Guides - GESE Grades 1-3

Exam format and timings - Initial stage

At Initial stage, GESE exams take the form of an unscripted conversation with a Trinity examiner. The examiner uses visual materials to engage the candidate and create an authentic conversation to test their speaking and listening skills.

  • Unscripted conversation - using visual prompts to engage the candidate

Grade and timings

  • Grade 1 - CEFR level Pre A1 - 5 minutes
  • Grade 2 - CEFR level A1 - 6 minutes
  • Grade 3 - CEFR level A2.1 - 7 minutes

Useful guides 

Exam guide

  • GESE Exam Information
    This essential booklet provides everything you need to know to prepare students for the exams at every level - the exam format, exam content, procedure, timings and what candidates need to be able to do at every GESE stage and grade.

Teacher guides

  • Performance descriptors
    Candidate Performance Descriptors are used by Trinity examiners to assess each candidate’s performance against the exam requirements.

Booking guidance

Procedures for online assessment

Related links

 

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