Features of the Trinity GESE 5 - B1.1 exam (level B1)

For those seeking to certify their intermediate level of spoken English, Trinity provides the official GESE certificate. This exam is suitable for anyone who has been immersed in an English-speaking environment or who has been consistently interacting with native English speakers. Today's article will guide you on how to prepare for the B1.1 level of the Trinity GESE 5 exam.

What are the GESE exams?

The GESE exams are excellent for individuals of all ages looking to improve their English communication skills, particularly in speaking and listening, for practical real-life application. This could be for immigration, work, study, or leisure purposes. GESE is also a fitting exam for students at the culmination of study abroad programs. The GESE exams are conducted as one-on-one, face-to-face evaluations, allowing the candidate to demonstrate their speaking and listening skills to a Trinity examiner through genuine interactive dialogue. The duration of the exam is 10-25 minutes, depending on the grade.

As candidates are allowed to prepare for discussion about their own interests and viewpoints in the exam, this fosters learning and supports natural speech, enabling them to relax and perform their best during the exam.

GESE is available in 12 levels:

Grades 1-12, from pre-A1 level to C2 CEFR level. Grouped by developmental stage, the GESE exams provide a progressive structure for English language skill development and an assessment for each student:

Grades 1-3: Initial Stage - Pre-A1-A2.1 Grades 4-6: Elementary Stage - A2.2-B1.2 Grades 7-9: Intermediate Stage - B2.1-B2.3 Grades 10-12: Advanced Stage - C1.1-C2 GESE is designed to complement classroom teaching and general English courses and curricula, and Trinity offers a wealth of guidance, videos, support, and resources for each level.

Trinity's GESE assessments provide reliable proof of English speaking skills at various levels, from beginner to advanced. GESE exams are regulated by Ofqual in the UK, listed in the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), and have achieved the ALTE Q rating from the Association of Language Testers in Europe, proving their adherence to the most stringent quality criteria.

GESE is a UK government approved test for visa application and settlement purposes when taken at a Trinity SELT Center. If you are preparing for GESE as a Secure English Language Test (SELT) for UK Visa Purposes, you should visit UK Visa Tests.

Structure of the GESE 5 - B1.1 exam

The test is for level B1.1, where students demonstrate an intermediate command of English, being able to cope with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. They should be able to handle social and work situations comfortably.

At this intermediate level, students need to:

Give detailed information about experiences, events, hopes, and ambitions. Explain and justify their opinions and plans. Discuss topics of interest. Narrate a story or relate the plot of a book or film. The exam lasts 10 minutes, and consists of a conversation between the student and the examiner. The examiner will use drawings, pictures, photos, and everyday objects to help stimulate conversation and assess the candidate's fluency. The topics of the conversation will depend on the candidate's age, providing an opportunity for them to discuss topics of interest and respond to questions.

Trinity GESE 5 - B1.1 exams

The following table shows the schedule for the upcoming 2023 exam dates:

Announcement

Oral exam September 2023 From September 10 to 21 October 2023 October 10-21 November 2023 From November 10 to 21 December 2023 From December 10 to 21 How to prepare for the exam independently

Before starting to prepare for the exam independently, check out the following link to Trinity College, where you can download a special guide for the GESE 5-B1.1 level, which includes all the information related to your level.

Trinity College also provides activities. Search for the Trinity GESE 5 - B1.1 level and you can start practicing.

You can also watch videos that Trinity College provides to students to see what these tests are like.

Here are some recommendations to help you prepare:

Ensure your English level is already consolidated at B1.1. If not, work on the content of that level first and then start preparing for the test. Establish a daily study habit. The more vocabulary and fluency you have, the easier it will be. Reading will help you expand your vocabulary and structures. This list of books can be of help. Don't forget about listening exercises. They will familiarize you with different accents and pronunciations. This list provides good recommendations for series and movies suitable for the B1.1 level. Always have a good dictionary handy to resolve any doubts. Here is a list to choose the one that suits you best. Stay in direct contact with the language as much as possible. Look for natives interested in language exchanges. These days, you can find contacts without leaving home. Books to prepare for the Trinity GESE 5 - B1.1 exam

To prepare directly for the test, Trinity College recommends the following books:

Trinity Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE) Grades 5-6 Student's Pack with Audio CD. See on amazon. READY FOR TRINITY GESE GRADE 5. See on amazon. Trinity Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE): Trinity Pub Gese Grades 5-6: Teacher's Book Pack (Trinity Graded Exams). See on amazon. Registration and results

The Trinity GESE exam grades the different sections using letters A, B, C or D, with A being the highest grade and D the lowest. The average of these sections determines whether the examinee receives a Fail, Pass, Merit, or Distinction.

Grade 5:

A = Distintion C = Pass B = Merit D = Fail

Fail: If you do not meet the level you are aiming for. Pass: If you are right at the level. Merit: If your grade is above the level to pass. Distinction: If you reach the maximum score. Regarding exam fees, they vary depending on your location. Consult your exam center for specific details, as prices can also fluctuate based on the date and center where you take the exam.

Once you've decided when to take the exam, register as soon as possible, as spaces are limited. Registration can be done simply and quickly from this link.