Focus on Assessment
How are candidates assessed?
Throughout the test, candidates are assessed on their language skills, not their personality, intelligence or knowledge of the world. They must, however, be willing to develop the conversation, where appropriate, and respond to the tasks set. Prepared speeches are not acceptable.
Candidates are assessed against the three criteria set out in the Adult ESOL Core Curriculum:
Entry 1
- listen and respond to spoken language, including simple narratives, statements, questions and single-step instructions
- speak to communicate basic information, feelings and opinions on familiar topics
- engage in discussion with another person in a familiar situation about familiar topics
Spoken functions may include (among others):
- describing
- giving opinions
- giving personal information
- stating (dis)likes and preferences
- commenting
- asking for information or descriptions
- (dis)agreeing
- explaining/giving reasons/justifying
- exchanging opinions
- deciding
- suggesting
- selecting.
Entry 2
- listen and respond to spoken language, including straightforward information, short narratives, explanations and instructions
- speak to communicate information, feelings and opinions on familiar topics
- engage in discussion with one or more people in a familiar situation to establish shared understanding about familiar topics
In addition to those at Entry 1, spoken functions may include (among others):
- comparing
- prioritising
- planning
- persuading.
Entry 3
- listen and respond to spoken language, including straightforward information and narratives, and follow straightforward explanations and instructions, both face-to-face and on the telephone
- speak to communicate information, feelings and opinions on familiar topics, using appropriate formality, both face-to-face and on the telephone
- engage in discussion with one or more people in a familiar situation, making relevant points and responding to what others say to reach a shared understanding about familiar topics.
In addition to those at Entry 1, spoken functions may include (among others):
- comparing/making comparative questions
- showing contrast/cause/reason/purpose
- prioritising
- planning
- persuading
- narrating
- asking about past or future events
- expressing future certainty/possibility.