What do I need to do in the ESB Entry 1 Speech exam?

In the exam, you will have a short conversation with the examiner, where you answer simple questions about yourself, like your name, age, and hobbies. You will also give a very short prepared talk (about one minute) on a topic of your choice, such as a favourite toy or a pet. Finally, you will listen to a short instruction and follow it, like pointing to a picture or repeating a phrase.

How long is the ESB Entry 1 exam?

The exam usually lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. It is designed to be short and supportive, so you don't need to worry about a long test. The examiner will help you feel comfortable and give you time to think.

Can I use notes during my prepared talk?

Yes, you can bring a small card with key words or a picture to help you remember your talk. However, try not to read directly from it. The examiner wants to see you speak naturally, so use the notes as prompts only.

What if I make a mistake during the exam?

Don't worry! The examiner understands that you are learning. If you make a mistake, just correct yourself if you can, or move on. The important thing is to keep communicating. The exam is about your ability to be understood, not to be perfect.

How can I practise for the listening part?

Listen to simple English audio, like children's stories or basic instructions on websites. Practise following directions, like 'Put the book on the table'. You can also ask a friend or teacher to give you simple commands and see if you can do them correctly.

What topics can I choose for my prepared talk?

You can talk about anything that is familiar to you, such as your family, a pet, a favourite food, a hobby, or a special object like a toy or a photo. Choose something you can describe easily with simple words. For example, 'This is my dog. He is brown. He likes to play.'

Graded Examinations in Speech -EAL

ENGLISH SPEAKING BOARD (INTERNATIONAL) LTD

vocational

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.

Learning Outcomes

Assessment Guidance

Key Skills

Key Terms

Assessment Criteria

Assessment criteria

ESB Entry Level Award in Graded Examinations in Speech (Entry 1) (EAL-A1)

Topic Overview

The ESB Entry Level Award in Graded Examinations in Speech (Entry 1) (EAL-A1) is a foundational qualification designed to develop your speaking and listening skills in English. This award focuses on building confidence in communication, helping you express yourself clearly in everyday situations. You will learn to speak clearly, listen carefully, and respond appropriately in simple conversations, which are essential skills for both personal and academic growth.

This qualification is part of the English Speaking Board (International) Ltd's suite of life skills qualifications, aimed at learners who are new to English or need to strengthen their oral communication. The Entry 1 level is the starting point, where you will practice basic greetings, introductions, and short descriptions. It is ideal for ESOL students or anyone wanting to improve their spoken English for work, study, or social interactions.

By the end of this course, you will be able to participate in simple exchanges, follow basic instructions, and present a short prepared talk. These skills are not only assessed in the exam but are also transferable to real-life contexts, such as asking for directions, ordering food, or talking about your hobbies. Mastery of this award lays a strong foundation for progressing to higher levels of speech and communication qualifications.

Key Concepts

Core ideas you must understand for this topic

→Clear pronunciation: Speaking words distinctly so that others can understand you easily, focusing on sounds that may be new to English learners.
→Basic vocabulary and phrases: Using common words and expressions for greetings, introductions, likes/dislikes, and everyday objects.
→Listening for key information: Understanding simple instructions, questions, and short narratives from the examiner or partner.
→Turn-taking in conversation: Knowing when to speak and when to listen, responding appropriately to questions or prompts.
→Simple presentation structure: Organising a short talk with a beginning, middle, and end, such as describing a picture or a personal item.

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.
💡Practice speaking slowly and clearly. Rushing makes you harder to understand. Take a breath before you answer.
💡Prepare a short talk about something you know well, like your family or a favourite object. Use simple words and practise at home in front of a mirror.
💡In the conversation part, listen carefully to the examiner's question. If you don't understand, it's okay to say 'Can you repeat that, please?' This shows good communication skills.

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 perfectly without any mistakes. Correction: The exam focuses on communication, not perfection. Small errors are fine as long as your meaning is clear.
Misconception: You must use complex sentences to impress the examiner. Correction: Simple, clear sentences are better. The aim is to be understood, not to show off grammar.
Misconception: Listening is just about hearing words. Correction: Listening involves understanding the message and responding appropriately. You need to show you have understood by your reply or action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Before You Start

Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

•Basic understanding of English alphabet and common sounds.
•Ability to recognise and say simple words like 'hello', 'goodbye', 'yes', 'no'.
•Familiarity with everyday topics such as colours, numbers, and family members.

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

Ready to learn?

AI-powered learning tailored to this unit

Graded Examinations in Speech -EAL

Assessment criteria

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

Learning Objectives

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Guidance

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Key Terminology

Ready to learn?

Related Topics in ENGLISH SPEAKING BOARD (INTERNATIONAL) LTD vocational ESOL & Literacy