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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

 

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.

Settlement and Naturalisation Exams

Sunday, April 6th, 2014 at 11:32 pm  
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Settlement and Naturalisation

The British Home Office published a statement of intent on the 8th April 2013 which outlined the changes that have been planned to the requirements for people submitting an application to settle in the UK, or to become British citizens by naturalisation.

Already from 28 October 2013, applicants in both categories are required to pass the Life in the UK Test and additionally to hold a B1 (intermediate) level English language speaking and listening qualification.

This change is to Settlement and Naturalisation Exams is to strengthen the citizenship process. It replaces the previous system which required applicants to take either the Life in the UK test or alternatively to show language progression from one  ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) level to the next.

The Knowledge of Language and Life requirement for Settlement/ILR (Indefinite leave to remain)

Since 28 October 2013, there are two parts to the knowledge of language and life requirement, both of which have to be met by all applicants for settlement, unless the individual is exempt for reasons of particular country of origin where English is predominantly spoken. Applicants will be required to pass the Life in the UK test; and also to have a speaking and listening qualification in English at B1 CEFR or higher, or its equivalent. These English Language Tests are the current requirement for settlement in the UK.

Knowledge of Language and Life requirement for Naturalisation

The Knowledge of Language and Life requirement for naturalisation as a British citizen is just the same as the requirement  for settlement. It means that the same English language qualifications will be accepted for Settlement as for Naturalisation.

 Settlement and Naturalisation Exams – English language qualifications required

There are a range of English language qualifications which will be accepted as evidence that the person applying for Settlement or Naturalisation has met the B1 level Speaking and Listening requirements exams.

These Settlement and Naturalisation Exams include English language qualifications include Speaking and Listening at B1 or above from the Home Office’s approved English Language Test list.

They also include ESOL qualifications at B1 entry level 3 or level 1 or level 2, including Speaking and Listening, that have been regulated by the Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation). 

It is a requirement that the English language qualification must be listed as an ESOL qualification on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications. It must have been taken in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.  For exams in Scotland to qualify it is required that it is a National Qualification in ESOL at Scottish Qualifications Framework levels 4, 5 or 6, and is awarded by the Scottish Qualifications Authority and taken in Scotland.

For full details of the new requirements, by the UK Border Agency and Home Office, please see the Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK for settlement and naturalisation statement of intent.

To comply with the current requirements for settlement and naturalisation, we offer preparation for Trinity College London’s International ESOL Examinations Grade 5 (ESOL Entry 3 / B1 on the CEFR). These are regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) and are mapped to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) and the National Qualifications Framework (NQF)

You can register on this website for your English exam, the Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE) to test your ability in listening and speaking as required for Naturalisation or Settlement (ILR) here. These are at  Grade 5 (ESOL Entry 3 / B1 on the CEFR) approved by the Home Office for use in: Settlement/ILR and Naturalisation applications for the UK made on or after the 28th of October 2013.

The exams are are one-to-one oral exams having conversation for 10 minutes with an official English-speaking Trinity examiner.

For Settlement and Naturalisation Exams please click here to register for preparation for your GESE Grade 5 (ESOL Entry 3 / B1 English exam.

English Exams Accepted by UK Border Agency

Wednesday, March 5th, 2014 at 12:17 am  
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 English Exams For UK Settlement

If you would like to settle in the UK then to fulfill the UK Border Agency and Home Office requirements you need to have English exams: an English qualification at B1 level.

We offer you preparation for the following Trinity exams which are officially accepted by the UK Border Agency for UK settlement.

  • GESE, Speaking & Listening exam at Grade 5 (B1) or above
  • ESOL Skills for Life, Speaking & Listening exam at Entry 3 or above

Although all Trinity College certificates are valid for life it is the case that when they are going to be used for immigration purposes Trinity have recommended to the UK Border Agency that for these English exams that only exam certificates less than two years old should be accepted. You will also need to pass the Life in the UK test  which is not a Trinity test.

English Exams For Tier 1, 2 & 4 immigration (A2, B1, B2, C1, C2)

  • Approved exam: ISE exam (A2, B1, B2, C1, C2)
  • Speaking, Listening, Reading, Writing
  • Take the test in 1 day
  • Official certificate posted to you

The above English exams from Trinity including GESE, Speaking & Listening exam at Grade 5 (B1) or above; Speaking & Listening exam at Entry 3 or above are currently at the time of writing officially recognised by the British Home Office.

We offer English Exams Preparation regularly so click the link to register for your Trinity College English exam so you can prepare for it at our exam preparation centre .