Kshethra's story

From nervous beginnings to confident conversations: Kshethra's GESE journey

When Kshethra took Trinity's Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE) Grade 5, she was in Year 8. Although it was several years ago, she still remembers exactly how she felt before walking into the exam room and how quickly that feeling changed once the conversation began.

Now studying Computer Science at university, she looks back on the experience as more than just an English exam. It was an opportunity to build confidence in speaking English, something that continues to support her in her studies today.

A love of English from an early age

For Kshethra, learning English never felt like something she had to do. It was something she genuinely enjoyed.

"From my childhood, I always liked learning English. It was kind of like a hobby for me. Whenever I saw a word that I didn't know, I'd instantly search for the meaning. I also loved watching movies and series, and I wanted to be able to watch them without subtitles. That's how English became a hobby for me."

When her family and friends heard about the GESE exam, they encouraged her to take it.

"I wanted to move to the UK after college, so they told me about the examination and suggested I take it."

From nervousness to confidence

Although Kshethra already enjoyed learning English, speaking to an examiner was something she found daunting.

"I was actually quite tense before going into the exam. Talking to a stranger made me nervous, so that was the only thing I really prepared for."

Rather than memorising answers, she focused on becoming more comfortable speaking aloud.

"I practised speaking to myself in the mirror. That really helped because I was worried about having a conversation with someone I'd never met before."

Those nerves disappeared almost as soon as the exam started.

"I must say the examiner was very friendly and made me feel very comfortable. It didn't even feel like an exam at all. It just felt like talking to an old friend."

Even now, years later, she remembers the experience clearly.

"We spoke face to face at my school, and I still remember his face."

A conversation that stayed with her

One of Kshethra's favourite memories is the Topic phase of the exam, where she chose to speak about her goals. Looking back, she laughs at how much those ambitions have changed.

"It's kind of a funny story. Back then I wanted to be a singer. I remember telling the examiner that I wanted to become a bigger singer than Beyoncé!" she laughs.

More than the goal itself, she remembers how the examiner responded.

"He supported me, and that felt really nice. He appreciated what I was saying, and to be honest he felt like a fatherly figure. He kind of encouraged me to achieve those goals, and it was really fantastic."

For Kshethra, that supportive conversation is what made the experience so memorable.

Confidence that lasts beyond the exam

Today, Kshethra is studying Computer Science, where English plays an important role in both her academic work and future career.

"Going into a tech field, you definitely have to have good English because you need communication with your clients and your partners."

She also uses English regularly when presenting her work at university.

"During presentations in college, we're expected to speak in English because it's the common language that everyone uses. I'm able to convey my ideas and thoughts to the audience, so in that way it's really helped."

Looking back, she sees the GESE exam as an important milestone in building that confidence.

"I think this GESE examination is really a great achievement."

Kshethra's advice for future candidates

Having experienced the exam herself, Kshethra's advice to anyone preparing for GESE is simple.

"I'd definitely tell them to stay relaxed and not be like me!" she smiles.

"And practise speaking to yourself in the mirror. That's the best practice you can get."

If she had the opportunity, she says she would happily take another GESE exam in the future.

"I only took Grade 5 because that's what my school offered, but if I get the chance again, I will definitely take another test."

Looking back, what she remembers most isn't the result, it is the experience itself.

"It didn't feel like an exam. It felt like having a conversation, and that's something I'll always remember."

"It didn't feel like an exam. It felt like having a conversation, and that's something I'll always remember."
- Kshethra

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