ESB Spoken Communication and Presentation (ESOL) *

Level: ESB provides assessment qualifications for all levels from the beginner to the flexibly fluent. The aim is to develop the individual's confidence and communicative competence in speaking and listening within a supportive group context.

The adult ESOL series includes 11 graded assessments for progressive mastery:

Pre-Entry Level - three qualifications
Entry Level - three qualifications
Level 1 - two qualifications
Level 2 - two qualifications
Level 3 - one qualification

Qualifications from Entry Level to Level 3 are within the National Qualifications Framework. They are mapped to the ESOL Adult Core Curriculum in speaking and listening and to the Common European Framework from A1 Breakthrough to C2 Mastery. They are accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) and the corresponding regulatory authorities in Wales and Northern Ireland.

ESB also offers a Schools series of nine graded assessments, from Pre-Entry to level 3. This series runs broadly parallel to ESB's Graded Examinations in Speech for native speakers of school age from 6-18, allowing for different stages of linguistic development. It also includes an Introductory Certificate of Success at a very basic level for the youngest beginners, to build confidence at the pre-school or early school stages.

Skills tested: The candidate is assessed both as a speaker and as an active member of the listening group. The assessment encourages and enables the candidate to demonstrate the language and to communicate skills he or she has acquired in a range of formal and informal registers and contexts for daily, social, educational and working life.

English is spoken in a variety of British regional accents and, increasingly, in a variety of international accents. ESB recognises and accepts this, while encouraging the benefits of clear communication of Standard English.

Availability: Assessments are available by arrangement at a time mutually convenient and at any centre registered with the ESB in the UK or overseas.

* ESB literature may also refer to the term EAL (English as an Acquired Language).

English Speaking Board (International) Ltd.
26a Princes Street
Southport PR8 1EQ

Telephone  +44 (0) 1704 501730
Fax +44  (0) 1704 539637
E-mail  admin@esbuk.org
Website  www.esbuk.org