NEW STRUCTURE B2 CertACLES UCV – INFORMACIÓN PARA CANDIDATOS

B2 ACLES EXAM STRUCTURE

Speaking
Part Content Duration
Part 1 – Monologue General questions 4 mins
Part 2 – Monologue Compare, speculate & express opinion 1-2 mins
about two pictures
Part 3 – Dialogue Discussion about a topic 4-5 mins
(with pictures or idea web)
Part 4 – Dialogue Argumentation/Debate about a topic 4-5 mins
Total duration 14-18 mins
Total marks 30

Listening
Part Type of task Number of
items
Part 1 Multiple Choice (individual 7
dialogues/monologues)
Part 2 Gap-fill (precise listening) 10
Part 3 Matching (multiple speakers) 5
Part 4 Multiple choice (long dialogue) 8
Total duration 35-40 mins
Total marks 30

Reading
Part Type of task Number of
items
Part 1 Multiple choice 8
Part 2 Matching 12
Part 3 Insert the missing text 10
Total duration 1 hr
Total marks 30
Writing
Part Type of task Number of
words
Part 1 Essay 175-225
Review
Letter (formal or informal) 175-225
Part 2 Article
Only 1 of these typologies will appear in the exam
Candidates will have a choice between two alternatives of
the same typology.
Total duration 1hr. 30 mins.
Total marks 40

Reading & Writing will be part of the same exam booklet

 NEW STRUCTURE B2 CertACLES UCV – INFORMACIÓN PARA CANDIDATOS

B2 TOPICS Financial matters (e.g. budget,

shopping needs)
Family life Medical matters
Leisure activities (e.g. adventure sports, Environmental issues
holidays) Home and lifestyle
Diet, food and health Festivals and celebrations
Academic matters (e.g. study paths) Arts
The job market Books and literature
Media and celebrities Education
Feelings and emotions Film

MARKING
A B2 student, according to the CEFR, “Can understand the main ideas of complex text
on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of
specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular
interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can
produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a
topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.” (pg. 24)

SPEAKING: based on the following definition from the CEFR for “overall oral
production”, a B2 candidate: “Can give clear, detailed descriptions and presentations on
a wide range of subjects related to his/her field of interest, expanding and supporting
ideas with subsidiary points and relevant examples.” (pg. 58).

The criteria used to assess candidates’ ability at that level are:

 Task achievement
 Fluency and pronunciation
 Grammar range and accuracy
 Vocabulary range and accuracy
 Interaction

WRITING: based on the following definition from the CEFR for “overall written
production”, a B2 candidate: “Can write clear, detailed texts on a variety of subjects
related to his/her field of interest, synthesising and evaluating information and
arguments from a number of sources. ” (pg. 61).

The criteria used to assess candidates’ ability at that level are:

 Task achievement (organisation, genre, register)

 Organisation (cohesion & coherence)
 Grammar range and accuracy
 Vocabulary range and accuracy