QUALIFICATION SPECIFICATION - LRN Young Learner Entry ...€¦ · LRN YL Entry Levels Certificates in ESOL are based on the CEFR in that they reflect the level(s) of language ability

Qualification Specification Version 1.0 20/05/2019 Page 1 of 14

©Learning Resource Network Ltd

QUALIFICATION SPECIFICATION - LRN Young

Learner Entry Levels Tests in ESOL

(A2)



Contents

Background to LRN

LRN YL ESOL Entry Levels Certificates

Introduction

Objective

Candidate Category

Entry Requirements

Progression

Recognition of prior learning

Language Of Assessment

Qualification Overview

Qualification Features

CEFR Global Scale

Results

Reading and Writing & Listening

Speaking & Writing

Marking

Grading

Reliability and Validity

Administration and assessment delivery



BACKGROUND TO LRN

Learning Resource Network (LRN) is an awarding organisation that offers qualifications to candidates, educational institutes, training providers, schools and employers who can access qualifications through accredited educational institutions.

It was founded by a group of educators and business people and specialises in ESOL and management qualifications.

LRN London head office is supported by a team of representatives around the world.

LRN can be contacted at the following address:

Learning Resource Network Suite 7, Lambourne House (5th Floor) 7 Western Road Romford RM1 3LD Tel: +44 (0) 207 859 4223 [email protected]

www.lrnglobal.org

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.lrnglobal.org/



LRN YOUNG LEARNERS ENTRY LEVELS TESTS

LRN Young Learner (YL) entry levels tests are aimed at primary school age children who

want to acquire the English language by introducing them to everyday spoken and written

English. They focus on familiar topics and aim to boost the learner’s confidence and

improve their English skills. The YL tests are designed to reference the descriptions of

language proficiency in the Common European Framework Reference for Languages (CEF).

The levels in the CEF have been mapped to the levels in the National Qualifications

Framework for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (see Pathways to Proficiency: the

alignment of language proficiency scales for assessing competence in English Language).

INTRODUCTION

This specification document provides an overview and orientation to LRN YL entry levels

certificates for candidates, centres, administrators, teachers and examiners and outlines the

key features and administrative procedures required for this test.

OBJECTIVE

LRN YL Entry Levels Certificates in ESOL (Pre A1, A2) are designed for all ''non-native

English'' speakers that want to start to learn English. Candidates taking LRN YL Entry Levels

Certificates in either Pre A1, A1 or A2 will need to demonstrate and meet the criteria based

on the level they plan to study at. Candidate responses will be at a level of language that

would be expected on the Common European Framework of References for Languages

(CEFR) for Young Learners.

CANDIDATE CATEGORY

Candidates interested in taking the LRN YL Entry Levels Certificates will be primary school

aged children and made up of a range of different national and cultural backgrounds.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

There are no entry requirements for candidates upon taking these qualifications, including

prior knowledge, levels of understanding and areas of familiarity. It is also not necessary for

candidates to have achieved a qualification in English prior to registering. However, LRN

would recommend that candidates are well-prepared before taking this test. Downloadable

sample materials are accessible through the qualifications section of the LRN website

whereby candidates can access sample assessment material. LRN approved centres ensure

that candidates are fully prepared to sit LRN YLs Entry Levels Certificates through using fully

trained teachers and appropriate resources as laid out in the centre agreement with LRN.



PROGRESSION

LRN YL Entry Levels Certificates have been designed to ensure candidates can progress

from one YL entry level to the next (Pre A1, A1 and A2) and ultimately onto B1 and above.

RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Please refer to LRN Recognition of Prior Learning Policy which is available on LRN website.

LANGUAGE OF ASSESSMENT

LRN aims to use English that is plain, clear, free from bias and appropriate to YL candidates.

All assessments and assessment related materials are written in English and rigorously

checked by LRN officers and subject specialists before release. Teachers preparing

candidates are expected to ensure that their materials are clear, diverse and appropriate to

YL Entry Levels candidates.

QUALIFICATION OVERVIEW

LRN YL Entry Levels Certificates in ESOL are based on the CEFR in that they reflect the

level(s) of language ability which are as defined by the CEFR. LRN YL Entry Levels

Certificates in ESOL are three single unit qualifications. Candidates are assessed in the

following components: listening, reading and writing, speaking. The total qualification time is

304 hours for each of the three qualifications. The breakdown of total qualification time is (as

below):

Guided learning hours (GLH) 250

Self study (SS) 52

Total Assessment Time (TAT) 2 hours

Total Qualification Time (TQT) 304 Hours (GLH+SS+TAT)

QUALIFICATION FEATURES

The LRN YL Entry Levels Certificates in ESOL are a four language skills qualification which

assesses the following sub skills of the English language: listening, reading and writing, and

speaking. References to the CEFR are made in the LRN YL Entry Levels Certificates in

ESOL Mark Schemes in order to demonstrate linkage between the qualification construct

and CEFR. The information below is a breakdown of LRN YL Entry Levels Certificates in

ESOL qualification features.



YL A2

Speaking:

Duration: 7-9 minutes

Section Tasks and Functions

Part 1 Warm up questions

Part 2 Provide information regarding statements referring to pictures and

spot the differences

Part 3 Tell a story based on pictures provided

Skills tested Respond to variety of familiar questions

Understand statements

Respond according to differences

Describe things and events



YL A2 Reading and Writing:

Duration: 40 minutes

Number of Questions: 38 (including piece of writing)


Section 1 Read statements and choose appropriate responses

Section 2 Read dialogue (with one speaker’s comments missing) and select

most suitable responses(by writing the letter on dotted line)

Section 3 Read text and fill gaps with correct type of words from a choice of

three (nouns, adjectives, verbs, prepositions)

Section 4 Read text and choose the correct word to complete the sentences

Section 5 Read a story and complete sentences about it

Section 6 Write a story based on three pictures (20 – 30 words)

Section 7 Read a gapped text and write one word in each gap (no list of words

provided)

Skills tested Match words to their meaning

Knowledge of functional language

Read for specific information

Read and understand a factual text (including grammatical

and lexical knowledge )

Read and understand a story (attempt to recognise different

words, phrases with similar meanings)

Read and understand a short text and produce suitable words

to complete gaps

Gather ideas and link them in written English



YL A2 Listening:

Duration: approx.. 25 minutes

Number of Questions: 24


Section 1 Listen to short conversations and match names to people (identifiable

by appearance, outfits, information about particular person) in a

picture by drawing lines

Section 2 Listen to a conversation and match correct illustrations to questions

(by ticking the appropriate box – A to C)

Section 3 Listen to a conversation and choose an appropriate answer (by

ticking box under correct picture)

Section 4 Listen to a slightly longer conversation and complete the missing

information on a form

Section 5 Listen to a dialogue and follow the instructions (e.g. locate objects

correctly, colour them in appropriately and write as instructed)

Skills tested Listen for names and descriptions

Listen for names and other information

Listen for names, words and detailed information

Listen to a variety of specific information

Listen for colours, words and specific information



CEFR Global Scale P

rofi

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nt

Us

er

C2

Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise

information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and

accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very

fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex

situations.

C1

Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.

Ind

ep

en

den

t U

ser

B2 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.

B1 Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly

encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise

whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple

connected text on topics, which are familiar, or of personal interest. Can describe

experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and

explanations for opinions and plans.

Ba

sic

Use

r

A2 Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most

immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local

geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a

simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can

describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and

matters in areas of immediate need.

A1 Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.



YL

A2 Can function ‘out and about’. Can ask for basic information. Can make simple transactions in shops, post offices or banks. Can use simple everyday polite forms of greeting and address. Can handle short social exchanges even though they cannot usually keep the conversation going of their own accord. Can understand clear, slow, standard speech related to areas of most immediate personal relevance. Can catch the main point in short, clear, simple messages and announcements. Can find specific, predictable information in simple everyday material such as advertisements, prospectuses and timetables. Can write a very simple personal letter, for example thanking someone for something.

YL

A1 Can interact in a simple way, ask and answer simple questions about themselves. Can initiate and respond to simple statements in areas of immediate need or on very familiar topics (with help of slower rate of speech). Can use simple phrases and sentences to describe what they do, where they live and people they know. Can understand very short, simple texts, for example on notices and posters or in catalogues. Can follow short, simple written instructions, especially if they contain pictures. Can fill in forms with personal details, for example entering name, nationality and address on a form. Can write short letters with the help of a dictionary

YL

Pre

A1

Can recognise and copy letters of the English alphabet. Can understand very basic sentences. Can respond to very basic questions. Can understand and follow simple, basic instructions. Can follow a very simple and short story or dialogue. Can understand and give very basic descriptions of familiar items. Can write own name and simple words. Can identify familiar people, places and things.



RESULTS

LRN trained examiners are allowed to mark the writing and speaking components of the

LRN YL Entry Levels Certificates in ESOL). Marks are allocated for each candidate in

accordance with the LRN YL Entry Levels Certificates in ESOL mark scheme for reading and

writing and speaking. The timescales in which LRN will issue its results is between 4 to 6

weeks (upon receiving the candidate results from the test centre).

READING /WRITING AND LISTENING

The marking of Reading / Writing and Listening components of LRN YL Entry Levels

Certificates in ESOL are completed by clerical markers using answer keys for each question

paper. To ensure standardisation of each exam, the Listening clerical markers completed

induction training followed by standardisation exercises prior to each paper (where required).

Results are then moderated by the moderation team in accordance with LRN's moderation

policy. Moderated results are then forwarded to the Lead Moderator for final approval.

SPEAKING & READING /WRITING

Speaking examination is conducted by one examiner, trained by LRN, and is recorded on a

dictaphone. Marks are allocated for speaking and reading and writing skills to each

candidate in accordance with the LRN YL Entry Levels Certificates in ESOL mark scheme.

LRN YL Entry Levels Certificates in ESOL are 100% externally assessed by an LRN

approved examiner.

Speaking sub skills are assessed in pairs, where there are odd numbers of registered

candidates, a dummy candidate will be used as a pair candidate.

Results are then moderated by the moderation team in accordance with LRN's moderation

policy. Moderated results are then forwarded to the Lead Moderator for final approval.



GRADING

Results are reported as distinction, merit, pass or fail grades.

Candidates’ marks for all sub-components will be added together to give an overall grade based on the minimum marks per grade level below:

Minimum Marks require (overall) Grade

0-39 Fail

40-51 Pass

52-63 Merit

64+ Distinction



RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY

LRN YL Entry Levels Certificates in ESOL have been designed in line with the Common

European Framework for Reference for Languages (CEFR) and follow the principles of

reliability and validity through the following steps:

Validity

1. Producing quality items to the required standard that measure performance with links to

the CEFR.

2. Validating performance through piloting and feeding back into the test development cycle

to ensure consistency of items.

The validity of LRN tests is evaluated in terms of the uses and interpretations of scores. The

two main concerns in validation studies are:

1. The uses and their meaning to which scores are put in terms of the latent trait(s) they

engage and measure. Several validation frameworks, such as Messick (1989) and Kane

(2012), emerge from this. Supporting evidence of validity arguments potentially vary from

test to test as every test produced has a unique validity argument.

The following inferences are included, following Kane’s framework (2012):

a. Evaluation - clear and sufficient domain definition and operationalisation.

b. Generalisation - how confidently performance can be extrapolated on the test to a

universe of the tasks.

c. Explanation - analogous to conventional construct validity.

d. Accuracy of scores - representing the amount of the latent trait under assessment.

e. Extrapolation - analogous to conventional criterion validity.

f. Accuracy of candidate performance on the test - prediction of performance on similar

devices as well as the target language domain.

Tests developed by LRN are subjected to rigorous data analysis methods in order to

ascertain the validity of the uses and interpretations of scores. Consultation is received by a

team of experts who assist in undergoing latent trait model analysis on data sets in order to

determine the quality of the test.

Evidence yielded from these analyses is used to judge the validity argument of the test.

Reliability

1. Delivering examiner training against LRN YL Entry Levels Certificated in ESOL mark

schemes with links to the CEFR

2. Conducting standardisation and monitoring to ensure consistent interlocutor performance

and accurate grading

3. Carrying out moderation to ensure consistent, accurate and reliable results

4. The LRN validation team work with a variety of models relevant to language testing and

psycholinguistics. Validation studies for each qualification are produced for every 800 -

1000 responses / grades generated.



*Please visit the LRN website for further updates on validation and reliability under our

Research section.

ADMINISTRATION AND ASSESSMENT DELIVERY

The duration of LRN YL Entry Levels Certificates in ESOL is from 45 minutes to 1 hour 14

minutes (depending on the level of test taken) with the main test sitting (reading and writing,

listening) lasting approximately 40 minutes (YL Pre A1), 50 minutes (YL A1) and one hour 5

minutes (YL A2) in one continuous assessment session on the same day (with a short break

in between each component). Speaking tests are scheduled between one and three days

before or after the main test sitting.

One invigilator is assigned to, every 15 candidates, for reading and writing, listening with an

additional invigilator to accompany candidates, in instances where they are leaving the

assessment room for any reason. The invigilator is also responsible for checking candidate

identification and is always present for the duration of the assessment. Invigilators are also

responsible for ensuring candidates have no unauthorised materials in the examination room.

Documents

QUALIFICATION SPECIFICATION - LRN Young Learner Entry ...€¦ · LRN YL Entry Levels Certificates in ESOL are based on the CEFR in that they reflect the level(s) of language ability