The Breakthrough Level Exam (A1)
Exam dates
A candidate who passes at the breakthrough level demonstrates that s/he
- can communicate in a very simple way in routine everyday situations and on familiar topics provided that the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help; interaction is accompanied with gestures and body language,
- can understand essential factual information in very short, simple texts on everyday topics that are of his/her personal concern or interest,
- (when guided) can provide very simple written information about matters of his/her personal concern or interest or ask about these.
Format of the breakthrough level exam
| Exam section | Contents | Time allotted | Percentage of total grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | Reading for orientation, reading for information and argument, reading correspondence | 25 min. | 25 % |
| Listening | Understanding conversation between other speakers, listening to announcements and instructions, listening to audio media and recordings | 15 min. | 25 % |
| Writing (guided, while reading) |
Filling in forms, writing messages (correspondence) | 20 min. | 25 % |
| Speaking (guided, with preparation) |
Conversation, describing experience, giving obtaining goods and services |
15 min. (+ 15 min. preparation) |
25 % |
| TOTAL EXAM TIME | 90 minutes | ||