LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (Communication – Speaking and Listening)

Candidates taking LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (Communication – Speaking and Listening) will need to demonstrate they are capable of handling familiar and basic everyday communication

Accreditation Qualification Number	600/9917/3
Level	(Entry 3) (Communication – Speaking and Listening)
Duration	16 minutes
CEFR level	B1
Test format	2 candidates and 1 examiner

What you'll learn

Listening
Speaking

Introduction

This specification document provides an overview and orientation to LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (Communication – Speaking and Listening) for candidates, centres, administrators, teachers and examiners and outlines the key features and administrative procedures required for this test.

Objective

LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (Communication – Speaking and Listening) is designed for all non-native English speakers that are required to improve their speaking and listening at B11. Candidates taking LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (Communication – Speaking and Listening) will need to demonstrate they are capable of handling familiar and routine communication in the areas of speaking and listening pitched at level B1 on the Common European Framework of References for Languages (CEFR).

Candidate Category

Candidates interested in taking the LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (Communication – Speaking and Listening) may include those:
1. Needing a starting point in order to work towards a qualification in English.
2. Working or seeking work in an English speaking environment.
3. Living and working in a country where the native and official language is English.
4. Submitting an immigration application
Candidates who take LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (Communication – Speaking and Listening) are made up of a range of different national and cultural backgrounds.

Entry Requirements

There are no entry requirements for candidates upon taking this qualification. It is also not necessary for candidates to have achieved a qualification in English prior to registering. However, LRN would recommend that candidates are well prepared before taking this test. Downloadable sample materials are accessible through the qualifications section of the LRN website whereby candidates can access sample assessment material. LRN approved centres ensure that candidates are fully prepared to sit LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (Communication – Speaking and Listening) through using fully trained teachers and appropriate resources as laid out in the centre agreement with LRN.

Progression

LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (Communication – Speaking and Listening) has been designed to reflect the wide variation in candidates’ origins, levels of education and career aims. Progression opportunities may, therefore, take a variety of paths.
Depending on the level of qualification achieved, it may be appropriate for the candidate to progress to:
• A higher level of any ESOL International qualification – E .g. Level 1 ESOLqualification
• A key skills or functional skills qualification
• Vocational qualifications

Language of Assessment

LRN aims to use English that is plain, clear, free from bias and appropriate to Entry Level candidates. All assessments and assessment related materials are written in English and rigorously checked by LRN officers and subject specialists before release. Teachers preparing candidates are expected to ensure that their materials are clear, diverse and appropriate to Entry Level ESOL candidates.

Qualification Overview

LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (Communication – Speaking and Listening) is based on the CEFR in that it reflects the levels of language ability which are defined by the CEFR. References to the CEFR are made in the LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (Communication – Speaking and Listening) Mark Scheme in order to demonstrate linkage between the qualification construct and CEFR. LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (Communication – Speaking and Listening) is a single unit qualification. Candidates are assessed in the components of speaking and listening which must be completed and passed in order to achieve a certificate at Entry Level 3 (CEFR B1). The recommended guided learning hours for this qualification are 110 against a pre-agreed syllabus set by centres that is approved by LRN.

Level

In line with the ESOL Adult Core Curriculum for Entry 3, LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (Communication – Speaking and Listening) is designed to be assessed at CEFR level B1 / Entry 3 (NQF). See Annex 1 for more information on National Qualifications Framework and Common European Framework.

Qualification Features

LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (Communication – Speaking and Listening) consists of three sections that measure the level of competency in speaking and listening at Entry level 3.

Results

The examination is conducted by one examiner, trained by LRN, and is recorded on a dictaphone. Marks are allocated for each candidate in accordance with the LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (Communication – Speaking and Listening) mark scheme and then returned securely to LRN’s head office for processing. Results are then moderated by the moderation team in accordance with LRN’s moderation policy. Moderated results are then forwarded to the Lead Moderator for final approval. LRN intends to issue its results to centres within 6-10 working days.

Center Delivery

All LRN qualifications are delivered through centres that have been approved by LRN.
Centres who wish to deliver LRN qualifications must first demonstrate they have the necessary resources, experience, expertise and administration in place in order to be approved.
All examination papers are sent prior to the examination and must be kept in a lockable cabinet within a lockable room within the approved centre where candidates are due to be assessed.
Centres who wish to raise issues of malpractice are advised to report instances in writing, using the malpractice report form. All instances of malpractice are dealt with within 30 working days.

Assessment

LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (Communication – Speaking and Listening) is 100% externally assessed by an LRN examiner. Candidates are assessed in pairs.

Assessment takes the format of 3 compulsory sections lasting up to 16 minutes in total which equates to approximately 6 minutes (this timing is approximate due to the varying ability of candidate cognitive demand) per candidate whilst partaking in interrelating discourse. Section 1 covers introductory questions, Section 2, demonstrating competence by expressing and supporting opinions and views through the ‘individual turn’ and Section 3, participating in a role play.

Marking

Introduction

Marks are allocated by the examiner on the day of the assessment, immediately after the interview has taken place and all interviews are recorded onto a dictaphone. The examiner refers to the mark scheme in order to make a judgement on the marks to be allocated and may refer back to dictaphone data for extra clarification. Extra batteries are provided should they be needed and all examiners have access to CDs in order to record the CD in the event of dictaphone malfunction, with centre support. At the end of the day of assessment the examiner sends all information back to LRN head office which is received within 2 working days. All marks are then submitted to the moderation team. Below is a breakdown of the grade boundaries for LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (Communication – Speaking and Listening).

Merit: 13-15
Pass: 0-12
Fail: 0-8

Certification

Results for LRN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) (Communication – Speaking and Listening) are distributed within 6-10 working days from the date assessments are received at head office. Grading is also given on the certificate.