PEIC YL Breakthrough flashcards

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

Listening heard twice

In PEIC YL Breakthrough listening, each recording is played two times. Use the first hearing to write answers and the second to check spelling, numbers and any item left blank.

Last version rule

When a speaker corrects themselves on the recording, the final stated version is the answer. Earlier mentions are distractors placed to catch candidates who write the first thing they hear.

Spelled-out names

Names and place names are often spelled letter by letter after being said. Candidates must copy the spelling exactly, including double letters, because the item tests accurate transcription.

Answer order

In sequenced listening tasks, questions appear in the same order as the information in the recording. Hearing a later answer first means an earlier item has been missed.

Number and time formats

Times and prices are written in the form the rubric permits, for example 7.30, a quarter to nine, or £3.50. Mixed formats within one task are usually accepted if unambiguous.

Distractor elimination

In picture or matching tasks, options are crossed out as the recording rules them out. The option never mentioned or never excluded is confirmed by elimination rather than by a positive statement.

Writing during pauses

Answers are written in the pauses after each section. Delaying all writing to the end risks losing items that were held only briefly in short-term memory.

Key information mark

Listening marks reward the information carried by the answer. A minor spelling slip that still clearly identifies the intended word is treated differently from choosing the wrong word.

Breakthrough text types

Reading texts at this level are short and functional: notices, signs, menus, timetables, postcards, emails and simple informative paragraphs of roughly 100 to 150 words.

Scanning versus skimming

Scanning means searching a text for one specific detail such as a time or price. Skimming means reading quickly for the topic or purpose of the whole text.

False versus not given

A statement is false only when the text contradicts it. If the text says nothing about the point, the correct answer is not given, not false.

One-step inference

Inference items at Breakthrough level require only one logical step from stated information. Answers needing two or more unstated steps are beyond the level and are wrong.

Vocabulary in context

Each option is substituted into the original sentence. The correct option keeps the surrounding grammar and meaning intact; wrong options break collocation, preposition choice or word class.

Pronoun reference

Questions asking what 'it' or 'they' refers to are answered by the nearest preceding noun phrase that agrees in number and makes sense in the sentence.

Topic sentence location

In matching headings to paragraphs, the paragraph's main idea is usually stated in the first or last sentence. Middle sentences normally supply examples or detail.

Gap grammar check

Gapped-text items are solved by reading the words immediately before and after the gap. Articles, prepositions and verb forms on either side determine which option fits.

Breakthrough writing tasks

Tasks are short and functional: a postcard, a brief email, a form, or five to eight connected sentences on a familiar topic, usually about 50 to 80 words.

Content point coverage

Every bullet in the prompt must be addressed. Missing one content point limits the task-achievement mark even when the language used is accurate.

Two writing mark strands

Writing is assessed on task achievement and communicative purpose on one side, and on accuracy of grammar, vocabulary, spelling and punctuation on the other.

Expected grammar range

The expected structures are present simple, present continuous, simple past, going to for plans, and basic modals such as can, must and would like.

Basic connectors

Connectors expected at this level are and, but, because, so, then and after that. Complex subordination is not required and often introduces errors.

Register in short messages

Postcards and emails to friends use contractions and informal openings such as 'Hi Sam,'. Letters to unknown adults avoid contractions and use formal openings and closings.

Word count guidance

The stated word count is a minimum, not a target. Writing far beyond it raises error density without earning extra marks for length.

Spelling and capitals

High-frequency spelling is checked, along with capital letters for days, months, nationalities and the pronoun I. These are among the most frequently lost marks.

Four speaking parts

The speaking test normally covers personal questions, a picture or prompt description, a short role-play or information exchange, and closing questions, all conducted face to face.

Speaking criteria

Marks come from communicative effectiveness, pronunciation and intonation, grammar and vocabulary range, and interactive competence such as turn-taking and responding to the examiner.

Extended answers

One-word answers are insufficient. A candidate should add a reason or detail, for example 'Yes, I do - I play football every Saturday with my brother.'

Familiar topic set

Examiner questions draw on familiar topics: family, school, hobbies, daily routine and a recent holiday. Prepared topic vocabulary directly raises the range mark.

Picture description frame

Descriptions follow a fixed order: what or who is in the picture, where they are, what is happening, and one personal reaction to the scene.

Asking questions

In the information-exchange task, the candidate must ask questions as well as answer them. Failing to ask loses interactive marks even if all answers are correct.

Intelligibility over accent

Pronunciation is judged on being understood, not on having a native accent. Word stress on common words such as hoTEL and COMputer matters more than individual sounds.

Repair phrases

When a question is not understood, the expected move is a repair phrase such as 'Sorry, could you repeat that, please?'. Silence or a guessed answer is penalised.