Could you pass an English exam from 1913?

In 1913, the very first Cambridge English exam was taken by three teachers, and surprisingly, all of them failed. Fast forward to today, and this exam is now taken by over a million people every year! The Cambridge English exam has a long history, having been established by Cambridge University Press and Assessment, which has been providing exams since the 1850s. Dr Evelina Galaczi, who is the director of research at CUP&A, explains that the way we learn English has changed significantly over the years. In the past, the focus was mainly on grammar and translation, but now the emphasis is on using English for communication. This shift became especially important after World War II when English emerged as a global language. Dr Galaczi believes that learning English truly opens doors for individuals, allowing them to connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

The first Cambridge English exam was quite challenging, consisting of various papers that tested phonetics, grammar, and translation skills. Candidates had to complete the exam in a grueling 12-hour session. Dr Galaczi notes that the exam was originally designed for a small elite group of students who wanted to study English academically, similar to how Latin or Ancient Greek was studied. However, as the world changed, so did the exam. By the 1950s, there were requests to include translation questions in many languages, but the demand was not high enough to justify the costs, leading to the removal of these questions in the 1970s.

Today, the Cambridge English exam has evolved to meet the needs of various groups, including schools, higher education institutions, and businesses. More than 100 million people from 130 countries have taken these exams, which are recognized by over 25,000 organizations, including governments and universities. For instance, some universities in Germany and Sweden offer courses in English to attract international students, who must demonstrate their English proficiency to succeed in their studies. The exams are now also available online, and artificial intelligence is being used to create adaptive tests that adjust to the test-taker's skill level. Ian Cook, the marketing director for higher education at CUP&A, emphasizes that personalized teaching and testing lead to better outcomes for students. The goal is to help students feel confident and capable of showcasing their skills.