In the Speaking exams for Cambridge Starters, Movers, and Flyers, examiners will score based on specific criteria and assign band scores ranging from 0-5 for each criterion. What are these criteria, and what are the specific score bands? Details about the criteria for scoring Speaking in Cambridge Starters, Movers, and Flyers can be found in the following compilation by FLYER.
1. Speaking criteria in Cambridge Starters, Movers, Flyers
1.1. Vocabulary and grammar
| Criterion | Explanation |
| Vocabulary | The number of words the student can use to answer questions. |
| Sentence structure | The ability to use simple English sentence structures. While it does not require absolute grammar accuracy, it should ensure that the message is conveyed in communication. |
| Length of response | Starters: Students only need to answer with a single word. Movers: Students should answer with a short, concise sentence. Flyers: Students need to answer with longer sentences and more complex structures. |
| Ability to link ideas | The student’s ability to use linking words. For example, using “and” at the Movers level, “then,” or “because” at the Flyers level. (Starters level does not have this assessment criterion) |
1.2. Pronunciation
Examiners assess the student’s pronunciation skills, including single sounds (vowels, consonants), stress, and intonation. In the Speaking exam for Starters, the assessment criterion for intonation is not applied.
1.3. Interaction
Examiners will assess the student’s ability to respond to questions (the ability to understand the questions and provide immediate, continuous responses without hesitation or interruptions), the level of support the student requires during the examination, and the student’s fluency.
Parents can refer to sample speaking tests for Starters, Movers, and Flyers to gain a clear understanding of how to prepare and the types of questions in the test.
2. Speaking band scores at the Starters, Movers, and Flyers levels
Below are the band scores used to assess speaking at the Starters, Movers, and Flyers levels, provided by Cambridge for teachers and parents to use during preparation.
Sample video of a Starters speaking test by Cambridge:
2.1. Band scores for Starters speaking
| Band Score | Vocabulary | Pronunciation | Interaction |
| 5 | Sufficient vocabulary to answer all questions. Using simple answers. May make a few errors. Using single words or phrases to answer, occasionally producing complete sentences | Most sounds are easy to understand, some sounds may not be clear. Shows some ability to stress words | Provides suitable answers, though sometimes needs help from the examiner. Knows how to ask the examiner for help when needed. Answers promptly, with occasional pauses |
| 4 | Between band 5 and band 3 | ||
| 3 | Sufficient vocabulary to answer most questions. Using simple answers. May make a few errors that hinder understanding. Using single words to answer, may answer with phrases | Relatively easy to understand | Provides suitable answers, but requires frequent help from the examiner Attempts to ask the examiner for help Pauses when answering |
| 2 | Between band 3 and band 1 | ||
| 1 | Sufficient vocabulary to attempt some questions Answers some simple questions but makes errors that hinder communication Answers at a very basic level or may not answer | Makes an effort to pronounce but may not be clear, causing difficulties in understanding | Frequently needs help and may not answer questions Pauses when answering, requiring significant patience from the listener |
| 0 | Below band 1 level | ||
2.2. Band scores for Movers speaking
| Band Score | Vocabulary | Pronunciation | Interaction |
| 5 | Sufficient vocabulary to answer all questions Using simple answers, may make a few errors but responses are generally meaningful Using single words, phrases, and complete sentences to answer Able to link ideas using simple linking words like “and,” “but,” “when,” “then” | Most sounds are easy to understand Shows some ability to stress words and intonation | Provides suitable answers, requiring very little help from the examiner Knows how to ask the examiner for help when needed Answers promptly, with occasional pauses |
| 4 | Between band 5 and band 3 | ||
| 3 | Sufficient vocabulary to answer most questions Using simple answers, may make a few errors that hinder understanding Using single words and phrases as well as complete sentences to answer Able to link ideas using simple linking words like “and” | Relatively easy to understand, with occasional difficult-to-understand sounds Shows some ability to stress words and intonation | Provides suitable answers but requires frequent help from the examiner Attempts to ask the examiner for help Pauses when answering |
| 2 | Between band 3 and band 1 | ||
| 1 | Sufficient vocabulary to attempt some questions Answers some simple questions but makes errors that hinder communication Answers at a very basic level or may not answer | Pronunciation sometimes causes difficulties in understanding | Provides suitable answers but requires frequent help from the examiner Attempts to ask the examiner for help Pauses when answering |
| 0 | Below band 1 level | ||
Video of the Movers Speaking test sample by Cambridge:
2.3. Band scores for Flyers speaking
| Band Score | Vocabulary | Pronunciation | Interaction |
| 5 | Possesses a rich vocabulary to answer all questions. Uses simple answers, may make a few errors, but the answers generally make sense. Uses single words, phrases, and long sentences to respond. Connects ideas using simple linking words like “and,” “but,” “when,” “then,” and “because.” | Most sounds are easy to hear. Demonstrates some stress and intonation at both the word and sentence level. | Provides appropriate answers, requiring minimal assistance from the examiner. Knows how to seek assistance from the examiner when necessary. Typically responds immediately, with occasional minor hesitations. |
| 4 | Between Band 5 and Band 3 | ||
| 3 | Has a sufficient vocabulary to answer most questions. Uses simple answers, may make a few errors that make comprehension difficult. Uses single words, phrases, and sentences to respond. Can link ideas and use simple linking words like “and,” “but,” “when,” “then.” | Relatively easy to understand, though there may be some difficult-to-hear sounds. Shows some stress and intonation. | Provides appropriate answers, sometimes requiring assistance from the examiner. Knows how to seek assistance from the examiner when necessary. May hesitate when responding but not frequently. |
| 2 | Between Band 3 and Band 1 | ||
| 1 | Has a vocabulary to attempt answering some questions. Can answer some simple questions but makes errors that hinder communication. Answers at the word and simple phrase level, occasionally with a full sentence. Can connect ideas and use simple linking words like “and.” | Relatively easy to understand, though there may be some difficult-to-hear sounds. Shows some stress. | Provides appropriate answers, though often requires assistance from the examiner. Tries to seek assistance from the examiner when necessary. May hesitate when responding. |
| 0 | Between Band 3 and Band 1 | ||
| Note: If a candidate can express some ideas, but the content of the response is not sufficient to accurately assess the pronunciation part of the candidate (e.g., only able to say a few words), the maximum pronunciation score is 3. | |||
3. Online Cambridge exam preparation
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Conclusion
These are the speaking criteria in the Cambridge Starters, Movers, and Flyers exams, along with the corresponding band scores to assist parents in preparing their children for Cambridge English Young Learners certifications.
