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GESE Intermediate grades 7-9

Exam structure
The exam at each grade takes the form of an unscripted conversation with a Trinity
examiner and consists of the following: greetings and setting at ease; candidate-led
discussion of a prepared topic; interactive task; conversation on two subject areas; end of
conversation and leave taking. The exam lasts for 15 minutes and there are three parts to
the exam.

Exam procedure
The examiner begins by greeting the candidate, trying to set him or her at ease and asking
to see the candidates identification.

1. The Topic discussion: the candidate selects a topic of their choice to prepare in
advance and discuss with the examiner. It can be on any subject that interests them
but must allow them to demonstrate the language functions and communicative skills
required for the grade. (Nb. Candidates should be careful not to choose a topic on
one of the subject areas for conversation).
The candidate is invited to introduce the topic and initiate the discussion by giving
information on the topic. During the Topic phase, the discussion is led by the
candidate who provides most of the input. This is in the form of sustained long turns.
The candidate is responsible for engaging the examiner in discussion of the topic and
must be prepared to ask and answer questions, handle interruptions and respond to
requests for clarification. This phase lasts no more than five minutes.

2. The Interactive task: the candidate has to respond spontaneously to a task they
have not seen before. It's their responsibility to maintain the interaction and they are
expected to make comments and ask questions.

The examiner introduces the Interactive phase by informing the candidate of what
he or she is required to do. The examiner provides an oral prompt to which the
candidate has to respond by questioning the examiner in order to find out more
information and by making comments. Once the examiner has set up the situation,
the candidate takes responsibility for maintaining the interaction. The phase lasts up
to four minutes. If the candidate fails to initiate or to maintain the interaction, the
phase will not extend to the full four minutes.

3. The Conversation: The examiner then initiates a conversation on two of the subject
areas selected from the list provided (see footnote). During the Conversation phase,
the candidate and examiner share responsibility for the maintenance of the
interaction. This phase lasts up to five minutes.

Source: Exam Information: Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE) Specifications, Guide for Teachers, Regulations
6th Impression Aug. 2014 p.7 and p.30. Language requirements and Subject areas: grade 7 p.35; grade 8 p.37 and grade 9
p.39. In addition to items listed in previous grades, the candidate is expected to demonstrate the communicative skills
listed on p.34 (grade 7); p.36 (grade 8) and p.38 (grade 9).

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