Blurb:

Chapter 1 examines how the British Council formed a close association with Cambridge English in the 20th century and helped it become the leading global provider of EFL examinations during the lifetime of their joint agreement 1941-1993. As well as promoting and administering Cambridge English language examinations in its centres abroad, the British Council, through its wealth of experience of ELT globally, provided professional input into the research and development of these examinations and was itself largely responsible for bringing into being one particular Cambridge English language examination, viz the Diploma in English. In exploring the development of the partnership established with Cambridge by the 1941 joint agreement, we clarify the British Council’s role in building soft power for Britain by spreading British influence around the globe through its promotion of the English language and English language examinations.