Reading & Writing
The structure of the Reading & Writing module for ISE II is:
2 x Reading tasks + 1 x Reading-into-writing task + 1 x Writing task = 2 hrs
Speaking & Listening
At ISE II the Speaking & Listening exam lasts 20 minutes. The structure of the exam includes these components:
3 x Speaking tasks:
1 x Topic discussion task 1 x Collaborative task 1 x Conversation task
Language requirements for ISE II
1 x Listening task
In addition to the items specified for ISE 0 and ISE I, the candidate is expected to demonstrate the ability to use the language functions and language items listed below.
Language requirements
Language functions
Giving advice and highlighting advantages and disadvantages Making suggestions
Describing past habits
Expressing possibility and uncertainty
Eliciting further information and expansion of ideas and opinions Expressing agreement and disagreement
Expressing feelings and emotions
Expressing impossibility
Reporting the conversation of others
Speculating
Persuading and discouraging
Grammar
Second and third conditionals
Simple passive
Used to
Relative clauses
Modals and phrases used to give advice and make suggestions, e.g. should/ought to, could, you’d better
Modals and phrases used to express possibility and uncertainty may, might, I’m not sure Discourse connectors because of, due to
Present perfect continuous tense
Past perfect tense
Reported speech
Linking expressions, e.g. even though, in spite of, although
Lexis
Vocabulary specific to the topic and subject areas
Cohesive devices, e.g. so to continue, in other words, for example
Appropriate words and expressions to indicate interest and show awareness of the speaker, e.g. Really? Oh dear! Did you?
Simple fillers to give time for thought, e.g. well..., um...
Reporting verbs, e.g. say, tell, ask, report, advise, promise
Appropriate words and expressions to encourage further participation, e.g. what about you? Phrases and expressions relating to the language functions listed above
Phonology (Interview only)
The correct pronunciation of vocabulary specific to the topic and subject areas Rising intonation to indicate interest and surprise as appropriate Intonation and features of connected speech beyond sentence level Rising and falling intonation to indicate giving up and offering turns
Stress and intonation to indicate emotion
Stress, intonation and pitch relevant to the language functions listed above
Subject areas for the Conversation phase of the Interview One subject area will be selected by the examiner from the list below. Society and living standards
Personal values and ideals
The world of work
National environmental concerns
Public figures past and present
ISE II candidates should not select their topic from the list of subject areas above Subject areas Controlled Written exam
In addition to the subje
