Finding confidence and creativity: Maria’s ISE exam journey
Maria's journey with Trinity's Integrated Skills in English (ISE) exam is a testament to how language assessments can transcend traditional learning, fostering both personal and academic growth. From struggling to keep up in class to using English as a tool for creativity and travel, her story highlights the transformative impact of a supportive learning environment and a well-structured exam system.
Overcoming initial challenges
Maria's early experiences with English were filled with uncertainty. She recalls how difficult it was to follow along in class when her teacher spoke, often feeling lost in the flow of conversation.
"I started coming to the British Centre when I was in fifth of primary school because I didn't quite understand when the teacher was speaking. I couldn’t keep track very well."
While she had a strong grasp of grammar, speaking remained a significant hurdle. When someone with English as a first language would visit her class, she found herself struggling to keep up, taking too long to process and structure her responses.
"Once a week, we had a native speaker come to the classroom. When he asked me something, I would take way too much time answering because I had to think about what he meant and get every word in order."
Reading and listening also presented difficulties, as she found herself easily distracted. However, with time, persistence, and the right support, Maria began to make progress. The turning point came when she started to gain confidence in speaking.
"It was a big jump because I started building confidence when speaking in English, which was really important."
Building confidence through Trinity's ISE exam
Maria's first major milestone was taking her first Trinity ISE exam at the age of nine. It was her first experience with a structured language assessment, and the experience proved to be a defining moment.
"My first certificate exam was in the first year I entered the British Centre. I was maybe nine, and I did ISE Foundation."
She recalls how nervous she felt about the speaking component, but an unexpected conversation with an examiner helped her realise how natural communication in English could be.
"I remember the examiner was into drawing as well, so we started having a conversation so fluently and naturally that I forgot about the things I had prepared. I came out of the exam thinking, 'I’m going to fail,' but then I didn’t, because it was a natural and more realistic conversation."
This experience changed Maria’s perspective on English exams. Rather than a rigid test of memorised phrases, the ISE exam allowed her to engage in meaningful, real-world communication—an approach that made all the difference.
Applying integrated skills beyond the classroom
As Maria continued her education, she realised how the skills she had developed for the ISE exam had practical applications far beyond language learning. The ability to process information from multiple sources and take effective notes became invaluable in her school subjects, particularly in maths and biology.
"In the written exam, you sometimes have to gather information from other texts and transform it or make up your own. And you have to take notes of what you’ve listened to. That’s the skill I’ve most used in school—to take notes in class, whether it’s biology or maths. I value that a lot because that’s something I learned with Trinity”
Beyond academic settings, Maria discovered that English had become a tool for her creativity and exploration. Whether travelling to Germany and Poland or working on her passion for drawing comics, she found herself naturally switching to English when it suited her best.
"What I really like English for is travelling. It’s the universal language, and it’s helped me a lot in Germany and Poland. But what I really like is drawing comics. Sometimes, I write comics in English because I get fed up with Spanish. In English, you use a lot sounds I like. So, I’ll just switch to that language."
Advice for fellow learners
Reflecting on her experiences, Maria encourages other students to take on the challenge of the ISE exam. Having tried other language assessments, she believes that Trinity’s focus on real-world communication makes all the difference in preparing learners for practical use of English.
"I’ve tried other exams, and I feel Trinity is the one that prepares you the most for what you’re going to need in the real world. If you know English, you’re going to pass. It’s something that’s always going to be good for your future—to get a job or even find a new hobby, as I did."
Her advice to future candidates is simple but reassuring:
"Go for it! It’s not a big deal. You just need to know the structure and study."
Looking ahead
Maria’s journey with Trinity ignited a love for languages that continues to grow. She has since achieved her C2 certificate—a milestone that has been both challenging and rewarding.
"Well, I recently got my C2 certificate, so I'm extremely happy. Contrary to other exams, this has been the most difficult without a doubt”.
Interestingly, Maria found herself most engaged with the portfolio tasks, which offered a taste of academic challenges to come.
"What I got engaged with the most were the portfolio tasks. For someone who is now finishing high school, this has probably been my nearest experience to a college assignment, therefore I feel more confident when doing a complicated task."
She is now looking to expand her language skills even further, with plans to study French and Japanese more formally. She also dreams of visiting Japan and using her language skills to connect with locals.
"Next year, I’d like to study French and Japanese more formally. I’d also love to visit Japan one day and talk to the locals."
Maria’s story is a powerful example of how language learning can shape confidence, creativity, and future opportunities. Thanks to the Trinity ISE exam, she has built a foundation that extends far beyond the classroom, proving that mastering a language is not just about passing a test—it’s about embracing a world of new possibilities.