Jump to: Exam format and timings | Guides | Exam information booklets | Skills development tables | Practice activities | Classroom activities | Further information
Exam format and timings
The ISE A1 (A1) exam is taken in two modules — Reading & Writing and Speaking & Listening (by face-to-face video conference). Once the two modules have been passed at the same level, a certificate for the full qualification is awarded.
The four skills are assessed both independently and in an integrated way:
Reading & Writing
1 hour 30 mins
- 2x Reading tasks:
Long reading | Multi-text reading - 1x Reading into writing task
- 1x Extended writing task
Speaking & Listening*
12 mins (+ admin)
- Integrated speaking and listening task
- 2x Independent listening tasks
*by video conference
Guides for this level
Guide for Teachers
Everything you need to know to prepare students for ISE A1 (A1) exams — the exam structure, content, timings and what candidates need to be able to do at this level
View guideExam information booklets
Click each button below to view the information booklet for each exam.
Reading & Writing Speaking & ListeningSkills development tables
Click each button below to view the skills development table for each skill area.
Speaking Listening Reading WritingPractice activities
Reading & Writing
Sample papers (with answers)
Speaking & Listening
Classroom activities
Conversation tasks
Activity Mime Activity Questionnaire Guess who Local area questions Number tic tac toe Photo questions Room picture dictation Vocabulary extension activitiesIndependent listening tasks
Changing places (task 1) Room picture dictation (task 1) Number listening (task 2)Further information
Find information on how to mark practice ISE exam materials and interpret outcomes.
Learn more about results and certificates and how to use diagnostics reports to inform personalised skills development needs