The English Tests for Young Learners are designed to assess the English of primary learners between the ages of 7 and 12. The tests aim to sample relevant and meaningful language use, measure ability accurately and fairly, present a positive impression of international tests, and promote and encourage effective learning and teaching. All three components are attractively illustrated in full-colour. As the highest level test Flyers is roughly equivalent in language level to the KET, it can serve as an appropriate bridge to the KET or a step leading to PET, as learners move into adolescence.
Texts are short and constrained by a specified set of words and structures.
Candidates perform simple operations such as selecting and ticking, writing words and phrases in gaps, or answering open-ended questions. As with the Reading and Writing paper, texts are limited in the language assessed to what is specified in the test specifications. Candidates listen to short recorded dialogues involving both child and adult speakers, and perform simple operations such as drawing lines, selecting, matching and colouring. Children perform various activities in response to prompts from the examiner using visual stimuli, and give simple information about themselves. There is no pass or fail.