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Introduction
0 Introduction
telc English A2 · B1 is a standardised, dual-level examination which measures general language
competence over two levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
using a task-based, communicative approach. telc GmbH now offers this new examination in three
different versions: the general language version telc English A2 · B1 and two target-group specific
ones, telc English A2 · B1 School and telc English A2 · B1 Business. They are all part of our extensive
programme of English tests.
telc stands for “The European Language Certificates”. This means that telc English examinations have
been developed according to European standards, but this name also emphasises that English is only
one of ten languages tested by telc.
The European Language Certificates were originally aimed exclusively at adults. Over time the
educational landscape has changed dramatically, and telc now also offers special exams for school
pupils, the latest one being the dual-level telc English A2 · B1 School examination. As a complement to
this comprehensive telc English A2 · B1 Handbook, we have produced a new booklet, the telc English
A2 · B1 School Handbook Supplement, which gives more detailed information on the special aspects of
this examination such as the topics and vocabulary suitable for the age group.
telc – language tests has a firm tradition of offering examinations to test candidates’ language
competence in the working environment. For English these originally comprised English B1 for Business
Purposes and English B2 for Business Purposes, now known as telc English B1 Business and B2
Business, respectively. These exams assess whether learners can fulfil the language requirements of the
modern workplace, particularly in oral and written communication with colleagues and business partners;
it has never been the aim to test specific content or knowledge, e. g. of accountancy or economics.
The latest telc English Business examination is the dual-level telc English A2 · B1 Business. The new
telc English A2 · B1 Business Handbook complements the telc English A2 · B1 Handbook by providing
information on the special aspects of this examination.
The telc English A2 · B1 format has been carefully developed to assess a precise combination of
competencies at levels A2 and B1 within one single examination. It contains tasks to test reading,
writing, speaking and listening at both levels, many of which are similar to those found in the traditional
telc English examinations. The CEFR describes learners at A2 level as basic users (Waystage) and
at B1 as independent users (Threshold Level); however, the transition between these categories
represents a major hurdle for many learners. Test takers at A2 · B1 level are likely to be those interested
in being assessed on their language skills, but who are not sure which single level examination is the
right one for them. The dual-level test measures and certifies which of the two possible competence
levels being tested has been reached. Upon completion of the test, candidates receive a breakdown of
their skills for each of the separate areas of reading and listening, writing and speaking, together with
the overall level achieved: A2 or B1. Thus all participants have the chance to successfully complete
the examination, which is especially encouraging for mixed-ability groups of learners. Test takers have
the additional advantage of being able to find out exactly where their skills lie, as the telc Certificate
precisely documents the different levels they have reached in the various language competencies.
This handbook aims to describe the objectives of telc English A2 · B1 as well as the needs of the
targeted learner population. It also explains how these were implemented in the development of the test
format. telc’s claim that this examination is aligned to the CEFR is substantiated using evidence relating
both to the examination as a whole and to each individual subtest. The test format, both for receptive
and for productive skills, is described in detail, together with the marking criteria and the scoring scheme.
In order to give guidance regarding the kind of vocabulary and grammar on which telc English A2 · B1 is
based, lists of lexis and structures were collated. The aim of these lists is to help authors of test items
Handbook telc English A2·B1
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