The second Cambridge English: Young Learners exam
A1 Movers, also known as Young Learners English: Movers, is the second step in a child's English Language learning journey, and it follows Pre-A1 Starters. Aligned with A1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), it is a great way to continue developing children’s linguistic skills around everyday written and spoken English. This fun and encouraging exam that helps build up confidence to progress towards A2 Flyers.
Why take A1 Movers?
Designed for school-aged children between the ages of 7 and 12, this exam helps to build up their confidence through familiar topics and situations, developing the skills needed to communicate in English and teaching them to:
• agree/disagree with someone and ask someone how they are and what they like doing, and answer similar questions
• give simple descriptions of objects, pictures and actions and answer questions about school activities
• understand simple written sentences and write simple sentences giving personal details
• understand simple stories with the help of pictures and write short sentences about what they like or dislike
• understand simple signs and notices and tell a very simple story with the help of pictures
At A1 Movers, there is no pass and fail. Each child receives a Cambridge English Certificate celebrating the exam's completion, building their confidence and rewarding them for the development of their English skills. A result of one shield means a child can improve a lot in that skill. Five shields mean that a child did very well in that skill and answered most questions correctly.
The back of the certificate shows how results align to the CEFR. If a child has achieved 4 or 5 shields in each skill, they are ready to start preparing for the next Cambridge English exam –– A2 Flyers.
What is the structure?
There are three parts: Listening, Reading and Writing, and Speaking. This last test is done with one examiner and one candidate.
Listening
- Duration: about 25 minutes
- Content: 5 parts with 25 questions
- Marks: Maximum of 5 shields
- Purpose: Listening for names and descriptions, Listening for names, spellings and other information, Listening for detailed information, Listening for words, colours and specific information
Reading and Writing
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Content: 6 parts with 35 questions
- Marks: Maximum of 5 shields
- Purpose: Reading short definitions and matching to words. Writing words, Reading a conversation. Choosing the correct responses, Reading for specific information and gist (the main idea of a text). Copying words, Reading and understanding a factual text. Simple grammar. Reading a story and completing sentences, Completing sentences, responding to questions and writing sentences about a picture
Speaking
- Duration: 5 to 7 minutes
- Content: 4 parts
- Marks: Maximum of 5 shields
- Purpose: Describing differences between pictures. Talking about colour, size, number, position, how people/things look, what people are doing, etc., Understanding the beginning of a story and then continuing it. Describing pictures, Suggesting a picture which is different and explaining why, Understanding and responding to personal questions
Feel free to browse our range of official preparation materials and also the Cambridge English free resources and samples.
Are you not sure if this exam is right for your child? Test their level.
How to enrol a child?
Any child can be enrolled individually directly through us, or they can take the test in their language school in case they're already taking English lessons. For more information on individual enrolments and special conditions for schools, please contact us. For confirmed exam dates, please visit our Exam Calendar.
How to assess your child's English level?
The Cambridge English Placement Test for Young Learners is an online diagnostic test designed for children between the ages of 6 and 12. It positions them at the correct English level in about 30 minutes. You can learn more about the diagnostic test by contacting us, or purchasing it directly here.