PET and KEY – English certifications
Your language ability is described in the Common European Framework of Languages. It is an international framework which describes your abilities in a language. It is divided into 6 levels from A1 for beginners, to C2 which is the proficiency level non-native speakers can reach at University. These certifications help people to see how good their language skills are and it helps institutions to compare the English level in their country with the English level in other countries. For example, it helps European Institutions to compare and standardize the English level in all the European countries.
During this year we prepared for the PET or KEY for Schools exam. So, our class was divided into 2 parts based on our level of English.
A group took the KEY for Schools exam. If you pass the KEY for Schools exam, it means that you can use English to communicate in common, everyday and familiar situations. This is what the A2 level descriptors certify. The KEY for Schools exam is divided into 3 papers: reading & writing, listening and speaking. In the speaking paper you are tested in pairs by two examiners who ask you some questions and they assess your grammar, vocabulary, fluency and pronunciation skills.
The second group took the PET (B1) exam. This is an intermediate level certification for all those who already know the basics of the English language and who want to progress and foster language skills for an everyday use of the language. It also means that, if you travel abroad, you can deal with most common situations a tourist or a student abroad might find themselves in. This exam is divided into 4 papers: reading, writing, listening and speaking. As in the KEY exam, in the speaking paper you are tested by two examiners.
This exam helped us to organize what we wanted to say. This work helped us to improve our vocabulary and grammar skills also by building a lot of glossaries with new words and expressions for each exercise.
Olivia Petrella & Alessandro Latosa
