Archive for 'Trinity college'

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 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.

 

Official B1 Test Preparation Centre

Friday, May 16th, 2014 at 5:36 am  
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Official B1 Test Preparation Centre

We are an official B1 test preparation centre near you if you wish to take your Trinity College GESE grade 5 exam for UK Citizenship. Contact us if you are in East Yorkshire/Humberside, Leeds / Bradford and West Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Sheffield and South Yorkshire, Derbyshire, York and North Yorkshire to prepare and then book for your B1 test at the centre in the midlands/north of England.

We can provide you with material to help you pass your B1 test and practice prior to the B1 test on the day of your exam.

This B1 test is an official Trinity College GESE grade 5 exam. It is approved by the Home Office/UK Border Agency for Settlement or ILR or Naturalisation applications in the UK. This is now mandatory for most applications for British Citizenship and those seeking permanent residence in the UK and Naturalisation.This exam has to be passed in addition to the Life in the UK test.

The GESE grade 5 exam from Trinity College is a B1 level Speaking and Listening test for Speakers of Other Languages. The B1 test consists of a 10 minute one-to-one interview with an official Trinity College examiner at a B1 test centre. You get the result of your exam on the same day as the test.

Taking your exam at an official B1 test centre ensures you fulfill the statutory Home Office requirement for Citizenship, Settlement or Naturalisation. If you need any help or clarification please email or phone us. You will find our contact  details here.

We offer ptrpsration for the B1 test many times each month from our test preparation centre near you in the midlands/north of England, convenient for Hull, East Yorkshire/Humberside, Leeds / Bradford and West Yorkshire, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Derby, Derbyshire, Sheffield and South Yorkshire, York and North Yorkshire. ask for exam details here today

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 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 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

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.

B1 Test ESOL Entry Level 3

Saturday, February 15th, 2014 at 9:54 pm  
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International B1 Test ESOL Examination GESE Grade 5 Exam from Trinity College London available to take at an official exam centre nearest to you.

  • Home Office approved English test for Citizenship / Naturalisation / ILR
  • 10 minute one-to-one exam with an official Trinity College Examiner
  • Results same day
  • Certificate sent as quickly as possible often within 7 days

Book your B1 test preparation here

It is now an official requirement that for any applications made for Settlement  or ILR or Naturalisation applications, that are received by the British Home Office on or after 28th October 2013, the applicants are required to pass the Life in the UK Test, as before,
AND ALSO
have a speaking & listening qualification at B1 CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for languages)  or higher, or an equivalent level qualification.

The Trinity College London GESE grade 5 is a speaking & listening exam at B1 level on the CEFR ESOL Entry level 3 on NQF* ( National Qualifications Framework) Speaking & Listening.

(Click here to find the Home Office’s new requirements for Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK for Settlement/ILR & Naturalisation applications made on or after 28th October 2013)

Home Office’s list of approved English tests

English Exam For Settlement. B1 Test  ESOL Entry3 Speaking an Listening – the GESE grade 5 is on the Home Office’s list of approved English tests (see page 35 final entry -Graded Examinationsin SpokenEnglish ): http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/new-approved-english-tests.pdf

This English exam – TCL Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International – Speaking and Listening (Entry 3) is also regulated by OFQUAL – Qualification number 500/1934/X

This GESE grade 5 exam is a speaking & listening exam at B1 level exam in English For Speakers of Other Languages ESOL .

You will have a ten minute interview with a Trinity College examiner on a one-to-one basis. Your result is normally available on the same day and then your certificate is sent to you as quickly as possible often within 7 days.

We offer preparation for these Home Office approved exams regularly –

Prepare for your B1 test for Citizenship / ILR here

or contact us / register your interest in the B1 Test ESOL exam here
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