At Advanced stage, GESE exams include the following candidate tasks:
- Topic presentation - on a prepared topic of the candidate’s choice
- Topic discussion – about the presentation topic
- Interactive task – ask questions and respond interactively
- Listening task – listen and answer questions
- Conversation - about two subjects selected from a list by the examiner
As they progress through the grades, candidates undertake tasks that require a more advanced use of language.
Grade and timings
- Grade 10 - CEFR level C1.1 - 25 minutes
- Grade 11 - CEFR level C1.2 - 25 minutes
- Grade 12 - CEFR level C2 - 25 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
- Guide for teachers - Grades 10-12
These guides give a clear breakdown of the exam requirements and provide some useful preparation techniques for teachers.
- Scheme of Work for teachers
Example 2 week coursework plan and activities for teachers to use and adapt
- Performance descriptors
Candidate Performance Descriptors are used by Trinity examiners to assess each candidate’s performance against the exam requirements.
Booking guidance
- Exam administration
How to book exams and best practice guidance for registered centres
Adapted procedures for online assessment
Exam guide
Download the exam
information bookletTeacher guide
