CAEL (Canadian English Proficiency Tests) flashcards

31 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Integrated writing task

A CAEL Writing task in which you read a short passage and listen to a lecture, then write a response that connects the claims of both sources, showing agreement or contrast.

Independent writing task

A CAEL Writing task in which you respond to a prompt or visual prompt with your own position, supported by reasons and specific examples, without source input.

Thesis statement

A single sentence in the introduction that states the main claim of an essay. In CAEL Writing it guides the body paragraphs and signals a clear position to the rater.

Cohesion devices

Words and phrases such as however, therefore, and in contrast that link ideas across sentences. They are scored in CAEL Writing but overuse appears mechanical.

Paraphrasing the prompt

Restating the question in your own words in the introduction. In CAEL Writing, copied prompt text is not counted toward the word total and lowers lexical range scores.

Word count limits

CAEL Writing tasks specify approximate lengths, commonly around 150–200 words for the shorter task and 300–350 for the longer one. Severe under-length limits development.

Grammatical range and accuracy

A CAEL Writing criterion assessing variety of sentence structures and control of errors. Complex sentences with minor slips can score above simple, error-free sentences.

Skimming

Reading quickly for the general idea by focusing on headings, first sentences, and repeated terms. In CAEL Reading it builds a passage map before detailed questions.

Scanning

Searching a passage for a specific word, number, or name without reading every line. It locates the answer zone for CAEL Reading questions efficiently.

Not Given answer

A CAEL Reading option used when the passage neither confirms nor contradicts a statement. If the text is silent on the point, the answer is Not Given, not False.

Matching headings

A CAEL Reading item type requiring a heading that summarizes the whole paragraph. A heading that merely repeats one word from the paragraph is usually a distractor.

Vocabulary in context

A CAEL Reading item type asking for the meaning of a word as used in the passage. Test each option by substituting it into the sentence and checking the logic.

Sentence completion

A CAEL Reading item type in which you copy words from the passage to complete a sentence. The copied words must fit grammatically, including tense and number.

Passage mapping

A quick outline of a reading passage's structure, noting the topic of each paragraph. It helps locate answers for questions that are not in passage order.

Single-play audio

CAEL Listening recordings are played once only. Because there is no replay, notes taken during the first listening are the main record for answering questions.

Distractor

An incorrect option that is mentioned in the audio but later rejected or corrected by the speaker. In CAEL Listening, wait for the confirming statement before choosing.

Note completion

A CAEL Listening item type in which you fill gaps in notes or tables. The word limit stated in the instructions must be followed exactly or the answer is invalid.

Signal words

Phrases such as however, actually, or the main reason that introduce a correction or key point. In CAEL Listening they often mark the location of the correct answer.

Answer order

In most CAEL Listening question sets, items follow the order of the audio. This lets you track your position and move on quickly after a missed answer.

Spelling in listening answers

Written CAEL Listening answers must be spelled correctly. A correct word with a spelling error receives no mark, so check common academic terms.

Predicting answer type

Before the audio plays, decide whether the gap needs a number, name, reason, or category word. This narrows attention during the single CAEL Listening play.

Academic lecture listening

A CAEL Listening format featuring a university-style talk. Speakers often restate, qualify, or correct earlier points, so track the final version of each claim.

Computer-delivered speaking

CAEL Speaking responses are recorded by computer and later rated. There is no live examiner, so preparation and speaking times are fixed and cannot be extended.

Fluency

A CAEL Speaking criterion measuring continuity and pace of speech. Long pauses and frequent restarts lower the score more than a steady, measured delivery.

Intelligibility

The degree to which a listener can understand a CAEL Speaking response. It is rated through clear stress and final consonants rather than accent elimination.

Graph description

A CAEL Speaking task requiring you to describe visual data. State the data type, the overall trend, and one or two key figures instead of reading every point.

Controlling idea

The main point stated at the start of a CAEL Speaking response. It organizes supporting details and prevents an answer from becoming a list of features.

Signposting phrases

Expressions such as first, however, and to sum up that make the structure of a spoken answer audible. In CAEL Speaking they help raters follow coherence.

Recovery phrase

A short expression used to restart after losing your train of thought in CAEL Speaking. Paraphrasing the last point keeps fluency rather than leaving silence.

Scenario response

A CAEL Speaking task set in a campus or academic situation, such as solving a problem or giving an opinion. The response needs a position plus two or three supports.

Rater scoring criteria

CAEL Speaking is scored by trained raters on fluency, coherence, lexical range, grammatical accuracy, and pronunciation. Knowing the criteria directs attention during practice.