Uk Grade 2 Speaking And Listening Test

[malct]

Hi all

last week My GF sat her A2 Speaking and Listening test at the speak School in Preston, she was soaked with the Rain and a bag of nerves to go with it.

Her exam lasted 5 minutes which she had to name green numbers , describe a photo and what she could see in the photo, talk about my house, look at another photo, Talk about birthdays and finally ask the lady a question which my Girlfriend replied, how are you ;-)

she was given a examination report and Given a B (scores was A to D 0 but they would not confirm that if she passed or not.

they did however make a mistake on her surname which i noticed , to they said , we will get it altered before the certificate is sent out!!!! so i said , does that mean she has passed, the bloke said, you will have to wait and see.

Malc

[Frogster]

Hi malct,

You reference a "A2 test" Do you mean a Speaking and Listening test that would give a level suitable for the "A1 English requirement"?

Just trying to clarify?

Having said that sounds pretty easy, and am sure you / she will be fine.... Good luck to you both!

Let us know the outcome.

(p.s. I live 4 miles from preston, you could have popped in for some Som-tom )

[tricolor]

Hi malct,

You reference a "A2 test" Do you mean a Speaking and Listening test that would give a level suitable for the "A1 English requirement"?

Just trying to clarify?

Having said that sounds pretty easy, and am sure you / she will be fine.... Good luck to you both!

Let us know the outcome.

(p.s. I live 4 miles from preston, you could have popped in for some Som-tom )

AFAIK B= Merit Pass, A = Distinction Pass, C= Pass, D= ?????!!!!!

[chewy22]

Hi and well done. Could you please give me the address of the test centre in Preston We are not that far away? Wife will take the Life in UK test again next Monday her 6th time, if we run out of time we will need A1 English to apply for the FLR

Edited August 15, 2011 by chewy22

[malct]

When Preston referred to the Test , they refereed to it has a GESE 2 Test on a grade 2, Plus if you look at the video http://www.trinityco...k/site/?id=2046 it gives Grades 1 to 3.

It is the Speaking and Listening test !!! I hope

Next time we are down , We will have that som tom, at the moment its strongbow

tricolor ,what is AFAIK

(p.s. I live 4 miles from preston, you could have popped in for some Som-tom )

AFAIK B= Merit Pass, A = Distinction Pass, C= Pass, D= ?????!!!!!

Test center is Speak school at 1A Chapel Street in the town center

Edited August 15, 2011 by malct

[chewy22]

AFAIK A far as I know

Edited August 15, 2011 by chewy22

[Frogster]

When Preston referred to the Test , they refereed to it has a GESE 2 Test on agrade 2, Plus if you look at the video http://www.trinityco...k/site/?id=2046it gives Grades 1 to 3.

It is the Speaking and Listening test !!! I hope

I had a look at the link you quote and on there it clearly states “suitable forthe UKBA A1 English test”, so OK on that score..... I think

However, and I really don’t want to scare you..... I cant find it on the UKBAwebsite "List of approved tests & Testers"? http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/partners-other-family/english-tests-partners.pdf

I really hope it’s me that has made a mistake (and if it is I am sorry), or it couldbe the UKBA website is not up to date, either way I think you should check itout.

[tricolor]

When Preston referred to the Test , they refereed to it has a GESE 2 Test on agrade 2, Plus if you look at the video http://www.trinityco...k/site/?id=2046it gives Grades 1 to 3.

It is the Speaking and Listening test !!! I hope

I had a look at the link you quote and on there it clearly states suitable forthe UKBA A1 English test, so OK on that score..... I think

However, and I really dont want to scare you..... I cant find it on the UKBAwebsite "List of approved tests & Testers"? http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/partners-other-family/english-tests-partners.pdf

I really hope its me that has made a mistake (and if it is I am sorry), or it couldbe the UKBA website is not up to date, either way I think you should check itout.

AFAIK = abbreviation for "as far as I Know"

Trinity is on the list and it's the 6 minute test they were doing for £50 in London (now £75). A nice little earner !!

From their website :

"The GESE grade 2, tests speaking and listening skills at A1 level and is approved by the UKBA for use in Spouse/Partner Further Leave to Remain (FLR), visa applications."

My partner did it last month and misunderstood one of the questions so got a grade 2 pass but certificate states Pass with Merit.

Edited August 15, 2011 by tricolor

[malct]

Here is the Link

http://www.trinitycollege.co.uk/site/?id=2094

Trinity is on the UKBA List!!!! I hope

Malc

[Frogster]

Here is the Link

http://www.trinityco...k/site/?id=2094

Trinity is on the UKBA List!!!! I hope

Malc

I agree Malc, Trinity as a provider is on the UKBA list, but I can't see any mention of that particular test on the UKBA website.....

The only tests I can see that Trinity are authorised to do for the A1 English UKBA are:-

Intergrated Skills in English (ISE level 0 to 4) and the ESOL courses

Maybe someone with more knowledge than me can assist ?

Regards

Edited August 16, 2011 by Frogster

[tricolor]

Here is the Link

http://www.trinityco...k/site/?id=2094

Trinity is on the UKBA List!!!! I hope

Malc

I agree Malc, Trinity as a provider is on the UKBA list, but I can't see any mention of that particular test on the UKBA website.....

The only tests I can see that Trinity are authorised to do for the A1 English UKBA are:-

Intergrated Skills in English (ISE level 0 to 4) and the ESOL courses

Maybe someone with more knowledge than me can assist ?

Regards

Here's the full wording on the certificate they issue :

------------------------------------------------------------

Trinity College London

xxxxx xxxxxx

is awarded

Grade 2

Graded Examination in Spoken English

Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International

(Speaking and Listening) (Entry 1)

A1 of the CEFR

with Merit

Trinty Head Office - July 2011

Certificate issued July 2011

(signature)

Sarah Kemp

Chief Executive, Trinity College London

Patron HRH The Duke of Kent KG

-----------------------------------

Edited August 16, 2011 by tricolor

[Frogster]

Tricolor, the test you are refering to is the ESOL test provided by Trinity, and yes that is fine and dandy !

But, Malct refered to his lady taking a different test provided by Trinity, and I quote Malct's post here = "When Preston referred to the Test , they refereed to it has a GESE 2 Test on a grade 2".

That test "GESE 2" is not on the approved list. So...... either Malc has the name of the test wrong..... or his lady has taken the wrong test!

I hope this makes it clear!

[malct]

Hi All

Here is the confirmation Email regarding the test (i hope its the right test )

Dear Malcolm/Simaporn,

We have processed the correct payment for Simaporn's Trinity GESE 2 test.

We can now confirm that your test will take place between 3.40pm and 4.00pm on 10/08/2011 at the address below. Please use Speak School's Contact page for directions to the test centre at the Speak School building.

On the day, please arrive at least 15 minutes early. Please take a few minutes to review our Terms & Conditions, especially point nos. 26, 27, 28 & 29.

You will not be able to take anything with you into the examination room and no lockers will be provided. Please do not bring any personal belongings except your identity document(s). We regret that partners/spouses/friends/relatives/dependants cannot come into the test centre with you. However, the Speak School building is in the centre of Preston where there are many local cafes and shops.

On the day, please bring your passport. This will be checked with you as you present yourself for your exam and against the passport number you noted on your registration form.

Your spoken test will last for 6 minutes between 3.40pm and 4.00pm.

If you have any questions at any time, please do hesitate to contact us.

It does State the Following on their web site

UK Visa

The following Trinity exams are accepted by the UK Border Agency.

Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE)<li>Integrated Skills in English (ISE)

Edited August 16, 2011 by malct

[malct]

Here is a up-to-date

14 August 2011

With open test centres running the Trinity College London Graded Exams in Spoken English (GESE), in London and Preston, you can take the Trinity Graded Exam in Spoken English in any week. The GESE Grade 2 exam, which tests Speaking and Listening at A1 level is approved by the UKBA for applications for the Spouse/Partner Further Leave to Remain (FLR), visa.

This simple 6-minute exam tests your speaking and listening skills to A1 level as required by the UKBA and now it is available every week through one of Speak School's exam centres.

Graded Exams in Spoken English (GESE) are available at all levels on a weekly basis, for A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2.

Check our Trinity College London page for more information about these tests and to register for an exam.

[tricolor]

Tricolor, the test you are refering to is the ESOL test provided by Trinity, and yes that is fine and dandy !

But, Malct refered to his lady taking a different test provided by Trinity, and I quote Malct's post here = "When Preston referred to the Test , they refereed to it has a GESE 2 Test on a grade 2".

That test "GESE 2" is not on the approved list. So...... either Malc has the name of the test wrong..... or his lady has taken the wrong test!

I hope this makes it clear!

I think Malct will end up with the same certificate wording as they loosely call it GESE 2 but ESOL appears on the actual certificate.

If it's not accepted, because of all the different names they seem to have for grading these English tests, then Trinity are going to have very many complaints from those who sat the exam and have been issued with worthless certificates !!

Edited August 16, 2011 by tricolor

[malct]

Yes and a big Bill From me. I have emailed Trinity for confirmation, But i did double check before hand.

I believe that all documents can be checked Prior to submitting in Bangkok.

Malc

I think Malct will end up with the same certificate wording as they loosely call it GESE 2 but ESOL appears on the actual certificate.

If it's not accepted, because of all the different names they seem to have for grading these English tests, then Trinity are going to have very many complaints from those who sat the exam and have been issued with worthless certificates !!

[toddmeister]

This is the new list of test providers PDF from the UKBA website, the GESE is on the list (last one listed on the final page of the PDF)

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/new-approved-english-tests.pdf

[Frogster]

This is the new list of test providers PDF from the UKBA website, the GESE is on the list (last one listed on the final page of the PDF)

http://www.ukba.home...glish-tests.pdf

Phew !!!!!! Well thats all OK then..... its on the revised list, everyone can breath again.

Cheers Steve :jap:

On another track..... I don't think the UKBA could get more unbalanced:-

a six min test here in the UK for £50-£60

or

a three hour test in Thailand costing £143.00

both to achieve the same criteria, an A1 Pass

[7by7]

To be fair to the UKBA, they don't set the test fees; the test providers do.

[malct]

Phew !!!! From Me too

I received a email from trinity with the New link!!! I am happy again.

It cost us £75 for our test in Preston, but it saved the expense on going to London..

Malc

[tricolor]

Phew !!!! From Me too

I received a email from trinity with the New link!!! I am happy again.

It cost us £75 for our test in Preston, but it saved the expense on going to London..

Malc

I've now had a reply from Trinity which confuses me more - does it mean that the certificate wording covers both tests ?

Trying to categorise and standardise English testing seems like a minefield.

"...... Grade 2 Grades Examinations in Spoken English is one exam. Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Speaking and Listening) (Entry 1) is a different exam, more commonly called Skills for Life.

Both exams are at accepted at A1 levels for the Spouses/Partner visa – speaking and listening only"

If that is so then why not put the commonly used words 'Skills for Life'(as on UKBA new list pdf) on the certificate as well and so avoid any possibility of misinterpretation ?

Edited August 16, 2011 by tricolor

[chewy22]

Phew !!!! From Me too

I received a email from trinity with the New link!!! I am happy again.

It cost us £75 for our test in Preston, but it saved the expense on going to London..

Malc

I have been to see them today in their office in Preston. Young guy on the desk could not give me the answer if the test was ok for FLR application

They sent me the following e-mail tonight..

Dear MR ******,

In regards to your enquiry earlier, please see a link to our website which gives more information on the GESE 2 test (Graded English in Spoken Examinations).

http://www.speakschool.co.uk/trinity-college-london/gese.html

It states that The GESE grade 2, tests speaking and listening skills at A1 level and is approved by the UKBA for use in Spouse/Partner Further Leave to Remain (FLR), visa applications.

I hope this is useful to you and if you need to register for the exam in the future, please contact us or see the link http://www.speakscho...r-an-exam.html.

If you have any questions, dont hesitate to ask.

Kind regards

Nick Hillary

Registrar

Speak School

Edited August 22, 2011 by chewy22

[malct]

My wife handed in her Application and Guess what, The lady asked about the speaking and ListeningTest Certificate and asked if is was the correct test because she had not seen one of these certificates before, she showed the certificate to a few other people and she came back to my wife and said, are you sure that this is the correct Certificate because nobody else has seen one of these test certificates before, My wife answered yes and explained that she sat the Test in Preston and explained that the Certificate had to be sent from London, The lady said, OK and carried on checking the paperwork.

Now i am getting paranoid thinking will the Embassy through out our Application!!!.

It may be cause Preston have only just started doing the test and yes it may be the first certificate that they have seen.

I am tempted to Write to the embassy to tell them about my wife's Experience and to explain about the test and provide links to speak school.

I should not be worried, but you think that the Visa people would know.

Malc

Edited August 26, 2011 by malct

[7by7]

I am sure that the staff at the VAC, who play no part in the decision making process, have vary rarely, if ever, seen a certificate issued by a test provider in the UK: they are used to the ones issued by providers in Thailand. (What's the difference? No idea!)

It is not the job of VAC staff to judge whether evidence submitted with an application is acceptable or not; they merely check that the evidence is there. Even if it isn't they can only advise that the applicant goes away and comes back with the missing documents. However, they must accept the application and forward it to the embassy if the applicant insists.

The Entry Clearance officers at the embassy do know what is an acceptable test and what isn't; or at least should do!

Don't worry.

[malct]

Thank you for your reply 7by7.

It made it worse when i was left outside and didn't know what was going on, My New Wife was in the place for an hour and a half, She came outside halfway through to ask for money for them to send SMS with up-dates!!! after all the money it costs and they cant send a SMS for free!!! I did get a Email up-date to say that the paperwork is now at the embassy.

Is was still like a cattle market with people queuing at the VAC..

Malc

[chewy22]

I am sure that the staff at the VAC, who play no part in the decision making process, have vary rarely, if ever, seen a certificate issued by a test provider in the UK: they are used to the ones issued by providers in Thailand. (What's the difference? No idea!)

It is not the job of VAC staff to judge whether evidence submitted with an application is acceptable or not; they merely check that the evidence is there. Even if it isn't they can only advise that the applicant goes away and comes back with the missing documents. However, they must accept the application and forward it to the embassy if the applicant insists.

The Entry Clearance officers at the embassy do know what is an acceptable test and what isn't; or at least should do!

Don't worry.

Not sure I have missed something here? is Malct wife back in Thailand now? Or does the application get passed to Bangkok from the UK? I have read this thread a couple of times and thought they were in the UK.

[malct]

We done the test in the uk to save time before flying out to get married and apply for the visa.

I would not have been in Thailand to finish putting all the paperwork together had my wife done the test in thailand.

Not sure I have missed something here? is Malct wife back in Thailand now? Or does the application get passed to Bangkok from the UK? I have read this thread a couple of times and thought they were in the UK.

[chewy22]

arr now I understand. Good luck :jap: