided learning hours: 250 hours Self-study: 52 Total assessment time: 2 hours
CEFR level	A2
Test format	Computer or paper-based

What you'll learn

Reading and Use of English
Listening
Speaking
Writing

Introduction

This specification provides an overview and orientation to the LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 2) (CEF A2) for candidates, centres, administrators, teachers and examiners. The specification outlines the key features and administrative procedures required for this test.

Objective

Candidates taking the LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 2) (CEF A2) will need to demonstrate that they can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type; introduce themselves and others, ask and answer questions about personal details (e.g. home and possessions); and interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help. Candidate responses will be at a level of language that would be expected on the Common European Framework of References for Languages (CEFR) at A2.

Candidate Category

Candidates interested in taking the LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 2) (CEF A2) 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 the LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 2) (CEF A2) are made up of a range of different national and cultural backgrounds.

Entry Requirements

There are no entry requirements for candidates upon taking this qualification, including prior knowledge, levels of understanding and areas of familiarity. Candidates do not need a qualification in English prior to registering for this qualification. However, LRN strongly recommends 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 2) (CEF A2) 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 2) (CEF A2) has been designed to reflect the wide variation in candidates’ origins, levels of education and career aims. Progression opportunities may take various routes; this depend upon the level of qualification achieved. Candidates have the following progression opportunities:

• A higher level of any ESOL International qualification – E .g. Entry 3 ESOL (CEF B1) qualification;

• A key skills or functional skills qualification

• Vocational qualifications

Recognition of Prior Learning

Please refer to LRN’s policy on the Recognition of Prior Learning to determine whether previously achieved qualifications meet LRN’s policy on possible exemptions.

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 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 2) (CEF A2) 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 2) (CEF A2) is a single unit qualification. Candidates are assessed in all four components of reading, listening, writing and speaking. The total qualification time is 304 hours for this qualification.

Qualification Features

The LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 2) (CEF A2) 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 2) (CEF A2) mark scheme. This ensures an adequate linkage between the qualification construct and CEFR. The information below is a breakdown of LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 2) (CEF A2) qualification features.

CAN DO Summary

The Al TE ‘Can Do’ Project
The CAN do Project has been developed by Association of Language Testers in Europe
(ALTE) which offers a framework that covers six levels of language competency that is aligned to the Council of Europe Common European Framework (CEFR) – see Appendix D of the CEFR for more information. The CAN do summary outlines how language candidates can perform and what they can do at each level. They are divided into three areas, Social & Tourism, Work and Study, and are detailed below for CEFR Level B1 and give examples of typical ability.

Results

LRN examiners are authorised to mark the writing and speaking components of the LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 2) (CEF A2). Marks are allocated for each candidate in accordance with the LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 2) (CEF A2) mark scheme for writing and speaking. The timescales in which LRN will issue its results up to 6 weeks (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 2) (CEF A2) is 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 moderated in accordance with LRN’s moderation policy. Moderated results are then forwarded to the qualification review panel for final approval.

Speaking and Writing

The speaking exam is conducted by one examiner, approved 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 2) (CEF A2) mark scheme.
LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 2) (CEF A2) is 100% externally assessed by an LRN examiner.
Speaking sub skills are assessed in pairs, where there are odd number of registered candidate, a dummy candidate will be used as a pair candidate. Candidates will receive pre-released speaking topics 5 working days prior to exam from their centre. Results are moderated in accordance with LRN’s moderation policy. Moderated results are then forwarded to the qualification review panel for final approval.

Marking

Speaking is a three part exam and carries a maximum of 20 marks
Each Reading question carries 1 mark (20 questions)
Each Listening question carries 0.8 marks (25 questions)
Writing is based on 2 tasks, each task carries 20 points. The combined total (maximum 40) is divided by 2

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

0-9= Fall

10-12: Pass

13-15: Merit

16+: Distinction

Grading

Results are reported as distinction, merit, pass or fail grades.
Candidates’ marks for all sub-components will be added together to give an overall grade based on the minimum marks per grade level below:

0-39= Fall

40-51: Pass

52-63: Merit

64+: Distinction