How are the vocabulary lists and pictures chosen?
A. Part of the appeal of these tests is that the same versions are used in over 60 countries, all over the world. They introduce children to the idea of taking an international test. For particular areas of vocabulary, such as food, a few items may be unfamiliar to some children in some countries. Where this occurs, the teacher should explain that different foods are eaten in different countries, and use pictures to make sure that the children recognise the unfamiliar items. Similarly, the pictures on which most of the test tasks are based cannot reflect the exact appearance of (for example) houses and clothes in every country where the tests are taken. Cambridge ESOL tries to make the pictures simple, clear and unambiguous, and to show an image of a ‘house’ that any child can recognise.
