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Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. What is Edxecel?
- 2. Who is Pearson?
- 3. Who is London Exams Hellas?
- 4. What are QCA and NDAQ?
- 5. What are the London Tests of English (LTE)?
- 6. What is different about the London Tests of English?
- 7. What do the London Tests of English aim to achieve?
- 8. What are the candidates tested on?
- 9. Which are the levels offered in Greece?
- 10. What is the duration of the test?
- 11. Who is doing the assessment?
- 12. How much study is needed for each level?
- 13. What teaching materials should be used to prepare candidates for the London Tests of English?
- 14. When can candidates take the London Tests of English?
- 15. Where can candidates take the London Tests of English?
- 16. How can candidates register for the examination?
- 17. What are the grades awarded at each level?
1. What is Edxecel?
Edexcel is one of the largest examining bodies of academic and vocational qualifications in the UK. Edexcel is regulated by QCA and in Greece the London Tests of English are recognized by ASEP. Edexcel is part of the Pearson Group .2. Who is Pearson?
Pearson is an International media company with world-leading businesses in education, business information and consumer publishing. Pearson Education is the world’s leading education company.3. Who is London Exams Hellas?
London Exams Hellas is the exclusive representative of Edexcel London Tests of English in Greece. In collaboration with Palso the LTE exams are administered throughout Greece. London Exams Hellas is Part of the Domi Group of Companies including: IEK Domi, ICT Europe, THACE and HRD.4. What are QCA and NDAQ?
QCA is a government-funded body with a remit to accredit and regulate qualifications in England, Northern Ireland and Wales. Only qualifications accredited by QCA are included on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Any qualification not accredited by QCA is not regulated by NDAQ or any other government body. The National Database of Accredited Qualifications (NDAQ) contains details of qualifications that are accredited by the government’s regulatory organizations in England (QCA), Wales (DCELLS) and Northern Ireland (CCEA). NDAQ also lists recognized awarding bodies.5. What are the London Tests of English (LTE)?
The London Tests of English are examinations to assess and accredit English language competence. They are language examinations designed to be accessible to everyone learning English as a foreign language, from young teenagers to adults. The examinations are recognized all over the world and are accepted by universities, employers and national education authorities in many countries as evidence of a required standard of English. In Greece, they are recognized by ASEP and are accepted, not only as language qualifications for university entrance in English and Greek-speaking universities, but also as qualifications in professional employment both in the private and public sector.6. What is different about the London Tests of English?
What is different about the London Tests of English? The Use of Realistic Tasks The London Tests of English assess how well candidates can use the language they know. They do not seek to assess knowledge of specific language points so there are no discrete items. This means that the candidates will not be given multiple choice type items testing specific aspects of grammar. Rather, candidates will be asked to demonstrate how well they can use English by completing practical and realistic tasks. Successful completion of tasks and effective communication are awarded credit. The Use of Theme and Scenario Based Examination Papers All London Tests of English revolve around a theme and scenarios based on this theme, which the candidates become involved with. Themes are typically subjects which come up in most modern course books. The Use of Familiar Task Types The test tasks are similar to those found in up-to-date communicative course books. The tests themselves do not require the learners to follow a specific programme. The aim is to assess what teachers are teaching rather than have teachers teaching to the tests. All writers of the tests are classroom teachers and/or textbook writers.7. What do the London Tests of English aim to achieve?
The LTE aim to assess and reward positive and progressive achievement in English language learning. The tests have been designed to motivate learners and can provide feedback to schools, parents and teachers. Where a test taker does not achieve the required level, feedback is given on areas of weakness. The aim of the test is to allow candidates the freedom to show what they can do and how well they can use English as a foreign language. It is the practical and creative application of the language through the communicative approach that interests us and not the mere memorization of grammatical rules. This is the reason why in our tests you will not find a Use of English paper.8. What are the candidates tested on?
Candidates are provided with a single paper that tests listening, reading and writing. A separate oral component tests the oral skills of the candidates.9. Which are the levels offered in Greece?
Four levels are available in Greece:
- Level 2 (B1)
- Level 3 (B2)
- Level 4 (C1)
- Level 5 (C2)
10. What is the duration of the test?
- Level 2: 1 hour & 35 minutes
- Level 3: 2 hours
- Level 4: 2 hours & 30 minutes
- Level 5: 2 hours and 55 minutes
11. Who is doing the assessment?
The London Tests of English are prepared and marked by teams of professionals in the UK. Oral tests are assessed locally but are recorded and sent for moderation in the UK.12. How much study is needed for each level?
Each level of the London Tests of English is an ongoing, incremental and cumulative body of knowledge, not a discrete category without relation to prior learning. Thus, as candidates enter each new level of the London Tests of English, it is presupposed they are familiar with, and can successfully engage in, the communicative tasks, language skills and structural and language content of the levels which precede their current area of study.13. What teaching materials should be used to prepare candidates for the London Tests of English?
The types of tasks candidates have to do in the tests are similar to those found in most modern communicative course books. Also, the topics used in most course books are similar to those used in the tests. Most modern course books will provide practice relevant to the test. There is, therefore, no need to do a specific London Tests of English course. Past papers are available to download from our website.14. When can candidates take the London Tests of English?
Test sessions are offered twice a year, every May and December.15. Where can candidates take the London Tests of English?
Examinations are taking place all over Greece.16. How can candidates register for the examination?
Candidates and frontistiria have to register locally. All application forms along with the necessary proof of payment must reach local palso offices within the deadline of each examination session.17. What are the grades awarded at each level?
The grades awarded for the combined written and oral tests are Distinction, Merit, Pass or Fail.