English Exams Archives

B1 Test Preparation Centre

Tuesday, June 17th, 2014 at 9:32 pm  
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B1 Test Preparation Centre

Our ESOL/English Language  B1 / A1 English / Life in the UK Preparation course centre in the North of England welcomes people from all over the world who wish to become British citizens.  For UK citizenship you must pass the “Life in the UK Test” and the “English Speaking and Listening B1 Test” .

We have an English Laguage, B1 test prepartation centre in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. This is convenient for people from South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire including Leeds and Bradford, East Yorkshire including Hull, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

We teach people English as a matter of course at our centre so we are very experienced in looking after people from overseas. We can provide you with help and preparation. You can relax and know you will have the best chance of passing your exam in our exam preparation centre.

The test itself consists of a ten minute one-to-one interview with an official Trinity College Examiner. For the speaking part of the B1 test, you should prepare your own topic and be prepared to discuss it with the examiner for five minutes in English.

In addition to the candidate’s chosen discussion, the examiner also has another five minutes to talk about two chosen topics with you. The examiner can choose topics including events, festivals, means of transportation, entertainment, music or personal experiences.

At our A1, A2 and B1 test preparation centre we will go through with you how the examiner will want to make sure you can respond appropriately to questions, can clarify your statements and perform the required language functions. This means you must be able to talk in future tenses, provide opinions, discusses UK events and also state the reasons for your preferences. You must also show that you can use correct grammar and express yourself well through use of vocabulary.

You will find the examiner friendly and helpful however you still need to prepare for your test. We can give you assistance in this before your exam so please ask for details. In addition you can have your own practice with friends or family. there are also some useful publications and guides to assist you.

You will find more information about the B1 test here.Also watch this video of a B1 test.

You will find details of our B1 test preparation centre here to book your test and  preparation if you require it.

GESE Exam Format Grades 1 – 6

Saturday, May 17th, 2014 at 3:57 am  
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GESE Exam Format and Procedure

GESE Exam format Grades 4, 5 and 6

The exam at each grade consists of the following:
● greetings and setting at ease
● discussion of a prepared topic
● conversation on two subject area
● end of conversation and leave taking.

Exam procedure for GESE Grades 4, 5 and 6
● The examiner begins by greeting the candidate, trying to set him or her at ease and asking to see the candidate’s identification for Grade 5 and above.
● The examiner asks the candidate for the Topic form and the candidate tells the examiner what he or she is going to talk about.
● During the Topic phase, the examiner randomly selects one of the discussion points on the Topic form and asks the candidate questions and makes comments to facilitate a spontaneous discussion about the prepared topic. This continues until at least four points on the Topic form have been
covered. During the Topic phase, the candidate asks the examiner at least one question related to the topic. This phase lasts up to five minutes.
● The examiner then closes this phase of the exam and moves on to the conversation.
● During the Conversation phase, the examiner selects one of the subject areas listed for the grade and engages the candidate in genuine conversation. This is repeated with a second subject area chosen by the examiner. During the conversation the candidate gives information, makes statements and responds as appropriate. In addition, at Grade 5 the candidate must ask the examiner at least one question related to the subject areas being discussed and at Grade 6 the candidate must ask at least two questions. This phase lasts up to five minutes.
● The examiner brings the conversation and the exam to an end.

GESE Grade 5 Requirements by the British Home Office

Speaking & Listening exams at B1 entry 3 level are needed when you are applying for UK Citizenship along with the Life in the UK test. This is the Trinity College London GESE grade 5 Speaking & Listening exam.

GESE Exam format for Grades 1, 2 and 3

The exam at each grade consists of the following:
● greetings and setting at ease
● discussion of a prepared topic
● conversation
● end of conversation and leave taking.

GESE Exam procedure for Grades 1, 2 and 3

● The examiner begins by greeting the candidate and trying to set him or her at ease.
● The conversation is then initiated by the examiner who gives the candidate the opportunity to demonstrate both through speech and actions the range of language required at this stage.
● During the conversation, the candidate is required to display understanding through gesture and simple actions, such as moving around the room or pointing to specific objects, and by giving short responses using the language of the grade.
● At Grades 2 and 3, the candidate asks the examiner at least one simple question during the exam.
● Examiners select their own materials appropriate to the age and maturity of the candidate. These could include everyday objects and pictures which can be used to engage the candidate’s interest, elicit the language of the grade and encourage the conversation to develop. The examiner may also refer to the immediate surroundings of the exam room, school or centre.
● The examiner brings the conversation to an end by thanking the candidate and saying goodbye.
The candidate is expected to say goodbye.

GESE Assessment
At the Initial stage, the examiner assesses the candidate’s performance by awarding a letter grade
A, B, C or D. These levels can be classified as follows:
● A — Distinction (reflects an excellent performance)
● B — Merit (reflects a good performance)
● C — Pass (reflects a satisfactory performance)
● D — Fail (reflects an unsatisfactory performance).
The examiner completes an individual Exam report form immediately after the exam. The Exam report form provides an indication of the result of the exam and identifies key areas for improvement. The final result is confirmed by the issue of a certificate (or otherwise) within a specified period after the exam.

Candidates are expected to demonstrate their ability to use the communicative skills, language functions and language items listed for the grade (and for the previous grades where applicable).

Therefore, those responsible for preparing candidates for the exam should ensure that the candidates are completely familiar with the language items, understand their meaning and can use them accurately and appropriately.

● At Grade 1, candidates are expected to answer the examiner’s questions with very short, mostly
one or two word responses as well as with gestures and actions.
● At Grade 2, it is acceptable for candidates to answer the examiner’s questions with a few words, very short responses or full sentences. Candidates are expected to provide simple descriptions of people and objects using basic phrases and sentences. In the exam candidates are required to ask the examiner at least one very simple question about personal details.
● At Grade 3, candidates are expected to link groups of words with simple connectors, e.g. ‘My brother’s tall and he’s got black hair’. In the exam candidates are required to ask the examiner at least one simple question about everyday life.

GESE Exam Guidance
● At the Initial stage, questions and answers play an important part in the conversation, but the examiner aims to enable the candidate to participate in a genuine two-way exchange within the linguistic limits set.
● The examiner will speak slowly and clearly throughout and will allow the candidate time to process what is heard and formulate a response.
● The examiner will provide support in the form of repetition and rephrasing.
● Candidates should ask for repetition of anything they have not heard clearly or understood. Simple phrases such as ‘Can you repeat that, please?’ or ‘Sorry?’ are ideal for this purpose. However, overuse of such phrases will be taken as an indication that the candidate is having persistent difficulty understanding the examiner and this will affect the assessment.

GESE Grade 2 Requirements by the British Home Office

If  you are applying for a Spouse / Partner Visa you will need GESE Grade 2 Speaking & Listening A1 / ESOL Entry 1. This is suitable for Spouse and Partner Visas on FLR (M) and suitable for Parents of Dependents FLR (O). The exam must be taken at a SELT Test Centre. We can help with exam preparation before you take your test at your chosen SELT centre.

 

Trinity College GESE Grade 5, 6, and 4

Wednesday, May 14th, 2014 at 9:50 pm  
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GESE Grades 4–6 (A2.2–B1.2 CEFR) Elementary Stage

This includes B1 Speaking and Listening GESE Grade 5 ESOL Entry level 3 /B1 test level on the CEFR which is approved by the Home Office for use in Settlement/ILR and Naturalisation applications made on or after 28th October 2013.

Introduction to the Speaking and Listening GESE Elementary stage

Candidate profile
By the end of the Elementary stage, the candidate can:
● understand the main points of clear speech on familiar matters
● enter into conversation, express personal opinions and exchange information on familiar
subjects of personal interest or related to everyday life
● demonstrate a sufficient range of language to describe experiences and events and give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
This profile is based on the level Independent User, B1 test level, in the Common European Framework of Reference.

Trinity College B1 Speaking and Listening Test GESE Exam format

The exam at each grade consists of the following:
● greetings and setting at ease
● discussion of a prepared topic
● conversation on two subject areas
● end of conversation and leave taking.

B1 Speaking and Listening Test GESE Exam procedure

● The examiner begins by greeting the candidate, trying to set him or her at ease and asking to see the candidate’s identification (for Grade 5 and above).
● The examiner asks the candidate for the Topic form and the candidate tells the examiner what he or she is going to talk about.
● During the Topic phase, the examiner randomly selects one of the discussion points on the Topic form and asks the candidate questions and makes comments to facilitate a spontaneous discussion about the prepared topic. This continues until at least four points on the Topic form have been covered. During the Topic phase, the candidate asks the examiner at least one question related to the topic. This phase lasts up to five minutes.
● The examiner then closes this phase of the exam and moves on to the conversation.
● During the Conversation phase, the examiner selects one of the subject areas listed for the grade and engages the candidate in genuine conversation. This is repeated with a second subject area chosen by the examiner. During the conversation the candidate gives information, makes statements and responds as appropriate.

In addition, at Grade 5 the candidate must ask the examiner at least one question related to the subject areas being discussed and at Grade 6 the candidate must ask at least two questions. This phase lasts up to five minutes.
● The examiner brings the conversation and the exam to an end.

Sample exams at the Elementary stage GESE Grade 4, Grade 5 and Grade 6 can be found here on the Trinity College website.

If you are taking the B1 Speaking and Listening Test/GESE grade 5 exam then for practice you should take a particular look at the videos for GESE Grade 5 candidate Serafim and  Srija and see their marks noting how these were arrived at.

B1 Speaking and Listening Test GESE Elementary Stage Guidance

Discussion of a prepared topic

The purpose of the Topic phase is to give candidates the opportunity to display their command of the language of the grade while talking about self-selected and personally relevant topics.
● When choosing the topic for discussion, candidates should prepare the topic on a subject they are personally interested in, knowledgeable about and able to discuss with the examiner.
● Please note the topic should not be chosen directly from the list of subject areas for the Conversation phase. Instead, candidates should be strongly encouraged to prepare a personalised topic. This is to enable candidates to show a wide range of language throughout the exam.
● The personal aspect is an important feature of all Trinity exams. Therefore, candidates should be discouraged from selecting the same topic as their peers. Teachers should ensure that if groups of learners do decide to use the same topic, e.g. football, every effort is made to personalise the content.
● The topic should provide candidates with the opportunity to demonstrate the language requirements of the grade. Therefore, candidates should be encouraged to incorporate language items of the grade into their contributions.
●When preparing the topic candidates are advised to think carefully about the amount of material necessary for their topic, bearing in mind the time available. They should prepare enough material to sustain a discussion of the topic for up to five minutes, but not more.
● Candidates must not prepare their topic as a written script, as this will inevitably lead to a memorised recitation and result in the candidate not being prepared to use spontaneous spoken English. Recitation will have a negative effect on the assessment of this phase.
● In preparing their topic, candidates are advised to anticipate questions the examiner might ask. They should be prepared to give further examples, explanations and clarifications as requested by the examiner.
● Before the exam, the candidate must complete the Topic form and bring it to the exam room. The Topic form is designed to help promote a spontaneous discussion which must not include or rely on a memorised recitation.
● The candidate must complete the Topic form with the required number of points for discussion (four discussion points for Grade 4, five for Grade 5, six for Grade 6). One short sentence or phrase will suffice for each point. The candidate should prepare enough material about these points to sustain a discussion of up to five minutes, but no more.
● At all Elementary grades, the examiner will ask the candidate to talk about at least four of the discussion points on the Topic form.
● The examiner will refer to the discussion points on the Topic form in no particular order. Therefore, all of the points should be thematic and provide an opportunity for discussing different aspects of the topic. Topic forms must not include such general points as ‘Introduction’, or ‘What I did next…’.
● The Topic form can be written by a person other than the candidate as written skills in English are not being assessed in these exams. However, the content of the form should have originated from the candidate.
● As the Topic form is crucial for the execution of this phase, the phase will not take place if the information contained on the form is not made available to the examiner.
● It is a requirement of the exam that candidates ask the examiner relevant and appropriate questions throughout the Topic phase.
● At all Elementary grades, the candidate must ask the examiner at least one question about the topic.
● Candidates may bring pictures, photos, diagrams or other useful objects into the exam room to illustrate the topic and aid the discussion with the examiner. However, live animals or dangerous objects such as knives must not be brought into the exam room.
● Please note a candidate who fails to prepare a topic for discussion cannot be assessed for Task fulfilment for this phase. The phase will be voided and this will result in a fail being awarded for the exam as a whole.

The Conversation phase

The purpose of the Conversation phase is to give candidates the opportunity to participate in a genuine and interesting exchange of information, ideas and opinions, while demonstrating their ability to use the language of the grade.
● The Conversation phase consists of a discussion of two of the subject areas listed for the relevant grade. Although the examiner will only select two of the subject areas listed, candidates need to be prepared to talk about all of them.
● Candidates are encouraged to contribute as much as they can to the conversation and make every effort to show the examiner the range and quality of the language required for the particular grade.
● Candidates must not memorise or recite responses to the examiner’s questions as this will lead to the candidate being unable to take part in a genuine conversation with the examiner.
● At each grade, candidates are expected to use the communicative skills, language functions and language items listed for the grade and for the previous grades. Therefore, those responsible for preparing candidates for the exams should ensure that candidates are completely familiar with the
language items, understand their meaning and can use them accurately and appropriately.
● At GESE Grade 5, for the B1 Speaking and Listening Test, candidates are required to ask the examiner at least one question related to the subject areas in this phase.
● At GESE Grade 6, candidates are required to ask the examiner at least two questions related to the subject areas in this phase.

GESE Grade 4, 5 and 6 Assessment

At the Elementary stage, the examiner assesses the candidate’s performance by awarding a letter grade A, B, C or D for Task fulfilment for the Topic and Conversation phases. In simple terms, these
levels can be classified as follows:
● A — Distinction (reflects an excellent performance)
● B — Merit (reflects a good performance)
● C — Pass (reflects a satisfactory performance)
● D — Fail (reflects an unsatisfactory performance).
The combination of the two letter grades, i.e. the one awarded for the topic and the one awarded for the conversation provides the overall level of achievement.

The Trinity College examiner completes an individual Exam report form immediately after the exam. The Exam report form provides an indication of the result of the exam and identifies key areas for improvement. The final result is confirmed by the issue of a certificate (or otherwise) by Trinity within a specified period after the GESE exam.

At our ESOL  centre you can prepare for the UKBA accepted, Speaking & Listening exam at B1 entry 3 level which you need when you make an application for UK Citizenship. You will also need the Life in the UK test. This is the Trinity College London GESE grade 5 Speaking & Listening exam/B1 test.

GESE Grade 2 A1 Test CEFR Exam Guidance

Sunday, May 11th, 2014 at 3:39 am  
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GESE Grade 2 A1 CEFR Exam format

Total exam time: 6 minutes
The exam consists of one assessed phase:
● Conversation with the examiner (up to 6 minutes).
Candidate performance
In addition to the items listed for the previous grade, the candidate is expected to demonstrate the following communicative skills and meet the language requirements listed below during the exam.

Communicative skills
● Understand short, simple questions, requests and statements
● Respond with appropriate actions and positive and negative short form answers
● Contribute to the conversation using memorised phrases and short statements
● Use a basic range of words and simple phrases related to personal details and situations
●Ask for very basic personal information, e.g. about possessions

GESE Grade 2 Language requirements

Language functions
● Indicating the position of people and objects
● Describing people, animals, objects and places very simply
● Stating simple facts
● Informing about possessions
● Asking very simple questions about personal details

Grammar

The candidate is expected to demonstrate the ability to understand:
● Present simple tense questions
● Question words who? when?
●Present continuous tense questions
● Determiners some, any

The candidate is expected to demonstrate the ability to understand and use:
● Present simple tense
● There is/are and has/have got/have you got? Do you have?
● Question words where? how?
● Prepositions of place in, on, under, between, next to
● Determiners their, its
● Possessive pronouns mine, yours, his, hers
● Yes/no answers to present continuous tense questions

Lexis
The candidate is expected to demonstrate the ability to understand and use vocabulary related to:
● Rooms in the home
● Household objects
● Family and friends
● Pets
● Possessions
● Days of the week and months of the year
● Cardinal numbers up to 50
● Words and phrases relating to the language functions listed above

Phonology
● The correct pronunciation of words relevant to the lexical areas listed above
● Basic intonation patterns for simple questions
● Contractions, e.g. I’ve, I’m, he’s

Grade 2 communicative skills and language requirements have been mapped to A1 in the CEFR.

If you are applying for a Spouse / Partner Visa you will need Speaking & Listening A1 / ESOL Entry 1. This exam is suitable for Spouse and Partner Visas on FLR (M) and suitable for Parents of Dependents FLR (O). You will need to take this A1 test at a registered SELT centre for this purpose. We can help you prepare for your A1 and A2 exam. Please contact us for details.

You can find  GESE Grade 2 / A1 / A2 Test and preparation here

GESE Grade 5 B1 CEFR Exam

Monday, May 5th, 2014 at 9:57 am  
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GESE Grade 5 B1 CEFR / ESOL Entry Level 3 English Exam for Settlement / ILR

Trinity College London International ESOL Examinations – GESE

On this page you will find information on Trinity’s Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE), especially Grade 5 as regulated by OFQUAL.

GESE Grade 5 ESOL Entry level 3 /B1 on the CEFR is approved by the Home Office for use in Settlement/ILR and Naturalisation applications made on or after 28th October 2013.
This exam has 2 phases, each of these phases takes up to 5 minutes each:

• Phase 1 – Discussion of a prepared topic (up to 5 mins)

The Topic phase gives candidates the opportunity to display their level of the language while talking about self-selected and personal topics. When choosing the topic for discussion, candidates should prepare the topic on a subject they are personally interested in, knowledgeable about and able to discuss with the examiner for up to 5 minutes.

Before your examination you must complete a ‘Topic form’ which you will present to the examiner when you enter the examination room. The examiner uses the information on the Topic form to help initiate and develop a discussion about your chosen topic area. It is designed to encourage spontaneous discussion so you should not try to memorise what you are going to say.

You can download blank Topic forms by clicking here for the Trinity website.  If you are entering for GESE Grade 5 ensure you choose the topic form for GESE Grade 5.
In the Topic phase
• Show understanding of the examiner by responding appropriately to questions
• Give information about the prepared topic in a series of linked long turns about the five discussion points on the Topic form
• Answer questions on the prepared topic, and participate in an informal discussion of the topic, during which the examiner will request more information, facts or details
• Respond to requests for clarification and give reasons for making particular statements
• Ask the examiner at least one question about the topic area
• Where appropriate, make use of the language requirements shown below.

• Phase 2 – Conversation on two subject areas (up to 5 mins)

The examiner will then move onto the next stage of the interview, which is a conversation on two topics selected by the examiner. This phase gives candidates the chance to have a real and interesting exchange of information, ideas and opinions, while showing their ability to use the language of the grade.

The Conversation phase for GESE grade 5 consists of a discussion of two of the subject areas listed for your grade. Although the examiner will only select two of the subject areas listed below, candidates need to be prepared to talk about all of them.
• Festivals
• Means of transport
• Special occasions, e.g. birthday celebrations
• Entertainment, e.g. cinema, television, clubs
• Music
• Recent personal experiences
Please note: you should NOT select your own topic from the list of subject areas above. Your own topic should be specific and personal to you, rather than a general subject area such as those contained in this list.
In addition to the items listed for the previous grades (1-4), the candidate is expected to demonstrate the following communicative skills and meet the language requirements: For both phases, discussion of a prepared topic and conversation on 2 subject areas, you should make use of the language requirements as listed below:

Language requirements for GESE Grade 5

Language functions

● Talking about the future — informing and predicting
● Expressing preferences
● Talking about events in the indefinite and recent past
● Giving reasons
● Stating the duration of events
● Quantifying

Grammar

● Present perfect tense including use with for, since, ever, never, just
● Connecting clauses using because
● Will referring to the future for informing and predicting
● Adjectives and adverbials of quantity, e.g. a lot (of), not very much, many
● Expressions of preference, e.g. I prefer, I’d rather

Lexis

● Vocabulary specific to the topic area
● Vocabulary specific to the subject areas
● Expressions relating to past and future time, e.g. two days ago, in the future
● Phrases and expressions relating to the language functions listed above
Phonology
● The correct pronunciation of vocabulary specific to the topic and subject areas
● The combination of weak forms and contractions, e.g. I’ve been to…
● Avoidance of speech patterns of recitation

In the Conversation phase

• Show understanding of the examiner by responding appropriately to questions
• Respond to requests for clarification and give reasons for making particular statements
• Ask the examiner at least one question about a subject area
• Where appropriate, make use of the language requirements listed above

To prepare for GESE Grade 5 Click on ‘Gd5 Serafim’ and ‘Gd5 Srija’ to watch a video of a candidate taking this exam

After you have watched the video then read the ‘Trinity marks for the grade 4-6 candidates’ to see the examiner’s score given for the candidate and why.
• Please see the summary of language requirements for each grade which outline the language functions, grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation expected at each level.
Remember that GESE Grade 5 ESOL Entry 3 / B1 on the CEFR is approved by the Home Office for use in Settlement/ILR and Naturalisation applications on or after 28th October 2013.)
The Conversation phase is a meaningful and authentic exchange of information, ideas and opinions, rather than a formal ‘question and answer’ interview.

The Topic

Before the exam the candidate prepares a topic of his or her own choice and in the exam this is used as a basis for the discussion. Trinity College’s philosophy is that candidates should be given every opportunity to demonstrate to the examiner what they can do in English. This includes giving them the opportunity to talk about a topic which is of personal interest to them and which they feel confident talking about. Candidate choice is important and in selecting their own topic candidates have a degree of autonomy and control over this phase of the exam. The topic provides the candidate with the opportunity to show they can link sentences together to talk about a subject at some length. This phase gives the candidate the opportunity to use the communicative skills, language functions and language items of the grade.

 

The Interactive task

●An initial prompt from the examiner gives rise to an interaction controlled and maintained by the candidate.
●All the exam phases are ‘interactive’, but this is the phase in which the candidate’s own initiating skills are of paramount importance in determining the successful outcome of the task.
●The Interactive task provides the opportunity for the candidate to demonstrate his or her ability to take control through the use of questioning techniques and language functions associated with
requesting information, seeking clarification and encouraging further detail.
●At the Intermediate stage, candidates start to demonstrate their independence as users of English. This autonomy is further developed at the Advanced stage.

The Interactive task requires the candidate to initiate ‘turns’ in the conversation and control the direction of the interaction. This phase requires an authentic exchange of information and opinions, with the language functions listed at each grade arising naturally out of the task.

By the end of the Elementary stage, the candidate can:
●understand the main points of clear speech on familiar matters
●enter into conversation, express personal opinions and exchange information on familiar subjects of personal interest or related to everyday life
●demonstrate a sufficient range of language to describe experiences and events and give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

This profile is based on the level Independent User, B1 Test level, in the Common European Framework of Reference.

For help in GESE exam preparation or to book your GESE Grade 5 B1 CEFR Exam or GESE Grade 2 A1 CEFR Exam click here

 

English Test for UK Citizenship

Friday, May 2nd, 2014 at 10:51 pm  
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The Immigration Ministry recently passed a new requirement for potential immigrants to the United Kingdom: now, applicants must pass an English test for UK citizenship, in addition to the previously existing “Life in the UK test.” There are certain exceptions, however: people over the age of 65, with mental disorders that cause significant language issues, those immigrating from a primarily English-speaking nation, and those who can prove an education in English with an appropriate degree are exempt from the English language requirement and tests. Note also that the English language requirement only applies to citizenship applications: certain residency applications, including those of refugees and related persons, are exempt from having to take the test.

For everyone else, there are a number of different potential versions of the English test for UK citizenship, which are administered at various testing centres throughout the British Isles. The applicant has the freedom to choose which test they wish to take prior to arriving at the testing centre for a particular exam, with many preferring the Trinity College GESE Grade 5 exam for English as a Second Language this is the B1 Speaking/Listening test set by the CEFR. Other tests are available, however, including those catering to the business and science fields.

Those taking the test in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will not be required to supply any paperwork beyond basic identification. Requirements are slightly higher in Scotland, which also requires a slightly more advanced proficiency in English compared to the rest of the United Kingdom. This is expected to change in the coming years, however, with Scotland expected to join the same English exam standard as the rest of the U.K. by 2015. The “Life in the U.K. Test’s” paperwork requirements have been similarly lessened, although the overall paperwork requirements for the citizenship application can still be challenging for some people. However help is always available from sources such as English language teaching centres and immigration solicitors.

Overall, the new English Test for UK Citizenship is not expected to have a significant effect on the number of new British citizens per year: the lower-level tests for English proficiency do not require a level of proficiency significantly higher than the already-required “Life in the U.K.” test. It may, however, bar a number of potential new Scottish citizens, due to that nation’s previously mentioned higher language and identification requirement until they can fulfill requirements.

B1 Speaking and Listening Test for UK Citizenship

Thursday, May 1st, 2014 at 3:35 am  
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B1 Speaking and Listening Test for UK Citizenship

Everyone wishes to live a better life and with this positive thought in mind, many people want to apply for  British citizenship because the UK is the place where many people believe they can make their dreams come true.  Perhaps they wish come to the UK  to gain a degree in one of the best universities in the world. Maybe they want to come here to get a respected job and settle down permanently. Some may want to marry and have a family here. There are a variety of good reasons to settle in the UK.

But from October 2013, the government officials have changed some of the rules for  applicants for Citizenship. From now on, as well as passing the Life in the UK test to show their knowledge of British customs, traditions and way of life, everyone also has to meet set guidelines to show that they understand the language. One way of doing this is to pass the  B1Speaking and listening test for UK citizenship.
A good reason for changing the rules for applicants is so that they could show that they can communicate effectively and thus be better placed to achieve their desired position in the British community and  therefore find that coming to the UK was a good choice for them. It means they will be able to positively contribute to the community and this is a good outcome for all concerned.
What is the B1 Speaking and Listening Test for UK Citizenship? The said test is a guideline to make sure that all those applicants who have been approved by the visa officials, are well able to converse in the English language as spoken in UK.

Passing the B1 Speaking and Listening Test for UK Citizenship:

If a person has not already taken the speaking and listening test for UK citizenship then it is essential for him or her to take it before applying for their visa. The applicant should pass the test with B1 or higher score set by CEFR that stands for Common European Framework of Reference. Or, he/she may have an equivalent level of education in place of the test.

Applicants from Countries that are Free from the B1 Speaking and Listening Test Conditions:

However the condition of passing the Speaking and listening test for UK citizenship, is not essential for some applicants that belongs to a country where English is the official language. But other applicants do need to pass the test in order to enter in UK and live like a normal citizen there.

The countries that are exempted from the B1 test are Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and USA.

Other Applicants that are Free from Passing B1 Speaking and Listening Tests:

The UK Government has set the English language test conditions for almost all applicants who want to come to UK and settle here permanently. But there are some groups of people who do not need to pass the test. These fall into the categories described below:
• If the applicant is younger than 18 years of age or older than 65 years of age then he/she does not need to take the test.
• If the applicant has learning difficulties and is having an issue learning the English language then he or she may skip the test. But the problem should be valid otherwise he/she must take the test.
• If the applicant is the spouse (either husband or wife or civil partner) of a UK resident who is a victim of domestic violence or has died then they may skip the test.
• Those applicants who are under humanitarian protection act or are refugees in UK may also skip the test if they want to.
• Those applicants who are also asylum seekers and have a DL (Discretionary Leave) to remain in the country may also skip the B1 speaking and listening test for UK citizenship.

If you are applying for UK citizenship and need to take the B1 speaking and listening test you can prepare for it here at our English exam centre. You can also get help with Functional Skills English and Maths along with preparation for other English exams.

B1 Speaking and Listening Test

Thursday, April 17th, 2014 at 9:53 pm  
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B1 Speaking and Listening Test

The B1 speaking and listening test takes the form of a one-to-one interview with the examiner. The exam aims to replicate everyday real-life exchanges in which the candidate and the examiner converse, pass on information, share ideas and opinions and talk about topical issues.

The B1 test consists of the following:

  • greetings and setting at ease
  • Topic
  • Conversation
  • end of conversation and leave taking.

The B1 speaking and listening test requires all candidates to complete two tasks.

1.   Topic

Discussion of a prepared topic.The topic part of the test takes approximately 5 minutes.

The candidate is required to prepare a topic of his or her own choice.  The examiner directs the discussion using the points prepared by the candidate. Candidates should therefore prepare a topic for discussion. For example you could choose one of the following:

  1. Hobbies
  2. Holidays
  3. Career
  4. Home country

Communication Skills for B1 Test

The following skills are looked for by the examiner for the B1 test

  • Show understanding of the examiner by responding appropriately to questions.
  • Give information about the prepared topic in a series of linked long turns about the five discussion points on the Topic form.
  • Answer questions on the prepared topic, and participate in an informal discussion of the topic, during which the examiner will request more information, fact and details.
  • Respond to requests for clarification and give reasons for making particular statements.
  • Ask the examiner at least one question about the topic area.
  • Take the opportunity provided to use the language functions and language items listed below, where appropriate.Language Requirements

This applies to Part 1 – TOPIC and also to Part 2 – CONVERSATION

Language Functions

Language functions tested for B1 are:

  1. Talking about the future – informing and predicting
  2. Expressing preference
  3. Talking about events in the indefinite and recent past
  4. Giving reasons
  5. Stating the duration of events
  6. Quantifying

 Grammar

Grammar tested for B1 includes:

  1. Present perfect tense including use of for, since, ever, never, just
  2. Connecting clauses using because
  3. Will referring to the future for informing and predicting
  4. Adjectives and adverbials of quantity e.g. a lot (of), not very much, many
  5. Expressions of preference e.g. I prefer, I’d rather

Lexis

Lexis tested for B1 includes:

  1. Vocabulary specific to the topic area
  2. Vocabulary specific to the subject areas
  3. Expressions relating to past and future time e.g. two days ago, in the future
  4. Phrases and expressions relating to the language functions listed above

Phonology

Phonology tested for B1 includes:

  1. The correct pronunciation of vocabulary specific to the topic and subject areas
  2. The combination of weak forms and contractions e.g. I’ve been to…
  3. Avoidance of speech patterns of recitation

2.   Conversation

Then the examiner moves on to the Conversation phase, selecting two subject areas for  conversation and discussion from the list provided. This part of the B1 test takes approximately 5 minutes

The examiner selects 2 subject areas for discussion from the list below;

  1. Festivals
  2. Means of transport
  3. Special occasions e.g. birthdays, weddings
  4. Entertainment e.g. cinema, television 
  5. Music
  6. Recent personal experiences

Communication Skills

You, the candidate,  will be required to:

  • Show understanding of the examiner by responding appropriately to questions
  • Respond to requests for clarification and give reasons for making particular statements
  • Ask the examiner at least one question about the subject area

B1 Test Centres

The B1 Speaking and Listening Test is accepted by the Home Office for Settlement / Indefinite Leave to Remain and British Naturalisation applications.

To  find out more about the B1 Test at our “preparing for B1 test centre” please contact us

B1 Speaking and Listening Exam Tips and Advice

Thursday, April 17th, 2014 at 12:06 am  
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B1 Speaking & Listening Test Exam – Tips and Advice

The Trinity College London B1 Speaking & Listening exam which consists of a ten minute one-to-one interview. This English Language Test – Speaking & Listening test at B1 entry 3 level is required  for applicants for UK Citizenship. You also need to pass the Life in the UK test.

B1 Speaking Test Tips

First of all always try to relax and be yourself – be natural – this makes speaking easier.  Your Examiner will  want you to do your best. They will not try to make your test difficult for you.

Do not learn passages and speeches off by heart to try to say them word-for-word in the interview. It is difficult to do this and also sound natural. Your examiner  will spot it easily if you learn something word-for-word..

When you describe something, do not worry about telling every single visible detail. this is a speaking test not an observation test.  Just speak in general terms about whatever it is and how say it affects you personally.

It is good to practice and prepare your answers to common questions and make them personal to you. This gives examiners a good idea of your level of language, and your ability to talk about your past, present and future experiences. So practice but don’t expect to repeat something off by heart as it will rarely fit the exact question.

 B1 Listening Test Tips

Examiners may give information that sounds correct, but is not quite right. Remember that being nearly correct is not the same thing as being correct.  Modal verbs and adverbs are often used to give inaccurate information. It must be one hundred per cent correct to be right.

Listening exams often have inaccurate information that sounds quite similar to the correct answer. Sometimes the information given might match one of the answers, however it does not quite fit the question. For example: the examiner is talking about last year, but the question asks about next year. The correct information usually, but not always, follows afterwards.

There are B1 Speaking and Listening Test exam dates and preparation courses throughout the year

We hold regular B1 exam preparation classes for the speaking and listening test throughout the year. You can let us know the city or town and the date when you wish to take your B1 exam by clicking here.

We can give you  B1 test preparation and practice if you wish.

The B1 Speaking and Listening Test GESE Grade 5 is accepted by the British Home Office for Settlement / ILR / Naturalisation applications.

Life in the UK Test

Tuesday, April 15th, 2014 at 11:00 pm  
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If you are applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (IDR) or UK Citizenship and British Naturalisation you will normally need to pass the Life in the UK test. This test is carried out to check your knowledge of British customs and traditions. If your age is under 18 years or over 65 years then you are exempt from taking this test.

The Life in the UK test cost is currently £50 and you can sit for the test in any one of the 60 approved test centres across the UK. You can find out the nearest Life in the UK test centre when you book for your test  on the Home Office website.

The test consists of 24 questions based on the Life in the UK handbook. You have to score at least 18 or more to pass the test. The test can take up to 45 minutes. To prepare for the test you can buy the official book Life in the United Kingdom: a guide for new residents

You will need one of the following documents to book your test

•Passport – even if it is out of date

•UK photocard driving licence – full or provisional

•Convention Travel Document (CTD), Certificate of Identity Document (CID) or Stateless Person Document (SPD)

•EU identity card

•Immigration status document endorsed with a UK residence permit on a passport and with a photo – even if it is out of date

•Biometric residence permit

You also need to take original proof of your address to the test centre on the day of your test.

For further information phone the “Life in the UK Test” Helpline on 0800 015 4245 (Mon-Fri, 8am to 6pm)

In addition to the Life in the UK test you will also need to pass Speaking & Listening B1. We can help you register today at our official exam preparation centre for The Trinity College London GESE grade 5 Speaking & Listening exam at B1. This is currently accepted by the British Home Office and UK Border Agency.

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