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Cambridge English: Pre-A1 Starters Exam Format

Listening (approximately 20 minutes / 20 items)
The test format includes multiple choice questions, short answers and using coloured pencils to respond to one task.
Each of the four parts begins with an example.
Part Main Skill Focus Input Response Questions
1 Listening for descriptions Picture, names and dialogue Draw lines matching names to people 5
and names in a picture
2 Listening for spelling Illustrated comprehension Write numbers and names 5
and numbers questions and dialogue
3 Listening for various kinds Multiple-choice pictures and Tick box under correct picture 5
of specific information dialogues with 3 options
Listening for words, colours Dialogue and picture Carry out instructions, find objects and colour
4 and prepositions correctly (In colours: black, blue, brown, 5
green, grey, orange, pink, purple, red, yellow)

Reading and Writing (20 minutes / 25 items)
As in the Listening, this section’s focus is on the present and relevant contexts for language.
Candidates will need a pen or pencil for this section. Each of the five parts begins with an example.
Part Main Skill Focus Input Response Questions
1 Reading short sentences Words, pictures and Show if sentence is true or false 5
and recognising words sentences by ticking a box.

2 Reading sentences about a picture Picture and sentences Write ‘yes’ / ‘no’ 5
Writing one-word answers
3 Spelling of single words Pictures and sets of Write words 5
jumbled letters

4 Reading a text. Copying words. Cloze text, words and Choose and copy missing words
pictures 5

5 Reading questions about a story. Story presented through Write one-word answers to questions 5
Writing one-word answers three pictures and questions

Speaking (3-5 minutes / 4 parts)
In the Speaking test the candidate speaks to one examiner for about three to five minutes. The format of the speaking test
is explained to the candidates before they enter the exam room in their native language, usually by a person they know, or
by their teacher. This person takes the candidates into the exam room and introduces them to the examiner. The section
is assessed based on a rating for vocabulary and grammar, pronunciation and interaction.
Part Main Skill Focus Input Response

1 Understanding & following spoken Scene picture and object cards Point to correct part of the picture. Place
instructions object cards on the scene picture as directed

2 Understanding and answering Scene picture Answer questions with short answers including
spoken questions a response to one ‘Tell me about …’ question

3 Understanding and answering Object cards Answer questions with short answers
spoken questions
4 Understanding and responding No visual prompt Answer questions with short answers
to personal questions.

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