Taking on the challenge: Lola's ISE journey
Name: Lola
Location: Spain
Trinity qualification: ISE
When Lola decided to take Trinity's Integrated Skills in English (ISE) C1 exam, she was only 13 years old. Although she had already taken English exams before, ISE C1 was a personal challenge she set herself.
"I honestly did it for personal improvement," she says. "I just wanted to see how far I could go with my English and my learning skills. I wanted to try it out to see if I was capable of it."
Looking back, that's exactly what the experience gave her – the chance to challenge herself, develop her English and discover what she could achieve.
Stepping outside her comfort zone
Preparing for the ISE C1 exam meant developing all four language skills. Lola completed the Speaking & Listening module first, before focusing on Reading & Writing several months later.
The preparation was demanding, especially because she had set herself high expectations.
"It was really stressful for me because it was something I wanted to do for myself. If I didn't get the grade I wanted in the homework, I'd think, 'Oh my God, what if I do it wrong in the exam? What if I don't pass?'"
Although she remembers feeling nervous, she also looks back on the experience positively.
"It was stressful, but it was also a really great experience."
Finding confidence through preparation
As she worked towards C1, Lola realised that progressing wasn't about learning complicated language for the sake of it. It was about finding a way of communicating that felt natural.
"C1 is really just B2 with a more sophisticated level of vocabulary and speaking," she explains. "You need to investigate a little bit, see what idioms work for you and what type of way of speaking works for you. It needs to come across naturally, so you really need to practise that."
She admits that idioms weren't always easy.
"I like idioms, but I don't really use them because they're difficult for me to memorise. For the exam, I'd always try to learn a few that I could use in as many situations as possible."
For Lola, preparing for the exam wasn't about trying to sound different. It was about becoming more confident in the English she already had.
Talking about something that mattered
One part of the exam that Lola particularly enjoyed was discussing a topic she had researched herself: animal testing and experimentation.
Rather than feeling like an exam, the conversation felt much more natural.
"It's like talking to a friend about something you're really passionate about. You just have to be a little more careful with what you say."
She enjoyed sharing what she had discovered through her research and explaining her own point of view.
During the conversation, however, there was one moment she thought she had ruined everything.
"I accidentally mentioned the wrong vaccine as an example. When I realised, I thought it was already too late to change my answer."
When she left the exam, she immediately told her dad that she didn't think she had passed.
"At the moment, it looked like the end of the world."
Even so, she took a moment to collect herself and carried on with the conversation.
"I recomposed myself, but I was still worried."
Looking back, Lola realises that one mistake didn't define her performance. She kept going, completed the exam and achieved her ISE C1 qualification. For learners preparing for the exam, it's a reminder that feeling nervous or making a mistake doesn't mean the exam is over, the important thing is to stay focused and keep communicating.
Looking towards the future
Although Lola originally took the exam to challenge herself, she also sees how the qualification could support her future plans.
"I honestly just wanted the title," she says with a smile. "For my curriculum."
Lola hopes to study veterinary science one day and likes the idea of studying abroad.
"It would be an interesting experience to be independent in another country."
Looking back, she feels that having an internationally recognised English qualification could be valuable if she chooses to study overseas or pursue opportunities abroad.
Learning from every piece of feedback
Lola is quick to recognise the role her teacher played throughout her preparation.
"My teacher for C1 was Irene. She was really nice, although she was very meticulous with our writing."
Every piece of written work was carefully reviewed.
"She'd always read everything very carefully and say, 'You could say this another way,' or point out what needed changing."
Looking back, Lola believes that attention to detail helped her improve.
"Honestly, without her being like that, I don't think I would have passed the exam."
Lola's advice for other learners
Since taking the exam, Lola has already found herself helping other students prepare.
"A friend asked me about the exam because she wanted to do it, so I lent her my notes and helped her study a little."
When asked whether she'd recommend ISE C1, Lola's answer isn't just about gaining another qualification.
"If you don't need C1, then B2 is already a really good level," she says. "But if you want to go to a higher level, I'd do it for the experience."
One part of that experience surprised her.
"Even if you're not really interested in your topic at the beginning, once you start researching it, you end up liking it."
For Lola, taking ISE C1 wasn't about proving something to other people. It was about challenging herself, learning through the experience and discovering that she was capable of more than she first thought.
"It's like talking to a friend about something you're really passionate about. You just have to be a little more careful with what you say."
- Lola
