EFC

English for Commerce (EFC)

The English for Commerce (EFC) examination tests the candidate's knowledge of business-related concepts and vocabulary using traditional written assignment formats. There are three levels and at the two higher levels there is an optional Oral Test which tests speaking and listening skills through discussion of a business-related topic. English for Commerce is offered on demand or timetabled at First, Second and Third Levels.

Overview of the English for Commerce Exams

First level

The First Level written examination takes 120 minutes and consists of 3 sections:

• Question 1
  To write about 200 words on any one of six topics. The subject matter will be of a general and commercial nature.
• Question 2
  To answer questions testing comprehension of a passage of about 300 words. The questions will require short written answers derived from the content of the passage.
• Question 3
  To write a letter of about 100 words based on given data. The subject of the letter will not be technical and the assignment will involve writing as a private individual or organisation to an organisation.

Second level

The Second Level written examination takes 150 minutes and consists of 3 sections:

• Question 1
  To write about 300 words on any one of 6 subjects connected with business or current affairs.
• Question 2
  To summarise a passage of about 400 words. The subject matter of the passage will concern current affairs or business.
• Question 3
  To write a letter of 120 – 150 words based on given data. The assignment will involve writing in an official capacity to an organisation concerning a straightforward business transaction.

Third level

The Third Level written examination takes 180 minutes and consists of 4 sections:

• Question 1
  To write 400 – 500 words on any one of 6 topics requiring some knowledge of commercial practice and procedure. Candidates may be asked to give their answers in the form of a report or memorandum.
• Question 2
  To answer questions testing comprehension of a passage connected with current affairs or commerce.
• Question 3
  To summarise a business passage of about 500 words in the candidate's own words.
• Question 4
  To write a letter as from an organisation to an individual concerning a specific transaction. This will involve some task such as giving an explanation of difficulties, requesting clarification, writing an apology etc. The necessary background information will be given.

Oral test

There is an optional oral test for English for Commerce Second and Third Level. Candidates whose mother tongue is not English are recommended to take the oral test in order to secure higher education recognition of their award.

At Second Level candidates are given 5 minutes private preparation time using a topic sheet provided by the examiner. This is followed by 2 minutes general conversation and 6 minutes conversation based on the topic.

At Third Level candidates are given 5 minutes private preparation time using a topic sheet provided by the examiner. This is followed by 2 minutes general conversation and 8 minutes conversation based on the topic.