Cambridge English Qualifications are renowned worldwide for assessing learners' English language proficiency across various levels. For young learners, Cambridge offers a trio of tests: Starters, Movers, and Flyers. But what sets these exams apart? Let's dive into the nuances of each level to discover the unique journey they offer.
1. Cambridge English: Starters (YLE Starters)
Designed for young learners typically aged 6 to 7, Starters is the first step on the Cambridge English Young Learners journey. This entry-level exam introduces children to English in a fun and interactive way, focusing on basic vocabulary and simple sentence structures. Starters assesses listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through engaging tasks such as matching pictures to words, completing sentences, and describing pictures.
2. Cambridge English: Movers (YLE Movers)
Movers, targeted at learners aged typically 7 to 10, builds upon the foundation laid by Starters. This level delves deeper into language skills, requiring students to understand and respond to more complex instructions and questions. Movers assesses listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities through tasks like listening for specific information, describing pictures and stories, and completing written exercises with short answers.
3. Cambridge English: Flyers (YLE Flyers)
The highest level in the Young Learners series, Flyers, is tailored for learners typically aged 8 to 11. At this stage, students are expected to demonstrate a broader vocabulary range, better grammatical accuracy, and increased fluency in communication. Flyers evaluate listening, speaking, reading, and writing proficiency through tasks such as listening for detail, giving opinions, reading for information, and writing short messages or stories.
Key Differences Between Starters, Movers, and Flyers
While all three levels of the Cambridge Young Learners exams share a common goal of assessing English language skills, there are some notable differences:
Language Complexity: Starters focuses on basic vocabulary and simple sentence structures, while Movers and Flyers introduce more complex language and grammar.
Task Complexity: Tasks in Movers and Flyers require a higher level of cognitive processing and critical thinking compared to Starters.
Communication Skills: As learners progress from Starters to Flyers, the emphasis shifts towards effective communication, including speaking fluency and comprehension.
Assessment Format: While the overall format remains consistent across all levels (listening, speaking, reading, and writing), the tasks become progressively more challenging at higher levels.
Choosing the Right Level
When deciding which level is most suitable for your child, consider their age, English language proficiency, and learning goals. Starters is ideal for young beginners or those with limited English exposure, while Movers and Flyers are suitable for learners who have developed a basic understanding of English and are ready for more advanced challenges.
Conclusion
The Cambridge Young Learners exams - Starters, Movers, and Flyers - provide a structured framework for assessing and recognising children's English language skills. By understanding the unique characteristics of each level, parents and educators can support young learners on their journey towards English proficiency and academic success. So, whether your child is just starting out or soaring towards fluency, there's a Cambridge Young Learners exam to suit their needs and aspirations.
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