Integrated Skills in English (ISE) · All the candidates taking part in the test trials should be...

Integrated Skills in English

(ISE)

Test Trialling programme

Test Trial Venue Handbook

Trinity College London

www.trinitycollege.com

Charity number 1014792

Patron HRH The Duke of Kent KG

Copyright © 2016 Trinity College London

Published by Trinity College London

First edition, August 2016

http://www.trinitycollege.com/

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Contents

Introduction to test trials ................................................................................... 3 Instructions for the ISE test trial ....................................................................... 3

Entering candidates for the ISE test trial ............................................................ 3

After the test trials ............................................................................................. 4 Integrated Skills in English ................................................................................ 5 Reading and Writing test trials ........................................................................... 5 Reading and Writing test trial format ................................................................. 6

Timetabling rules for ISE Reading and Writing test trials ......................................... 6

Preparing your students for the test trials ......................................................... 6 Format ............................................................................................................. 11

Task 1 – Long Reading ................................................................................... 11

Task 2 – Multi-text Reading ............................................................................ 11

Task 3 – Reading into Writing ......................................................................... 12

Task 4 – Extended Writing .............................................................................. 12

Arrival of the test trial materials ...................................................................... 13 On the test trial day ......................................................................................... 13 After the test trials ........................................................................................... 14

Providing feedback on the test ........................................................................... 14

Returning the test trial papers ........................................................................... 14

Documents to be returned immediately after the test trial session ....................... 14

Feedback on candidates’ performance ................................................................ 14

Integrated Skills in English .............................................................................. 15 Speaking and Listening test trials .................................................................... 15 ISE Speaking and Listening test trial format .................................................... 16 Timetabling rules for ISE Speaking and Listening ............................................ 16 Test trialling feedback ...................................................................................... 17 Preparing your students for the test trials ....................................................... 17

The Collaborative task (ISE II, ISE III only) ...................................................... 18

The Conversation task .................................................................................... 18

The Independent listening task ........................................................................ 19

The Independent listening task at each level ................................................... 19 ISE Language functions .................................................................................... 22

ISE Foundation ................................................................................................ 22

ISE I .............................................................................................................. 22

ISE II ............................................................................................................. 22

ISE III ............................................................................................................ 22

ISE Subject areas ............................................................................................. 23 ISE Foundation ................................................................................................ 23

ISE I .............................................................................................................. 23

ISE II ............................................................................................................. 23

ISE III ............................................................................................................ 23

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Introduction to test trials

Thank you for your interest in our test trialling and exam preparation programme.

We are grateful to have the opportunity to trial some of our examination materials and at

the same time offer your students realistic test practice with an examiner.

Test trialling is part of the exam development process and is one of the ways we ensure

our tests are of high quality and fair and reliable for students in different parts of the

world. A selection of students from volunteering schools take the tests on an agreed date.

By analysing the results, we can see if the tests are being set at the right level and are

fair to students in different parts of the world.

The main advantages are:

• practise English language tests under exam conditions

• get examiner feedback on overall student performance

• build student confidence in advance of taking the live exams

Instructions for the ISE test trial

These instructions outline the procedure for the ISE test trials. If you would like to know

more about the live exams, please go to www.trinitycollege.com/revisedISE .

Entering candidates for the ISE test trial To book a trial session, please provide the information and documents listed below. The

registration closing dates for test trials are the same as those for live exams. Your Trinity

Representative will advise you on the deadlines.

1. Terms and Conditions for Test Trials

Trinity sends the terms and conditions document electronically to centres who express

interest in running test trials.

2. Booking form

Please fill in the electronic booking form and return it to your Trinity Representative. The

form includes instructions on how to complete it. Please bear in mind the following

information too:

Number of candidates taking part

You need to tell us how many candidates will take each level. Please try to be accurate as

we may not offer trials again at your venue if the number of candidates entered is very

different from the number of candidates who actually took part in the session.

Details of the test trial time, date and venue

Please enter the venue details and your preferred date and time on the booking form. Test

trials can take place during set periods as specified on the invitation letter your Trinity

representative will have sent you. You will need to select a date within these periods. It is

recommended that candidates take the test trials about 4-6 weeks before their live test or

towards the end of their course, as they will be more prepared for the test and will be able

to benefit more from the practice.

Wherever possible we will try to accommodate your request for a specific date. However,

this also depends on examiner availability.

http://www.trinitycollege.com/revisedISE

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3. Timing

When choosing the date and time, please keep in mind the timing for each level:

Reading and Writing test trials

ISE Foundation ISE I ISE II ISE III

25 minutes *short

Reading Test + 2

hours

25 minutes short

Reading Test + 2

hours

25 minutes short

Reading Test + 2

hours

25 minutes short

Reading Test + 2

hours

*Short Reading Test is a miniature version of the actual ISE Reading Section

Speaking and Listening test trials

ISE

Foundation ISE I ISE II ISE III

TOTAL 10 minutes 14 minutes 18 minutes 18 minutes

After the test trials

Upon successful completion of a test trial session, a venue may be awarded the Trinity

College London Test Trialling Venue Logo.

This logo may be displayed on your website, promotional material and headed paper to

show that you meet the stringent criteria to be awarded the logo, that you support Trinity

in the development of the exams and to emphasise that you offer test trials to candidates.

The criteria which must be met before you can use the Trinity College London Test Trialling

Venue Logo are:

• At least one successful test trialling session must be completed

• There must be no evidence of malpractice

• There must be no more than 15% absentees

These criteria have been put in place as we have a responsibility to allocate our resources

in a way that is effective and appropriate to test trialling. Test trialling places are limited,

therefore, we need to make sure that each venue/session makes an effective contribution.

If we have allocated resources and the above criteria have not been met, then we may be

unable to award the logo.

You are entitled to use the logo for the remainder of the year (in which it is awarded) and

for a following two years thereafter.

This means that you will be able to display the Trinity College London Test Trialling Logo

gained in 2018 until the end of 2020.

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Integrated Skills in English: Reading & Writing

test trials

6

Reading and Writing test trial format

ISE Foundation ISE I ISE II ISE III

25 minutes *short

Reading Test + 2

hours

25 minutes *short

Reading Test + 2

hours

25 minutes *short

Reading Test + 2

hours

25 minutes *short

Reading Test + 2

hours

*Short Reading Test is a miniature version of the actual ISE Reading Section

Timetabling rules for ISE Reading and Writing test

trials

All the candidates taking part in the test trials should be preparing to take the same ISE

Level exam as the one they will be sitting in the trials. For example, if a candidate is

preparing for an ISE Level I exam, he/she should be sitting an ISE Level I in the test trials

as well and not a different level. The purpose of the test trials is twofold: 1) for Trinity to

gather validity evidence regarding the new items (i.e. that they discriminate candidates

as intended, that they are at the right level of difficulty etc.) and 2) to give the candidates’

teachers an approximate estimate of their students’ ability.

Students need to take a short reading test before and in addition to the test trial paper.

This test is a miniature version of the ISE Reading section and it serves a number of

purposes: 1) it acts as a warm up for the students, 2) ensures students become familiar

with the level and format of the actual exam, 3) allows Trinity to elicit more information

about candidate ability and 4) enables Trinity to conduct analysis investigating whether

the test trial items are discriminating candidates effectively. The short Reading Test is

incorporated in the candidates’ booklets to facilitate easier administration and to ensure

that all candidates take this test as well. Please allow candidates 25 minutes for this test.

All candidates should have finished taking the short Reading Test before attempting the

testing trial paper.

Please encourage your students to perform to the best of their ability on the short Reading

Test and on the test trial paper as this way Trinity will gather valuable feedback on

potential ISE questions. It will also give us a better indication of your students’ ability and

may allow us to provide you with more detailed feedback on your students’ progress on

both the Reading and Writing section of the test.

Preparing your students for the test trials All the candidates should be made familiar with what they are required to do in the exam.

The following information is for teachers to read and refer to.

Please check our website www.trinitycollege.com/revisedISE for sample tests, Guides for

teachers and classroom activities which will help you prepare your students for the trials.

Please read the following text to the students as part of your preparation for the test trials.

If necessary, this information can be translated into the students’ first language:

"The practice exam you are going to take will focus on your reading and writing

skills. Topics will be familiar to you and related to real life situations.”

[PLEASE CONTINUE TO READ ONLY THE SECTION APPROPRIATE FOR YOUR

STUDENTS]


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“A2 candidates - ISE Foundation

You will have to do a short reading test before you start the trial paper. The short

reading test is a miniature version of the actual ISE Foundation reading section.

Please answer all questions of the short reading test to the best of your ability, as

this test will allow us to give you more detailed feedback on your ability as a student

and on your progress so far. You will have 25 minutes to complete the short reading

test.

Once you have finished with the short Reading Test, you will be given 2 hours to

complete the trial test. The trial test is made up of the following tasks:

Tasks You need to

Part 1: Reading Read a long text and answer 15

questions

Part 2: Reading Read 3 short texts on a common

topic and answer 15 questions

Part 3: Reading into Writing Write between 70 and 100 words

on the topic of the reading texts

Part 4: Writing Write between 70 and 100 words

on a different topic

The questions in the reading tasks have the following formats:

1. Match a paragraph to a title

2. Select the true statements

3. Fill the missing gaps in a paragraph or summary note

You should try to complete all parts of the test.

In Part 3 Reading into Writing, please ensure that you use your own words as far as

possible.

You will not be able to use dictionaries or talk to other students during the test. Please

write your name clearly on the booklet and use a pen, not a pencil.

Please read the Notice to Candidates which contains information on what you may and

may not do on the exam day.

We wish you the best of luck in your exam.”

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B1 candidates - ISE I






test.



Tasks You need to

Part 1: Reading Read a long text and answer 15

questions

Part 2: Reading Read 4 short texts on a common

topic and answer 15 questions

Part 3: Reading into Writing

Write between 100 and 130

words on the topic of the reading

texts

Part 4: Writing Write between 100 and 130

words on a different topic







possible.






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B2 candidates - ISE II






test.



Tasks You need to

Part 1: Reading Read a long text and answer 15 questions

Part 2: Reading Read four short texts on a common topic and

answer 15 questions

Part 3: Reading into Writing Write between 150 and 180 words on the

topic of the reading texts

Part 4: Writing Write between 150 and 180 words on a

different topic







possible.






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C1 candidates - ISE III






test.



Tasks You need to

Part 1: Reading Read a long text and answer 15 questions

Part 2: Reading Read four short texts on a common topic

and answer 15 questions

Part 3: Reading into Writing Write between 200 and 230 words on the

topic of the reading texts

Part 4: Writing Write between 200 and 230 words on a

different topic







possible.






Further details about each section of the examination are included in the Guides for

Teachers which can be found here http://www.trinitycollege.com/site/?id=3193 .

http://www.trinitycollege.com/site/?id=3193

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Format

Task 1 – Long Reading

Items Item type Format of response Marking

method

Q1-5 Title matching Selected Objective

Q6-10 Choosing true

statements

Selected Objective

Q11-

15

Completing

sentences

Constructed Clerical

In this task, the candidate reads a single text (the length varies according to the level)

and answers 15 questions based on what they have read. The 15 questions are in

three groups of five. Each group of five questions tests a different reading skill.

Questions 1-5 require the candidate to choose the most appropriate titles for each

paragraph of the text. The text has 5 paragraphs and there are six titles to choose

from.

Questions 6-10 require the candidate to select the five true statements from a list of

seven possible answers. In the list, five statements will be true according to the text

and 2 will be false.

Questions 11-15 require the candidate to complete sentences with a word or phrase

taken from the text (up to three words).

Task 2 – Multi-text Reading

Items Item type Format of response Marking

method

Q16-20 Multiple matching Selected Objective

Q21-25 Choosing true

statements

Selected Objective

Q26-30 Completing

summary notes

Objective at ISE

Foundation (with a bank

of answers to choose

from)

Constructed at ISE I, II

and III

Clerical

In this task, the candidate reads several short texts (the length and number of the

texts varies according to the level) and answers 15 questions based on what they have

read.

There are three texts at ISE Foundation and four at ISE I, II and III. One text will

always contain graphical information. The 15 questions are in three groups of five.

Each group of five questions tests a different reading skill.

Questions 16-20 require the candidate to choose the most appropriate sentence to

describe each text. There are five sentences and each will refer to one text only. As

there are five sentences and 3 or 4 texts, the same text can be the correct answer for

up to two questions.

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Questions 21-25 require the candidate to select the five true statements from a list of

seven possible answers. In the list, five statements will be true according to the texts

and 2 will be false.

Questions 26-30 require the candidate to complete a summary of the texts with a word

or phrase taken from the text (up to three words). The completed task represents a

summary in note form of all the texts in this task. At ISE Foundation a bank of possible

answers is provided for the candidate to choose from.

Task 3 – Reading into Writing In this task, the candidate responds to a prompt which requires them to use only the

information in the three or four texts to write a short response. This task assesses the

candidate’s ability to read cross-textually and to transform and adapt what they have

read to suit a new purpose. At ISE Foundation and ISE I the prompt will have three

bullet points, giving further guidance on what information the candidate should

include. At ISE II and III there are no bullet points and the candidate has more

independence in choosing the relevant information to include.

Task 4 – Extended Writing In this task the candidate responds to a prompt which requires them to write

independently about a given topic. At ISE foundation and ISE I, the prompt also has

two bullets points to give further guidance on what information the candidate should

include and assist with structuring the answer. At ISE II and III there are no bullet

points and the candidate has more independence in choosing how to respond to the

prompt.

The prompt will always be related to one of the topics of the level. The expected

response will always be one of the specified genres of the level. The task does not

require any creative writing skills and does not require the candidate to use their

imagination outside of perhaps considering a hypothetical situation within concrete

parameters.

At levels ISE Foundation and ISE I the writing tasks may require candidates to produce

an essay. As this has not been encountered in previous tests at these levels, there is

some guidance below on how to prepare them.

▪ An essay is a short piece of writing in a fairly formal style.

▪ An essay should have a logical structure using paragraphs and should have a brief

introduction and conclusion.

▪ An essay should be organised into paragraphs with each paragraph containing a

single idea or argument.

▪ Ideally, an essay should be somewhat formal and impersonal (with less use of 'I'

and 'you') however it is acceptable to give an opinion ('I think...') if the task

requires it.

▪ An essay or a report should be similar in style and format to the kind of work

candidates are already doing at school. It should be appropriate to their experience

and level and does not need to be a formal academic text as per the existing ISE

IV.

▪ There should be some use of discourse markers (appropriate to the level) such as:

but, however, instead, firstly, secondly, now, nevertheless. The kind and variety

of discourse markers will vary and need not be complex forms if these are not part

of the language of the grade.

▪ It is better to think of an essay broadly as the kind of work a student would do for

school, whereas an email is a more social text and an article is more journalistic-

however the question should always give the candidate clues as to the audience

for the writing.

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Arrival of the test trial materials The materials will normally arrive three working days before the test trial date. If they

have not arrived 48 hours before the test trial date, please contact your Trinity

Representative or Trinity’s London office on [email protected].

The papers will be sent in a sealed secure bag. Under no circumstances should you

open the security bags until the test trial day. There will be a different bag for each

level. If any of the bags is not sealed, please contact your Trinity Representative. The

number of papers and ISE Reading & Writing Feedback forms included in the bag is

indicated on the front of the bag. Through the window that is on the left bottom hand

corner of bag, you can see the level of the examination paper. If the number of papers,

does not match the number of candidates you have registered for the testing trial, for any

of the ISE level, or if the examination level is incorrect, please contact your Trinity

Representative.

Put the sealed bags with the test trial papers in a secure place (such as a safe or lockable

cupboard) until the test trial day.

On the test trial day The supervision and invigilation of the test trial is the responsibility of the supervisors and

invigilators appointed by the centre, but it is of utmost importance that the same level of

invigilation as during live exams is applied. Please note that special collusion analysis is

routinely carried out using special statistical software, so cheating can be detected. No

Trinity examiners or personnel are involved at this stage.

The Notice to Candidates must be displayed outside the test trial room. It may be a

good idea if candidates are encouraged to read the Notice to candidates as it will help

them get used to the live exam.

Please remember to follow the guidelines outlined in the Terms and Conditions at the end

of this handbook. The document Instructions for Supervisors and Invigilators,

specifically amended for test trials, will be sent along with the test trial papers. The

instructions must be followed at all times.

Please ensure that all candidates print their names clearly on their test trial booklets and

please fill in the candidates’ information on the Entry Form (an excel spreadsheet which

will be emailed to you).

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After the test trials

Providing feedback on the test We would like to hear what your students think of the test, as their opinion is important

to us. Therefore, we would be grateful if you could administer the feedback questionnaire

to your students and if you helped lower level students complete the Reading and Writing

Feedback Questionnaire by translating the questions in the native language.

Please ensure students that their anonymity is assured that there is no hazard in their

expressing their beliefs and opinions about the testing trial papers. Trinity values every

candidate’s feedback, both positive and negative, as constructive feedback helps Trinity

retain the quality of its examinations.

Returning the test trial papers At the end of the test trial, completed and unused test trial papers should be collected and

placed in the return envelope with the completed Seating Plan, Supervisor’s report

and the ISE Reading and Writing Feedback questionnaires ready for immediate

dispatch.

Your Trinity Representative will arrange for the parcel to be collected, please contact your

local Trinity office if this has not been arranged.

IMPORTANT: At the end of the session, please ensure you send the completed entry sheet

to your Trinity Representative. Please note we will not be able to process the test trial

papers without the entry sheet.

Documents to be returned immediately after the

test trial session 1. Administration documents: Completed Supervisor’s report and Seating plan.

2. All test trial papers, including unused ones

3. ISE Reading & Writing Feedback questionnaires

4. Entry sheet: Your Trinity Representative will send you an entry sheet (excel

spreadsheet) in time for the test trial session. After the test trial, send the

completed entry sheet to your Trinity Representative and include details of all the

students who have taken part in the test trials. Please note that we will not be able

to process the test trial papers without the completed entry sheet.

Feedback on candidates’ performance Test trial papers will be marked at Trinity’s London office and you will receive feedback

within 6 weeks from Trinity receiving the papers. Please note that you will not get

individual results but comments on candidates’ general performance per level and useful

suggestions on how they might improve.

We do not provide a score or ‘Pass’ or ‘Fail’ as test trials inform us on how to prepare the

actual tests, which means that a pass mark cannot be established for the test trials. The

qualitative feedback examiners provide gives teachers more information than a score, as

it helps them understand which areas they need to address to improve candidates’

performance.

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Integrated Skills in English

Speaking and Listening test trials

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ISE Speaking and Listening test trial format

Your students will only be asked to test trial the Conversation and Listening Tasks at ISE

Foundation and ISE I, and the Collaborative and Listening Tasks at ISE II and III. Students

do not need to prepare a topic for the test trials nor will they be asked to present a topic

even if they have prepared one already. The timings for each task and level, for test trials

only, are as follows:

ISE

Foundation ISE I ISE II ISE III

Setting-at-ease Phase 1 minute 1 minute 1 minute 1 minute

Collaborative Phase n.a. n.a.

8 minutes

(2 tasks)

8 minutes

(2 tasks)

Conversation phase 2 minutes 2 minutes n.a. n.a.

Listening Phase 6 minutes 10 minutes 8 minutes 8 minutes

Admin Time 1 minute 1 minute 1 minute 1 minute

TOTAL 10 minutes 14 minutes 18 minutes 18 minutes

Timetabling rules for ISE Speaking and Listening At the beginning of the session all candidates should be gathered in one room. The

examiner will spend five minutes with them to remind them of the meaning and procedure

of test trials.

You need to create a timetable for the examiner. Your Trinity Representative will send

you a template to help you prepare the timetable. The times that should be allocated for

each level are shown on the table on page 3. Please see below an example of a timetable:

Name and

Surname Level

Duration for each test

trial Start time

James Williams ISE Foundation 00:10 09:00

Robert Smith ISE Foundation 00:10 09:10

Anne Jones ISE Foundation 00:10 09:20

Terry Gibbs ISE I 00:11 09:30

Sylvia Johnson ISE I 00:11 09:41

Helen London ISE I 00:11 09:52

Martha Napier ISE II 00:18 10:03

Andy Edwards ISE II 00:18 10:21

Cathy Roberts ISE II 00:18 10:39

Sam Drake ISE III 00:18 10:57

Jennifer Harrison ISE III 00:18 11:15

break 00:15 11:33

Jenny Anderson ISE III 00:18 11:48

feedback 00:30 12:06

You should timetable all the candidates according to level, so that all the ISE Foundation

candidates will be examined before the ISE I candidates and so on. On the test trial day,

lunch breaks, etc are the same as standard ISE exams.

No other documents are needed on the day, as the examiner will bring:

• Marksheets and any other documentation for Trinity use only

• Recording devices; one for recording the candidates and one for playing the

Independent listening task

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• Candidate task sheets for the Independent listening task.

Test trialling feedback At the end of the session the examiner will give a 30-minute feedback session to teaching

staff at the venue. The examiner will comment on candidates’ general performance and

make suggestions on how candidates can perform better in their live exams.

There will be no results or exam report forms for the test trials. We do not provide a score

or ‘Pass’ or ‘Fail’ as test trials inform us on how to prepare the actual tests, which means

that a pass mark cannot be established for the test trials. The qualitative feedback

examiners provide gives teachers more information than a score, as it helps them

understand which areas they need to address to improve candidates’ performance.

IMPORTANT: At the end of the session, please ensure you send the completed entry sheet

to your Trinity Representative.

Preparing your students for the test trials All candidates should be made familiar with what they are required to do in the test trial.

The following information is for teachers to read and refer to. Please note that if candidates

are not prepared or aware of what they are required to do in the practice test, we reserve

the right not to offer your venue test trials again in the future.

For sample tests, Guides for teachers and classroom activities which will help you prepare

your students for the test trials check our website www.trinitycollege.com/revisedISE

NB The ISE Speaking & Listening test includes a Topic task, which is not part of the test

trials as the candidate is expected to prepare the topic according to the instructions in the

specification and there is no test trial material supplied for the examiner for this task.

Please read the following text to the students as part of your preparation for the test trials.

If necessary, this information can be translated into the students’ first language:

“The practice exam you are going to take will focus on your speaking and

listening skills.

At the beginning of the exam the examiner will greet you and ask to see your

ID. The exam will then consist of two phases; these phases are shown in the

table (the exam format table on page 2 can be shown to the students).

The first phase for candidates at ISE Foundation and I will be the

Conversation Phase. The examiner will choose a subject area and discuss

this with you. You will have to ask the examiner questions and maintain the

conversation.

The first phase for candidates at ISE II and III will be the Collaborative

Phase. The examiner will tell you something and you will have to ask the

examiner questions and make comments. You will be responsible for

maintaining the interaction.

All candidates will take the Listening phase. During the Listening phase of

the test the examiner will play a short recording, after which they will ask

several questions relating to what you have heard. There will be one or two

tasks depending on the level.

For practice, try doing two or more collaborative tasks, one after the other.

If possible, practise listening to short texts for listening comprehension.


18

Finally, this is not a test of your English language ability, but for us to improve

the quality of our exams. Please be aware that no marks are awarded, just

try to relax and enjoy the test.

We wish you the best of luck in your test trial.”

Candidates are expected to demonstrate the use of specific language functions. For

a list of functions and subject areas please see pages 22- 23 of this booklet. Further

details on each phase are included in the Guides for Teachers

http://www.trinitycollege.com/site/?id=3193. Below is some useful information:

The Collaborative task (ISE II, ISE III only) What happens in the Collaborative task?

The examiner reads a prompt to the candidate. The candidate responds to the prompt by

starting, leading and maintaining the interaction. For example, the candidate can ask

questions to find out further information, respond to information and comments from the

examiner, demonstrate skills in turn-taking in a conversation, etc. It is essential for the

candidate to interact and collaborate with the examiner. The candidate should not wait for

the examiner to lead the conversation, and monologues from the candidate will receive a

low mark in live tests.

What is the examiner’s prompt?

The prompt presents a dilemma, some circumstances, or an opinion. The candidate then

needs to take the initiative to find out more about the background of the examiner’s

circumstances or position and engage the examiner in a sustained discussion about his/her

circumstances or views. All of the examiner’s prompts are prepared in advance by Trinity.

Examiners are all trained to use standardised backstories with the prompt in order to

support the interaction. By asking the examiner for further information, the candidate finds

out more about the examiner’s backstory and the circumstances around the prompt.

What language skills should the candidate demonstrate in the Collaborative task?

The task provides the opportunity for the candidate to demonstrate his or her ability to

take control through the use of questioning techniques and language functions like

requesting information, getting clarification and asking for further detail. The Collaborative

task gives the candidate the opportunity to show that they can initiate ‘turns’ in the

conversation and control the direction of the interaction. This task requires an authentic

exchange of information and opinions, with the language functions listed at each grade

arising naturally out of the task.

The Conversation task What is the Conversation task?

The Conversation task is a meaningful and authentic exchange of information, ideas and

opinions. It is not a formal ‘question and answer’ interview. In the Conversation task, the

examiner selects one subject area for discussion with the candidate.

What are the possible subjects for discussion?

The lists of possible subjects for each ISE level are written in the specifications document.

The subject areas have been carefully selected to offer a progression through the levels

from the ‘concrete’ subjects at ISE Foundation to the ‘abstract’ at ISE III.

What about the interaction in the Conversation task?

The examiner will ask some questions, but as the candidates progress up the ISE levels,

they are expected to take more responsibility for initiating and maintaining the

conversation. The candidate is also expected to ask the examiner questions in order to

develop the interaction. These questions should arise naturally out of the conversation.

http://www.trinitycollege.com/site/?id=3193

19

The Independent listening task What is the Independent listening task?

Listening skills are tested in an integrated way together with speaking skills in the Topic

task, Collaborative task and Conversation task. The Independent listening task is different.

In this task, the candidate has the opportunity to demonstrate the kind of listening skills

that are required in lectures and lessons, for example. In this Independent listening task,

the candidate listens to recordings and responds to questions. The candidate then gives

written responses and/or answers questions in conversation with the examiner, depending

on the level.

What is the procedure for the Independent listening task?

The examiner plays one or two recordings to the candidate, depending on the ISE level,

and the candidate writes the answers to questions on a listening exam form (ISE

Foundation only), or they respond to prompts from the examiner about what they have

heard. The candidate listens to the same recording(s) twice.

While the candidates are listening to the recordings, they are encouraged to take notes to

support their listening and study skills. However, the candidates’ notes are not assessed

as part of the exam.

For details on the specific examiner input and expected candidate response to the

Independent listening task, please see the specifications at each level on pages 10-11.

The Independent listening task at each level

ISE Foundation – Independent listening task

Task 1

2m 15 sec (approximately)

Task Type

and Format

Candidates listen twice to a basic informational text and

complete 5 blanks in a graphic accordingly.

Task focus Candidates show they are able to process mainly word

level information or facts induced from content words

recognised.

Examiner

Role

The examiner plays the recordings and reads an

instructional rubric. The examiner is permitted to repeat

instructions.

Task 2

3m 45sec (approximately)

Task Type

and Format

Candidates listen twice to a factual text (usually a

narrative) such as a radio programme, educational

podcast, lecture, teacher talk. They report 5 facts from

the recording verbally and then answer three examiner

questions about the recording.

The candidate has a worksheet to take notes with

scaffolding to show the approximate number of points to

listen out for.

Task focus Candidates show they are able to process mainly word

level information or facts induced from content words

recognised.

Examiner

Role


instructional rubric. The examiner asks three follow up

questions in response to the facts reported by the

candidate.

20

ISE I – Independent listening task

Task 1


Task Type and

Format

Candidates listen twice to basic information (descriptive

or narrative) and respond in one or two words to six

questions asked by the examiner.

Task focus Candidates show that they are able to process and

report facts that are partly derived from understanding

whole utterances and partly inferred from content words

recognised.

Examiner Role The examiner plays the recordings and reads an

instructional rubric and questions. The examiner is

permitted to repeat instructions.

Task 2


Task Type and

Format

Candidates listen twice to a factual text (exposition).

They report firstly the gist of what they have heard. Then

they report six facts from the recording and answer four

examiner questions about the recording.



listen out for.

Task focus Candidates show that they are able to process and

report facts that are partly derived from understanding

whole utterances and partly inferred from content words

recognised, eg word level information, factual

information, some focus on links between facts (e.g.

cause and effect), focus on main point and upon detail.


instructional rubric. The examiner asks a gist question

and also four follow up questions in response to the facts

reported by the candidate.

ISE II – Independent listening task

Task 1

(only one

task at this

level)

8 minutes

Task Type

and Format

Candidates listen twice to a recording (expository) They

report firstly the gist of what they have heard and then

the detail. They are encouraged to take notes.



listen out for.

Task focus Candidates show that they are able to process and report

information, including main points and supporting detail,

eg placing information in a wider context, inferring

information not expressed explicitly, reporting speaker’s

intentions, inferring word meaning.

Examiner

Role


instructional rubric, including a gist question and a more

detailed question.

21

ISE III – Independent listening task

Task 1

(only

one task

at this

level)

8 minutes

Task Type and

Format

Candidates listen twice to a recording of standard length.

They report firstly the gist of what they have heard and

then the detail. They are encouraged to take notes.



listen out for.

Task focus Candidates show that they are able to place information in

a wider context, eg clearly distinguish main and

subordinate points and recognise the speaker’s line of

argument, inferring information and links between points

of information that are not expressed explicitly,

interpreting speaker’s attitude, inferring meaning of

unfamiliar words.


instructional rubric, including a gist question and a more

detailed question.

22

ISE Language functions

ISE Foundation

• Giving personal information about present and past circumstances/activities

• Describing routines

• Expressing ability and inability

• Describing future plans

• Expressing likes and dislikes

• Describing people, objects and places

• Expressing simple comparisons

• Asking for information

• Negotiating meaning

o asking for clarification

o responding to requests for clarification

ISE I • Giving reasons, opinions and preferences

• Describing the future, informing and expressing intentions

• Predicting and expressing certainty and uncertainty

• Describing past actions in the indefinite and recent past

• Expressing obligation

• Asking for information and opinions

ISE II

• Expressing and expanding ideas and opinions

• Highlighting advantages and disadvantages

• Speculating

• Giving advice

• Expressing agreement and disagreement

• Eliciting further information


o establishing common ground

ISE III

• Developing and justifying an argument

• Summarising

• Evaluating options, past actions/course of events, different standpoints

• Deducing and inferring

• Staging

• Hypothesising


o Indicating understanding of points made by partner

o Establishing common ground/purpose or strategy

23

ISE Subject areas

ISE Foundation

• Shopping

• Holidays

• School and work

• Hobbies and sports

• Food

• Weekend and seasonal activities

ISE I

• Travel

• Money

• Fashion

• Rules and regulations

• Health and fitness

• Learning a foreign language

ISE II

• Society and living standards

• Personal values and ideals

• The world of work

• National environmental concerns

• Public figures past and present

ISE III

• Independence

• Ambitions

• Stereotypes

• Role models

• Competitiveness

• Young people’s rights

• The media

• Advertising

• Lifestyles

• The arts

• The rights of the individual

• Economic issues

Integrated Skills in English (ISE) · All the candidates taking part in the test trials should be...

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