Graded Examinations in Speech -EAL
This unit focuses on developing essential speaking and listening skills for EAL learners at Entry 1 level. Candidates prepare and deliver a short talk, recite a memorised poem, and read aloud a passage, all while demonstrating clarity and audience awareness. The assessment simulates real-world communication in a supportive group environment, emphasizing active listening and appropriate responses.
Assessment criteria
Topic Overview
The ESB Entry Level Award in Graded Examinations in Speech (Entry 2) is a foundational qualification designed to develop your speaking and listening skills in English. This award focuses on building confidence in communication, whether you are a native speaker or learning English as an additional language. You will learn to express yourself clearly, listen actively, and engage in simple conversations, which are essential skills for everyday life, further study, and employment.
This qualification is part of the English Speaking Board (International) Ltd's suite of life skills qualifications. At Entry 2, you will be expected to speak about familiar topics, follow instructions, and respond appropriately in basic social interactions. The exam typically involves a short prepared talk, a conversation with the examiner, and a listening task. Success in this award demonstrates that you can communicate effectively in routine situations, such as asking for help, describing a picture, or giving simple directions.
Mastering these skills matters because they form the foundation for more advanced communication. Whether you aim to progress to Entry 3 or Level 1, or simply want to feel more confident in daily conversations, this award gives you a structured way to improve. It also helps you develop key life skills like turn-taking, asking questions, and showing understanding, which are valued in education, work, and social settings.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Clear pronunciation: Speaking words distinctly so the listener can understand you easily.
- →Structured talk: Organising your prepared talk with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
- →Active listening: Showing you understand by nodding, asking relevant questions, or repeating key points.
- →Responding appropriately: Giving answers that match the question, using full sentences where possible.
- →Turn-taking: Knowing when to speak and when to listen in a conversation.
Learning Objectives
What you need to know and understand
- 1. Plan and present a talk of one minute’s duration2. Speak in front of a small group and an assessor3. Recite a short poem (not a self-composition) from memory4. Read aloud a chosen passage from a favourite book/article5. Speak clearly enough for the listeners to hear6. Answer questions 7.Listen quietly to the presentation of others8.Ask a simple question
Assessment Criteria
Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio
- Award credit for structuring the 1-minute talk with a clear introduction, main point(s), and simple conclusion, even if vocabulary is basic.
- Award credit for reciting the poem entirely from memory, with minimal hesitation, and an effort to convey its meaning through tone.
- Award credit for reading aloud with appropriate volume and pace, and for attempting to engage the audience by looking up occasionally.
- Award credit for listening quietly to others and then asking at least one simple but relevant question, such as 'Where did you go?' or 'Do you like it?'
Assessment Guidance
Guidance for achieving higher grades
- 💡Practice the 1-minute talk multiple times using a stopwatch; aim for 50-60 seconds of actual speaking to leave room for natural pauses.
- 💡Select a very short, rhythmical poem that is easy to memorise (e.g., a nursery rhyme or a simple haiku) and rehearse it with actions.
- 💡Before the exam, read aloud the chosen passage at least 5 times, focusing on places to pause and emphasise, and record yourself to check clarity.
- 💡Prepare a stock question in advance, such as 'How did you feel?' or 'What happened next?', and listen for an opportunity to use it appropriately.
- 💡Practise your prepared talk several times at home, but don't memorise it word-for-word. Aim to speak naturally, as if you are telling a friend about something you know well.
- 💡In the conversation part, listen carefully to the examiner's questions. If you don't understand, it's fine to ask, 'Could you repeat that, please?' This shows good communication skills.
- 💡Use simple linking words like 'first', 'then', 'next', and 'finally' to make your talk easy to follow. This helps the examiner see the structure of your ideas.
Common Mistakes
Common errors to avoid in your coursework
- Learners often mumble or drop their voice at the end of sentences, making it hard for the assessor to gauge full competence.
- When reciting a poem, candidates may forget lines and pause for too long, then lose confidence entirely rather than recovering.
- During the read-aloud, students might focus so much on decoding that they sound robotic and ignore punctuation.
- In the Q&A, learners sometimes reply with minimal 'yes'/'no' answers instead of extending the response, missing the opportunity to demonstrate speaking range.
- Misconception: You need to speak fast to sound fluent. Correction: Speaking clearly and at a steady pace is more important than speed. Pausing is okay and helps you think.
- Misconception: You must use complex vocabulary to get a good mark. Correction: Simple, correct language is better than trying to use words you are unsure of. Focus on clarity and accuracy.
- Misconception: Listening means just staying quiet. Correction: Active listening involves showing you are engaged through body language and brief responses like 'I see' or 'That's interesting'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Pass / Merit / Distinction Evidence Checklist
How your portfolio evidence is graded for ENGLISH SPEAKING BOARD (INTERNATIONAL) LTD Graded Examinations in Speech -EAL
Every vocational unit is marked against named criteria rather than an exam percentage. Your tutor's brief lists the exact codes for this unit — here is what each band is asking you to do.
Demonstrate baseline knowledge, accurate terminology, and core practical application.
Provide detailed analysis, structured explanations, and clear workplace reasoning.
Deliver thorough evaluation, original problem solving, and fully justified recommendations.
Before You Start
Prior knowledge that will help with this topic
- •Entry 1 ESB Speech qualification or equivalent basic speaking and listening skills.
- •Ability to understand and use simple everyday vocabulary (e.g., family, hobbies, food).
- •Basic confidence to speak in front of one person (the examiner).
Coursework AI Review
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Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
- 1. Plan and present a talk of one minute’s duration2. Speak in front of a small group and an assessor3. Recite a short poem (not a self-composition) from memory4. Read aloud a chosen passage from a favourite book/article5. Speak clearly enough for the listeners to hear6. Answer questions 7.Listen quietly to the presentation of others8.Ask a simple question
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