Candidates breeze through ESOL test, The Hindu 19Nov06

Test comprises GESE and ISE tests

CHENNAI: Examinations usually build up tension and increase blood pressure levels in students. But, students who took London Trinity College's English aptitude test on Friday appeared cool.

The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) test, comprising the Graded Examination in Spoken English (GESE) test and the Integrated Skills in English (ISE) test, assesses a candidate's prowess in spoken English and his or her integrated skills in English (ISE), such as speaking, writing, listening and learning abilities.

"The test helps us to know our writing and speaking skills. Unlike other exams this is done mainly in a conversational mode and helps bring out all our talent," said Kalathmika, a Standard XI student who took the test.

"The method makes it interesting. We can choose a topic and discuss it with the examiner. There would be discussions on general matters and also on our writings. This help us to research, organise, structure and communicate our ideas more effectively," said Nithya Ragavan, an ISE test candidate.

According to A.P. Latha, co-ordinator of the examinations, in Chennai, 24 students appeared for the ESOL tests this year including 14 for the GESE and 11 for the ISE. GESE has 12 levels and ISE has four levels. Students can choose their levels.

"A pass in the test equips us with an international certification that would immensely help students going abroad for studies or jobs," said Nandana, a Standard VIII student. "For me language is a passion. I am a working woman and these type of exams which test the flair for language help me to work more and study lot in English," said Mini, who works with Oasis Tours in Chennai.

Orient Longman is the national manager of the ESOL exams in India. The exams were introduced in India three years ago.