ISE II Trinity Exam

The Interview
The Interview is the last of the three parts in the exam but it represents 50% of the final mark. It is a one-to-one interview (12 minutes) with a native speaker trying to simulate a real conversation where there is exchange information / ideas and debate about different topics. Candidates are given the opportunity to display their command of the language of the level while talking about self-selected and personally relevant topics. The Interview at ISE I consists of three assessed phases:
1) Candidate-led discussion of a topic prepared by the candidate (up to

4 minutes), never one of the subject areas listed below, they are only for the Conversation!! Candidates must: a. Understand the examiner by responding appropriately to questions
b. Give information about the prepared topic by communicating facts,

ideas, opinions and explain viewpoints across a series of extended turns c. Maintain coherence and cohesion by organizing discourse d. Handle interruptions by using recovery strategies e. Engage the examiner in discussion of the topic f. Be prepared to ask and answer questions about the content of and views about the topic, and respond to requests for further information, clarifications and explanations g. Bring into the examination room a photocopy of the brief notes, mind maps or diagrams you used as preparation. However, they are not part of the assessment. Our recommendation is choose a topic you like, you have information about, etc. Try to be unique and original.

2) Interactive task (up to 4 minutes). Candidates must show their ability

to initiate, take control over and maintain the interaction while expressing the language functions of the level. The emphasis now is on the functional level not so much on correct grammatical structures (see section Language Functions on the Language Requirements list). The

candidate is responsible for maintaining the conversation as the examiners turns will be much shorter than the candidates. The examiner will not intervene and take control. Sample interactive prompts for ISE II can be found on the Trinity website.
3) Conversation with the examiner including discussion of the portfolio

and one subject area selected by the examiner from the list below (up to 4 minutes). The idea is to participate in a genuine and interesting exchange of information, ideas and opinions while demonstrating their ability to use the language of the level. Candidates must: a. Show understanding of the examiner by responding appropriately to questions
b. Share responsibility for the maintenance of the interaction with the

examiner c. Follow up on comments from the examiner in order to develop the conversation d. Take steps to repair communication in case of a breakdown
e. Discuss both the process of writing the contents the portfolio and

its contents

PROCESS: The examiner greets the candidate and asks for identification. Then the examiner asks the candidate for the Topic Form and the candidate tells the examiner what the topic is about. The examiner will choose randomly every one of the four points of the Topic form to talk about it by asking questions, making comments, etc. The candidate must ask at least one question!! After that, the examiner moves to the portfolio discussion (for 2 minutes) and conversation. The examiner chooses one topic from the subject areas and the candidate must give information, make statements, respond as appropriate Finally, the examiner brings the interview to an end.

The subject areas are included at the end of the Language Requirements for ISE II and they are: Society and living standards, Personal values and ideals, The world of work, Unexplained phenomena and events, National environmental concerns and Public figures past and present.