Vol/53 No/1 2014
FEBRUARY/MARCH The Linguist 15
FEATURES
Preparation is paramount and learners
should practise with past papers as
much as they can. A high quality of
both English and the other language is
required, so they also need to practise
their spelling and syntax.
The CBS handbook has useful
information and advice regarding the
criteria and exam. Candidates may be
given the opportunity to work, either in
a paid or unpaid position, as a bilingual
worker in order to gain experience. Such
activities enable learners to practise
and enhance their language skills.
Yacob Yonis, Head of French
A-level/CBS, The Manchester College
Is the CBS for you?
Ann Carlisle, Executive Director IoLET, gives
an overview of the exam and how to register
In an increasingly globalised world of work,
the ability to speak another language is
essential. Almost every young person
embarking on a career today will find
themselves working alongside other
language speakers here in the UK,
interfacing with customers/visitors who
speak another language, or spending a
period of time in a country where English is
not the main language.
The status and use of English as a global
language will mean that anyone with
competence in a foreign language will be
unlikely to use that language in a purely
monolingual, immersive environment.
Therefore the ability to work across
languages, transferring information from one
into the other, will be highly valued.
The Certificate in Bilingual Skills (CBS)
tests candidates in English and another
HIGH PRAISE
(Far left) Baroness Coussins and Ann
Carlisle (centre) pose with the prizewinners
holding their awards; and (left) CIOL
Chair of Council Keith Moffitt (centre)
and President Nick Bowen (r) thanked
Tim Connell (l) for his dedicated service
as Vice-President, as it was announced
that he was retiring from the role
Tips from a tutor
language in the key skills required of people
operating in a multilingual environment. As
an example, customer-facing roles typically
require these sorts of skills: interacting with
other language speakers (unit 1: transfer of
information); explaining orally in one
language the content of written materials in
another (units 2 and 3: sight translation); and
providing written translation of documents
from one language to another (units 4 and 5).
An A-level equivalent award, the CBS
establishes a benchmark of language
competence for schools and individuals
seeking recognition, and a route to
qualification for practical, cross-language
skills for the workplace.
For information on how to register, fees,
training centres and other details, see
www.iol.org.uk/qualifications/exams_cbs.asp.
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