Archive for 'B1 exam'

UK Home Office Approved English Test

Saturday, July 19th, 2014 at 7:57 pm  
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News from Trinity College London:

A number of adjustments to the UK Immigration Rules have recently been announced by Immigration Minister James Brokenshire.

This announcement does not affect Trinity’s GESE and ISE exams, which remain on the UK Home Office list of approved English Language Tests. Please be aware that these exams can only be taken in a Registered Trinity SELT centre if being used for UK visa purposes.

The changes in the Immigration Rules, as described in sections 2.1 and 7.15 from the Statement of Changes, relate to Trinity’s ESOL Skills for Life exams only, and are effective from 1 August 2014.

For full details, please consult the Statement of Changes document on www.gov.uk website.

We are pleased to inform you that if you are applying for citizenship and settlement you can still, at the time of writing, prove this by having: an English qualification at B1 level e.g. GESE Grade 5. Book preparation for your GESE Grade 5 B1 test today in the North of England using this website.

B1 Test for UK Citizenship

Sunday, June 15th, 2014 at 9:30 pm  
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The B1 Test for UK Citizenship

Becoming a British citizen is the dream of thousands of immigrants every year. To become a UK citizen, individuals must fulfill the naturalization or testing requirements. An individual may apply for citizenship through naturalization if he or she is over 18, has sound mind, has good character, intends on continuing to live in the UK and displays knowledge of English and has passed the Life in the UK test requirements.

B1 Testing Requirements

In June 2012, the UK implemented new standards that citizenship applicants must achieve. Those pursuing citizenship through Indefinite Leave to Remain or the Naturalization as a British Citizen route must pass the “Life in the UK Test” and “English Speaking and Listening Test” at the B1 level or above. The B1 level is an intermediate level.

Preparing a Topic for the B1 English test

For the speaking component of the test, a candidate must prepare his or her own topic to discuss for five minutes. The topics that a candidate may choose include hobbies, career, holidays and home country. The examiner will discuss the prepared topic with the candidate in English. He or she seeks to make sure that the candidate responds appropriately to questions, clarifies his or her statements and performs the required language functions. The examiner will make sure that the individual is able to talk in future tenses, provides opinions, discusses UK events and also states the reasons for his or her preferences. The candidate must also show that he or she can use proper grammar and expressive vocabulary.

In addition to the candidate’s chosen discussion, the examiner also has five minutes to discuss two chosen topics with the candidate. The examiner may choose two topics from subjects including events, festivals, means of transportation, entertainment, music or personal experiences.

There is no written component of the Home Office approved B1 exam required for UK citizenship at our  SELT B1 test centre in Sheffield for the north of England including South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, East Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.

B1 Test Results

Once the B1 test for UK citizenship has been completed, the results will be given to the individual on the same day. Certificates are sent by Trinity College to arrive within 7 days and you should therefore receive your certificate within two weeks. At the test site, one will need to show a current passport on the day of your exam.

B1 Test Preparation

We can help you prepare for the Home Office approved B1 test. Working with us can help you develop confidence in your speaking and listening abilities.

You can book your Home Office approved B1 test or exam preparation here

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.

 

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.

Applying for UK Citizenship and ILR

Friday, May 2nd, 2014 at 5:00 am  
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Applying for UK Citizenship

Applying for UK citizenship can be a time-consuming process that requires determination, commitment and perseverance. At times, fulfilling the UK citizenship requirements can be difficult and feel overwhelming. Non-English speaking individuals may need to complete the B1 ESOL exam to move forward in obtaining UK citizenship. ESOL stands for “English for Speakers of Other Languages.” Individuals must make satisfactory progress in an ESOL course in order to be considered for UK citizenship.

Most Recent UK Citizenship Requirements

The UK government recently released an announcement that it will be utilizing stricter citizenship requirements for those who wish to become UK citizens. Individuals must demonstrate a mastery of conversational English at the B1 intermediate level and pass the “Living in the UK” test to satisfy the “Knowledge of Language and Life” requirement.

Immigration Minister Mark Harper has publicly stated that British citizenship is a privilege. As such, individuals must demonstrate a commitment to becoming a citizen by understanding the UK’s culture, tradition, customs and English language.

In the past, citizenship candidates had to pass the LITUK test or show a progression in the ESOL course. Now, citizenship candidates must demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of British culture as well as succeed in ESOL for citizenship and ILR.

The Language Component

The UK government will accept several forms of evidence that an individual speaks English. If the individual is applying for citizenship and is from an English-speaking country, this may suffice as evidence that he or she speaks English. Also, those who have physical or mental disabilities will be excused from fulfilling the ESOL requirements. Individuals under the age of 18 and over 65 are also exempt from the language requirement.

Indefinite Leave to Remain in UK

Indefinite Leave to Remain refers to a special immigration status that is given to individuals in the UK. This special immigration status does not have any time limit, and an individual may gain employment while he or she has ILR status.

An individual can obtain ILR status in numerous ways. He or she may be a spouse and live in the UK for a minimum of two years. An individual who has lived in the UK for four years and is part of the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) may also apply for ILR. Individuals who have lived in the UK in excess of four years can visit the www.gov.uk website to learn more about the ILR requirements.

The UK Border Agency may also grant ILR status within its discretion. If an individual has compelling reasons to obtain ILR status, the UK Border Agency may grant it.

Fulfilling the B1 Speaking and Listening Qualifications

Whether one is applying for ILR or permanent citizenship, he or she must take time to prepare for the B1 test English language requirements. Whether one needs to review online study guides or work with a tutor, an individual needs to make sure that he or she is prepared for the citizenship tests. Failing the LITUK or English language citizenship test may prolong the processing time for one’s citizenship application. Our testing centres are available to assist individuals in preparing for ESOL for citizenship and ILR applications. We may also provide specialized help for the LITUK multiple-choice test, written component and verbal component. You can prepare for your B1 ESOL test at our English exam centre.

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 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.

B1 Exam Preparation Centre

Tuesday, April 8th, 2014 at 9:14 pm  
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B1 Exam Preparation Centre

We aim to offer our B1 Exam Preparation Centre conveniently near to you. Check our list of towns and cities which are covered by our test preparation centre. If you wish you can fill in the contact form and tell us where you are located in advance of  your B1 Exam. We will then get back to you with the details and travel information for our preparation for B1 test centre. Also tell us the approximate date you wish to take your B1 exam and we can check out the best dates for you.

We can provide you with a practice run-through before you take the B1 test exam. We also provide helpful material and information when we confirm your  booking for our B1 exam preparation centre.

The B1 exam is ESOL entry level 3 it is an official Trinity College Exam GESE grade 5 which is approved by the UKBA for Settlement  or ILR or Naturalisation applications in the UK. This type of exam is now mandatory, apart from certain exemptions, for applications for British Citizenship, seeking permanent residence in the UK, or Naturalisation. This is in addition to the Life in the UK test.

The GESE grade 5 exam from Trinity College is a Speaking & Listening test at B1 level for ESOL (Speakers of Other Languages) . It consists of a 10 minute one-to-one interview with a Trinity College examiner at a B1 exam centre. You will get your result on the same day as you take your B1 exam and then your certificate is subsequently mailed out to you.

We offer B1 exam preparation regularly at a our ESOL centre which covers a number of  towns and cities – ask for details here today

B1 Speaking and Listening Exam GESE Grade 5

Monday, April 7th, 2014 at 11:27 pm  
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B1 Speaking & Listening exam at GESE Grade 5

The B1 speaking and listening exams take the form of a one-to-one, face-to-face oral interview between the candidate and an examiner. The exam replicates real-life exchanges in which the candidate and the examiner pass on information, share ideas and opinions and debate topical issues.

The candidate introduces a topic of his or her own choice. The examiner directs the discussion using the points prepared by the candidate. Then the examiner moves on to the Conversation phase, selecting two subject areas for discussion from the list provided.

 B1 Exam format

The B1 exam 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 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. 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 B1 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, the candidate must ask the examiner at least one question related to the subject areas being discussed. This phase lasts up to five minutes.

The examiner brings the conversation and the B1 speaking and listening exam to an end.

The B1 Speaking/Listening Exam GESE Grade 5 is a test accepted by the UKBA and Home Office for Settlement / ILR / Naturalisation applications.

To register your interest or find out more about B1 Speaking/Listening exam GESE Grade 5 preparation in a town or city near you please contact us

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