Guide Breakthrough
Guide Breakthrough
0 | May 2024
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Education Ltd.
Contents
Page
Key features 5
Test delivery 5
Test results 6
Test structure 7
3. Overview of Scoring 9
Spoken Test
Contact us
• describe sensations
• describe purpose
Who is it for?
The Pearson English International Certificate - Young Learners guide is designed for anyone who
is preparing students for the test or wants to learn more about it.
• The first part, an Introduction to Pearson English International Certificate - Young Learners, includes an
overview of the test, targeted test takers and the skills tested. Key features of the test, such as realistic
situations, fun and motivating tasks, and integration of skills, are outlined. Information about test delivery
and test results is also given.
• The second part provides an outline of the preparation resources that will be made available to
instructors and test takers.
• The third part includes general information about scoring within the test.
• In the fourth part, an overview of the formats of the spoken and written tests is provided.
• The final part of the guide gives a detailed explanation of each task within the written and spoken parts
at Breakthrough Level. This includes a description of each task type, the skills assessed, what test takers
have to do, the objectives and timings. In addition, details about scoring and the marking criteria are
presented.
1. Introduction to Pearson English International Certificate –
Young Learners
Overview
What is Pearson English International Certificate - Young Learners?
Pearson English International Certificate - Young Learners (PTE Young Learners) is an assessment solution at four different levels
of English language proficiency: Firstwords (Level 1), Springboard (Level 2), Quickmarch (Level 3) and Breakthrough (Level 4).
These tests are designed to be interesting and enjoyable for children. They also aim to make their first experiences of learning
English very memorable and motivating.
The tests are provided by Pearson Edexcel, the largest UK awarding body for academic and vocational qualifications. Pearson
Edexcel is the official awarding body for Pearson English International Certificate - Young Learners.
The primary goal of the tests is to assess a young learner’s ability to use English language communicatively. There is an emphasis
on real-life scenarios rather than on knowledge of specific language items and vocabulary.
Although the test is presented using British English, any standard variation of English will be accepted. Knowledge of the English
alphabet is assumed at all levels.
International Certificate - Young Learners tests are for children aged between six and 13, who are speakers of other languages.
International Certificate - Young Learners assesses the four skills: listening, reading, speaking and writing. It consists of two parts: a
written test which assesses listening, reading and writing, and a spoken test. The spoken part of the test and the written part are
taken separately. Because of the communicative nature of International Certificate - Young Learners, the tests can be shorter
without compromising the reliability of the results.
Key features
Realistic contexts
Children are tested on their ability to use structures and functions in realistic contexts. At higher levels, they are also assessed on
their ability to use language to carry out specific communicative tasks. The emphasis is on real-life situations that learners will
encounter, not on how well they remember vocabulary and structures. For this reason, International Certificate - Young
Learners uses real-life scenarios rather than grammatical exercises. This means that it is a measure of real, practical English.
Familiar content
Throughout the four test levels, test takers experience some of the everyday activities, adventures and mishaps of the Browns,
a British family. They become familiar with the characters and events, which makes the testing experience both very
comfortable and highly engaging.
As the tests are scenario-based, topics and language are repeated. This reinforcement of content and language gives test
takers the confidence they need to perform well.
The topics in International Certificate - Young Learners are international, age-appropriate and of interest to children, for example,
topics like families, pets, school and people’s appearance are included.
Fun activities
The format of the test is enjoyable. The spoken part consists of a group board game played with other test takers. Another task
allows candidates to give short talks and communicate with each other. Many of the tasks in the written part are based around
colorful, amusing visuals.
Integrated skills
International Certificate - Young Learners integrates the four skills. This is important because when communicating in English,
students are often required to combine several language skills to perform a task.
Test delivery
Test sessions are scheduled 6 times a year.
International Certificate - Young Learners consists of a written paper-based test and a spoken test (with an examiner and a group
of five test takers), which are delivered through a number of registered centers in over 40 territories globally.
Test centers delivering International Certificate - Young Learners are typically schools and language schools. Each prospective
center is required to provide evidence that the tests will be conducted according to the regulations as part of registering to
become a test center. In some territories there are locally based agents or representatives.
Information about test session dates, test center locations, registering to take International Certificate -
Test results
Using an online marking system (e-Pen) and a web-based test center service system, Pearson provides fast and helpful feedback
on individual performance of students in the tests.
The tests are prepared and marked by teams of professionals and successful test takers receive a certificate of attainment from the
largest examining body in the UK, Pearson Edexcel.
Detailed feedback is provided in the form of a candidate performance report, which includes a breakdown of the scores for
listening, speaking, reading and writing. These are sent to the test centers who distribute them accordingly. The grades
awarded for the test are Distinction, Merit or Pass. Every candidate, regardless of the level of performance, will receive a
certificate.
Test structure
The written test at this level lasts for 1 hour and 15 minutes. There are six tasks which test listening, reading and writing.
1 hour, 15 minutes
Task
Skills
numbers
One Listening
Four Reading
Six Writing
The spoken test at this level lasts for 20 minutes and there are two tasks.
20 minutes
Task
Skills
numbers
Seven Speaking
Eight Speaking
2. Test Preparation Resources
Past papers
A number of official past papers with audio, transcripts and answer keys for all levels are available now to download for free.
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/international-certificate/young-learners/resources.html
New resources for International Certificate - Young Learners are regularly added to this site.
3. Overview of Scoring
The written and spoken parts of the test at Breakthrough have a weighting of 100 score points; 80 for
the written component and 20 for the spoken. There are 36 listening, reading and writing items in
total and each one in Tasks One to Five carries a weighting of between 1 and 3 marks. Task Six, which
requires candidates to produce a short piece of writing, has a total of 20 points. There are two
speaking tasks, each with a maximum of 10 score points.
Total 36 80
10
Question and
Spoken part Seven Speaking
answer (board At least 2
of test game)
Total 3 or more 20
Total written 100
and spoken
parts
4. Overview of Test Format
The written part of Pearson English International Certificate - Young Learners at this level lasts for 1 hour and 15
minutes and has six tasks. It tests listening, reading and writing skills. The spoken part of the test lasts for 20
minutes and has two tasks. There are two types of task that test takers engage in with an examiner and four other test
takers.
The table below indicates the skills tested, task types, number of items, task objectives and what candidates have to do
for each task in the written and spoken parts of the test.
Written Task Skills Task types Number Task objectives What test takers
part of numbers of items have to do
test One Listening 3-option 8 To assess the ability to Listen to a
picture-based identify details of spoken conversation twice and
multiple choice discourse, e.g., times, answer eight questions
locations, reasons, past, by choosing one
present and future picture from three
activities, hypothetical answer options
outcomes, etc
Two Listening Answer question 7 To assess the ability to Listen to a
and understand a spoken text conversation twice
writing and write short answers and answer seven
relating to the details of questions in writing
the text
Spoken Seven Speaking Question and At least To assess the ability to ask Ask and answer
part of answer (board 2 and answer questions questions about
test game) about personal personal information
information and interests and interests
Eight Speaking Short talk 1 To assess the ability to Speak about a topic of
speak continuously about a personal interest and
topic of personal interest answer questions
and answer questions in
relation to it
5. Description of Task Types
This part of the guide presents a description of the tasks within the written test at Breakthrough. This
includes the skills tested, what test takers have to do, the objective(s) of the task and details on scoring.
Task One is a 3-option picture-based multiple choice activity that tests listening skills. It assesses the ability to identify
the details of spoken discourse, e.g., times, locations, reasons, past, present and future activities, hypothetical
outcomes, etc.
What candidates do
Test takers listen to a conversation twice and answer eight questions printed on the test paper. For
each one they choose the correct picture from three answer options by putting a cross in the box next
to it.
Scores
This task type is marked as either correct or incorrect. Each correct answer has a weighting of 2 score points. A
maximum of 16 points can be achieved.
Task Two Listening and Writing
Answer question
Task Two is an Answer question activity that tests listening and writing skills. It assesses the ability to understand a spoken text
and write short answers relating to details of the text.
What candidates do
Test takers listen to a conversation twice and answer seven questions in writing. Each response is
usually a few words, not complete sentences.
Scores
This task type is marked as either correct or incorrect. Each correct answer has a weighting of
2 score points. A maximum of 14 points can be achieved.
Task Three Reading and Writing
Dialogue completion
Task Three is a Dialogue completion task type that tests reading and writing skills. It assesses:
What candidates do
Test takers write five questions to match five given answers in a written dialogue using their own words.
Scores
Each item has a weighting of 3 score points. A maximum of 15 points can be achieved in this
section of the test. The scoring criteria and distribution of scores are in the table below:
3: Response is completely correct, appropriate and relevant to the context.
2: Response can include one major error such as wrong tense, failure to invert subject and verb,
omission of subject, etc. Such major errors must not however affect the meaning intended by the
test taker. Small errors such as non- intrusive spelling errors or non-intrusive punctuation errors
may also be present.
1: Response is flawed in a number of ways, but in the context of the task the meaning can still be
understood with some effort.
Task Four is a Match utterance to picture activity that tests reading skills. It assesses the ability
to recognize simple functional use of language in social situations familiar to young learners.
What candidates do
Test takers read seven short written utterances and match five of them to the pictures which
illustrate their meaning by drawing a line between each. Two of the sentences are extra.
Scores
This task type is marked as either correct or incorrect. Each correct answer has a weighting of
1 score point. If more than one line is drawn to an answer, no marks will be given to the item. A
maximum of 5 points can be achieved.
Task Five 5 Reading and Writing
Gap fill
Task Five is a Gap fill activity that tests reading and writing skills. It assesses understanding of a
text, and knowledge of vocabulary and grammar in context.
What candidates do
Test takers read a text with ten gaps and write the most appropriate word for each using their
own words.
Scores
This task type is marked as either correct or incorrect. Each correct answer has a weighting of
1 score point. A maximum of 10 points can be achieved.
Task Six Writing
Write narrative
Task Six is a Write narrative activity that tests writing skills. It assesses the ability to write a story based on a
series of pictures demonstrating use of narrative tenses and linking ideas coherently.
Uncle Peter takes Anna and Kirsty for a ride in his helicopter. Look at the pictures and
write the story. You must use all the pictures.
What candidates do
Test takers write a story based on a series of six pictures. The word limit is approximately 75 words. As all
six pictures must be included in their story, test takers are advised to divide their time equally between the
pictures.
Scores
A maximum of 20 score points can be achieved in this section of the test. The marks are distributed as
follows:
4 Message conveyed Mostly accurate use of Mostly accurate use of All instructions followed and all
competently with little or vocabulary. grammar. points covered.
no strain on the reader.
Some use of compound
sentences.
3 Message is conveyed Enough vocabulary to Enough grammar to make a The majority of instructions are
without undue strain on carry out the task comprehensible attempt at followed with no more than one
the reader despite errors. despite some gaps and the task despite some bullet point omitted. Text type
/ or inaccuracies. inaccuracy. is appropriate.
1 Large parts of the text Knowledge of isolated Knowledge of isolated Task misunderstood. Minimal
are unintelligible. words is insufficient to grammatical items is relevant response.
address the task. insufficient to address the
task.
If the response is 25% below the word count for this task type, a maximum of 3 marks per criterion will be
awarded. If the response to the task is completely off subject, a mark of 0 will be awarded for Task
Completion and a maximum of 2 marks for each for the other criteria. Responses are not penalized if they
are over the word limit.
Spoken Test [20 minutes]
This part of the guide presents a description of the tasks within the spoken test at Breakthrough.
This includes the skills tested, what test takers have to do, timings, the task type objective(s) and
details on scoring.
Task Seven is a Question and answer activity that tests speaking skills. It assesses the ability to ask and answer questions
about personal information and interests.
What candidates do
In groups of five with an examiner, test takers play a board game. They take it in turns to throw a
dice and then move their counters according to the throw of the dice. Each square on the board
has a question written on it. When a candidate’s counter lands on a square, the examiner directs
them to address the question to another test taker in the group, who must respond. It is then the
next person’s turn. The game continues in this way until all the candidates have responded to at
least two of the questions on the board. The task lasts for 10 minutes.
Scores
This task has a weighting of 10 score points. A maximum of 5 points are awarded for Grammar
and Vocabulary Usage and 5 for Pronunciation. The scoring criteria and distribution of scores are in
the table below:
5 5
Excellent range of vocabulary, and grammar used Excellent pronunciation demonstrating awareness of
accurately and appropriately. Errors are rare and found intonation patterns required for asking questions as well
only in low frequency lexis and more complex as appropriate sentence and word stress, and correct
grammatical forms. individual sounds.
4 4
Good lexical and grammatical range, but there may be Good pronunciation, which can be readily understood by
occasional errors. It may be that either grammar or listeners, despite some lapses in pronouncing individual
vocabulary is a little weak, but one or the other words and problems with stress and intonation.
compensates for this. Errors do not impede
understanding.
3 3
Errors in both grammar and vocabulary are evident, but There are some mispronunciations at word and
the test taker has enough knowledge in these areas to sentence levels, but in general listeners do not have any
communicate and there is little need for clarification. major problems. It may be that repetition is needed on
occasion.
2 2
Despite occasional good usage, grammar and Frequent errors in various aspects of pronunciation
vocabulary choice is frequently incorrect and this causes make the speaker difficult to understand or result in
problems for the listeners as well as some misunderstanding and /or make it necessary for
misunderstanding. listeners to ask for repetition.
1 1
Although there is knowledge of individual items of Although utterances can be recognized as English, they
vocabulary and some grammar, these are so limited that are so difficult to follow that communication breaks
real communication is rarely possible. down.
0 0
No useful knowledge of grammar or vocabulary at the Pronunciation is not recognized as English discourse.
required level.
Task Eight Speaking
Short talk
Task Eight is a Short talk activity. It tests speaking skills. It assesses the ability to speak continuously
about a topic of personal interest and answer questions in relation to it.
What candidates do
Test takers take turns to pick a labelled picture card which illustrates a topic from a pack. They
then talk for one minute about the subject on the card. This is followed by a further minute of
questions from other candidates and possibly the examiner. This continues until all test takers
have spoken about one topic and answered questions. They are assessed on their talk and
responses to questions. The task lasts for 10 minutes.
Scores
This task has a weighting of 10 score points. A maximum of 5 points are awarded for Grammar
and Vocabulary Usage and 5 for Pronunciation. The scoring criteria and distribution of scores are in
the table below:
5 5
Excellent range of vocabulary, and grammar used Excellent pronunciation demonstrating awareness of
accurately and appropriately. Errors are rare and found intonation patterns required for asking questions as well as
only in low frequency lexis and more complex appropriate sentence and word stress, and correct
grammatical forms. individual sounds.
4 4
Good lexical and grammatical range, but there may be Good pronunciation, which can be readily understood by
occasional errors. It may be that either grammar or listeners, despite some lapses in pronouncing individual
vocabulary is a little weak, but one or the other words and problems with stress and intonation.
compensates for this. Errors do not impede
understanding.
3 3
Errors in both grammar and vocabulary are evident, but There are some mispronunciations at word and sentence
the test taker has enough knowledge in these areas to levels, but in general listeners do not have any major
communicate and there is little need for clarification. problems. It may be that repetition is needed on occasion.
2 2
Despite occasional good usage, grammar and vocabulary Frequent errors in various aspects of pronunciation make
choice is frequently incorrect and this causes problems the speaker difficult to understand or result in
for the listeners as well as some misunderstanding. misunderstanding and /or make it necessary for listeners
to ask for repetition.
1 1
Although there is knowledge of individual items of Although utterances can be recognized as English, they are
vocabulary and some grammar, these are so limited that so difficult to follow that communication breaks down.
real communication is rarely possible.
0 0
No useful knowledge of grammar or vocabulary at the Pronunciation is not recognized as English discourse.
required level.
Contact us
• Visit https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/international-certificate/young-learners.html
• Email us at pqs.internationaeo@pearson.com
• Write to us at the Language Testing division of Pearson, 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, UK
Appendix A: Language Content
In addition to the language included at Firstwords, Springboard and Quickmarch, the following list
represents the types of language content that are typically assessed at this level including areas of
language use, main structures, topics and vocabulary. Structures and vocabulary given in italics are
for guidance only and are not intended to be a complete list.
Main structures
• Present perfect
Have you ever been to London? I have never been to New York.
• Tag questions
She is, isn’t she? They will, won’t they?
Topics
• The Senses
• Nature
• Space and Space Travel
• Travel
• Jobs and Professions
Vocabulary
• Types of music
pop, rap, soul, rock, reggae, techno
• Musical instruments
guitar, piano, keyboards, drums, etc.
• Computer games
Gameboy, Playstation
Appendix B: Vocabulary List
The following tables include the vocabulary typically tested at Breakthrough (Level 4).
A B C D