Introduction to Trinity Exams for Students of English

Please note that this task is a COMPLETE overview with 4 parts (A-D) and you should do each part individually and not read through all of the information at once.

Trinity English language qualifications are recognised internationally as reliable evidence of proficiency in English. With a focus on developing communicative and interactive language skills, their exams assess and promote the skills needed for life in the 21st century.

Trinity English language qualifications are suitable for people of all ages learning English as a foreign, second or additional language. Their exams are available at all levels, from beginner to proficiency and they are available to individuals, schools and colleges in more than 60 countries worldwide.

There are two types of English Language qualifications: Trinity’s Integrated Skills in English (ISE) and Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE). Both are recognised by higher education institutions around the world as evidence of English language proficiency.

The table below outlines English level aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and their equivalent Trinity assessment.

  • Level
  • A1
  • A2
  • B1
  • B2
  • C1
  • C2
  • Trinity ISE
  • –
  • ISE Foundation
  • ISE I
  • ISE II
  • ISE III
  • ISE IV
  • Trinity GESE
  • GESE Grade 3
  • GESE Grade 5
  • GESE Grade 7
  • GESE Grade 8
  • GESE Grade 11
  • GESE Grade 12

Task 19.A

Write the missing words to complete these sentences.

Trinity GESE Exams

Trinity’s Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE) are one-to-one, face-to-face assessments of speaking and listening skills with a Trinity examiner.

Preparation for these exams and achievement of GESE qualifications supports people wishing to develop their proficiency in English language speaking – for personal goals, study, travel, employment, settlement or for visa application purposes.

GESE exams are available at 12 levels, from Grade 1 to Grade 12 (pre-A1 to C2 CEFR* proficiency levels). Grouped by development stage, GESE grade qualifications offer a progressive framework for the development of English language skills.

  • Initial
  • Elementary
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced
  • Grades 1-3
  • Grades 4-6
  • Grades 7-9
  • Grades 10-12

GESE exams take the form of an unscripted conversation with a Trinity examiner and tests take between 5 and 25 minutes depending on the grade. At each stage, candidates carry out a number of speaking and listening tasks that show their fluency, accuracy and ability to communicate in English.

As they move up the grades, candidates undertake tasks that require a more advanced use of language. At higher grades, they are expected to take more responsibility for developing and directing the conversation, rather than simply responding to a series of questions.

Task Components

  • The Topic

    Before the exam, the candidate prepares a topic of their choice – this is used as the basis for discussion and as the basis of a presentation at Advanced stage.

  • The Conversation

    An opportunity to demonstrate a realistic exchange of information, ideas and opinions at an appropriate level for the grade.

  • The Interactive Task

    A prompt from the examiner initiates candidate-led speaking and listening interactions – requiring an authentic exchange of information and opinions.

  • The Listening Task

    Short, spoken passages prompt the candidate to demonstrate prediction, deduction and inference skills (only at Advanced stage).

Task 19.B

Read the descriptions of the different parts of the Trinity GESE Exams and choose which component is being described.

Trinity College London – ISE Sample Video

Trinity’s Integrated Skills in English (ISE) is a contemporary four skills qualification intended for young people and adults – typically at school, college or university. It is also suitable for teachers and other adults who require a respected English language qualification.

ISE assesses students’ ability to interact in English in an authentic and meaningful way through the use of integrated reading and writing tasks and integrated speaking and listening tasks. Preparing for ISE builds real-life English skills and transferable skills required for academic study and employability.

ISE is available at five levels from A2 to C2 on the Common European Framework (CEFR), so there is a level for every learner.

  • A2
  • B1
  • B2
  • C1
  • C2
  • ISE Foundation
  • ISE I
  • ISE II
  • ISE III
  • ISE IV

Reading & Writing AND Speaking & Listening

The exam modules can be taken together, or at different times, when students are ready, (except when taken as a SELT test in the UK, where they must be taken on the same day). Students must pass both modules to gain an ISE qualification.

Reading & Writing Module

  • ISE Foundation (A2)
  • 2 Reading tasks + 1 Reading into writing task + 1 Writing task
  • 2 hours
  • ISE I (B1)
  • 2 Reading tasks + 1 Reading into writing task + 1 Writing task
  • 2 hours
  • ISE II (B2)
  • 2 Reading tasks + 1 Reading into writing task + 1 Writing task
  • 2 hours
  • ISE III (C1)
  • 2 Reading tasks + 1 Reading into writing task + 1 Writing task
  • 2 hours

Task 19.C

Watch the video Overview of Reading and Writing module and answer the questions below:

Speaking & Listening Module

  • ISE Foundation (A2)
  • 2 speaking tasks
    2 listening tasks
  • 13 minutes
  • ISE I (B1)
  • 2 speaking tasks
    2 listening tasks
  • 18 minutes
  • ISE II (B2)
  • 3 speaking tasks
    1 listening task
  • 20 minutes
  • ISE III (C1)
  • 3 speaking tasks
    1 listening task
  • 25 minutes

Task 19.D

Watch the video Overview of Speaking and Listening module and answer the questions below.