MIND YOUR LANGUAGE: Clinton Rae making a point, The Hindu 21-Jul-06

In association with Orient Longman, Trinity College, London, has been conducting examinations to assess English-speaking skills among students of Indian schools for many decades. These examinations are aimed at testing proficiency levels under the "English for Speakers of Other Languages"(ESOL) programme. From Std. I to plus II, Trinity conducts "Graded Examinations in Spoken English."

Enhancing experience

The special feature of these examinations is that the college sends its examiners from England to conduct the tests at the respective schools. A qualified native English speaker flies down to give a test to local students. Such an experience enhances the confidence of the students who feel self-assured wherever they go.

Clinton Rae, director of language examinations, Trinity College London, says that their examiners personally visit `your colleges' to make the examinations a lively affair. Trinity believes in conducting "live examinations" with the help of examiners who come down from London.

During a recent visit to India, Mr. Rae made a presentation to principals of several local schools. Some of them pointed out that the examination fee, which worked out to nearly Rs. 5,000 per student, could be a discouraging factor for the students and their parents. Mr. Rae maintained that the fee has been fixed as per the logistics involved and the fact that Trinity sends its examiners from London is by itself a costly affair. "Over a century ago, Trinity College London sent its first group of examiners to assess skills of music-learners in India. Imagine how they would have come to India? Naturally, they took a sea route," he pointed out.

Mr. Rae says that Trinity's reputation in conducting skill assessment tests has a long history and it focuses on giving a direction to learners. A certificate from Trinity would help one establish his proficiency level anywhere in the world.

The Trinity examiners are affable, pleasing and easy-going. They are trained to greet the examinees with a smile and make them feel free to communicate. While treating the beginners, the examiners engage them in a free-flowing conversation to bring out the best of their language skills.

A recording of an examination in spoken English skills attempted by an Italian schoolgirl was screened for the local principals. Though the girl had an Italian accent while speaking English, she was able to make sense.

Her grammar was not perfect but she could reply to all the questions posed by the examiner. When asked to spell out her favourite topic for a lively discussion, she said that it was a friend of hers.

The examiner spoke to her about her likes and dislikes and the girl was seen participating in the discussion without much inhibition.

The student's questioning ability was also put to test.