Intermediate level (B2)


The Intermediate level (B2) exam consists of two parts: an Oral part (A) and a Written part (B). The two parts test the four language skills and the use of English.

Oral part (A):
  1. Listening Test
  2. Speaking Test
Written part (B):
  1. Reading and Use of English Test
  2. Writing Test

The requirements of DExam conform to the language proficiency levels specified in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEF). Regarding the four different skills, the Intermediate level (B2) specifies the requirements of the lower (B2-) and the upper (B2+) intermediate levels separately.
The structure of the Intermediate level (B2) exam

  Test Task type Duration (mns) Score  
  Oral part (A) Listening
Matching
 30-35 25  
Completion
Multiple choice questions

Speaking
Talk
 18-23 25  
Interview
Discussion between candidates
  Written part (B) Reading and Use of English
Short answer questions
 75 25  
Matching clauses to text
True/False statements
Banked gap-filling / Multiple choice gap-filling
Writing
Letter
 90 25
Composition

The choice of modules is a distinctive feature of the DExam. The number of module tasks varies in the four tests.
The module tasks do not test encyclopedic knowledge. They consist of tasks relating to candidates' narrower or broader fields of interest. We recommend taking the Arts module if candidates are interested in arts and social sciences, whereas the Science module is suggested if they feel more comfortable in the field of sciences and technology.

I. Listening Test

Requirements
B2+: Candidates can understand recordings in Standard English about topics of general and specific interest. They can understand the contents of the texts as well as the speakers' views and general attitude. They can cope with recordings with some background noise as well.
B2-: Candidates can comprehend most radio programmes and other recorded materials in Standard English and in normal tempo of speech.
Description
Candidates listen to the recordings through loudspeakers. The instructions for the tasks are specified in English on the task sheets and on the recordings, as well. The test consists of the following three tasks, each of which is based on a different recording.
  1. matching,
  2. completion,
  3. multiple choice questions.
Two tasks are module tasks. The topic of one task is of general interest.
Candidates listen to the recordings twice.
Assessment
In the tasks each question carries 1 score. The total score of the test is calculated as a percentage of the total score of 25 points.

II. Speaking Test

Requirements
B2+: Candidates can fluently and effectively communicate their thoughts about general and specific issues without greatly simplifying the message they want to convey.
They can give clear and systematic talks, highlight important pieces of information, support arguments, and they may diverge from texts that have been previously written.
B2-: Candidates can effectively engage in conversation about general and specific topics without making mistakes that hinder communication.
They can give well-prepared talks, argue for or against a specific issue, and elaborate on the advantages and drawbacks of different alternatives.
Description
Candidates take the test in pairs before a board of two examiners. Candidates can indicate who they would like to take the test with on the Registration form.
Candidates are given 10 minutes for preparation before the test. During this time candidates have to prepare for a short talk in the first task. Candidates are not allowed to use a dictionary or any other auxiliary devices.
The test starts with a general introduction, which helps candidates get used to the atmosphere of the test. The introduction does not form an integral part of the test. Therefore, it is not assessed.
The Speaking test consists of three tasks:
  1. talk,
  2. interview,
  3. discussion between candidates.
The first two tasks are to be accomplished individually. The third task is a pair activity.
The first task is an individual talk. Candidates are provided with two short texts written for well-educated lay people in their field of interest. Of the two they choose one on the basis of their individual preference. The task is to answer a question related to the text in 3-4 minutes. The text serves as a thought-provoking source for the talk.
The second task is an interview with the interlocutor about everyday topics, cf. List of topics.
In the third task the candidates have a discussion about a given issue, different customs, their advantages and drawbacks, argue their opinions, etc.
Assessment
The total score is calculated on the basis of the candidate's overall performance in all three tasks. The maximum score is 28, which corresponds to 25 test points.

III. Reading and Use of English Test

Requirements
B2+: Candidates can scan newspaper articles of general or specific interest, grasp important information, opinions and understand important details of the text.
They can consciously use grammatical structures. They can use grammatical and lexical structures in complex texts as well.
B2-: Candidates can scan longer and more complex texts of general and specific interest and find important details.
They can use grammatical structures appropriately in context.
Description
The test consists of the following 4 tasks based on 4 different authentic texts:
  1. short answer questions,
  2. matching clauses to text,
  3. true / false statements,
  4. banked gap-filling / multiple choice gap-filling.
Two out of four tasks are always module tasks. The other two tasks are of general interest.
Whereas three tasks test reading skills, one assesses the use of English.
Candidates are not allowed to use a dictionary in the test.
Assessment
In the tasks each question carries 1 score. The total score of the test is calculated as a percentage of the total score of 25 points.

IV. Writing Test

Requirements
B2+: Candidates can effectively respond to advertisements, formal and informal letters, etc.
They can write compositions or accounts about a number of topics. They can state their views, give detailed descriptions, express their feelings about real or imaginary situations and events.
B2-: Candidates can briefly respond to advertisements, formal and informal letters.
They can write compositions or accounts about topics of personal interest. They can elaborate on their views, give relatively detailed descriptions about real or imaginary situations and events.
Description
The test consists of two tasks of different genre. While one of them is always a letter, the other one is a composition.
  1. Letter
    • informal letter/ e-mail,
    • formal letter / e-mail:
  2. Composition
The topics of both tasks are of general interest. They can be found on the List of topics.
The required number of words in both tasks is between 120 and 150 words.
Candidates are not allowed to use a dictionary in the test.
Assessment
The total score is 56 points, which corresponds to 25 exam points.