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Exam format and timings
The ISE Foundation (A2) 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
2 hours
- 2 x Reading tasks:
Long reading | Multi-text reading - Reading into writing task
- Extended writing task
Speaking & Listening*
12 mins (+ admin)
- Integrated speaking and listening task
- 2 x Speaking tasks:
Topic discussion task | Conversation task - 2 x 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 guideScheme of Work for teachers
Example 8 week coursework plan and activities for teachers to use and adapt.
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
Task 1 — Long reading
Fanny Blankers-Koen Places, Times and Dates Sydney and its famous landmarks
Task 2 — Multi-text reading
Task 3 — Reading into writing
Task 4 — Extended writing
Writing genres
Writing in specific genres for the exam – eg a letter, email, essay, review, report, etc.
Building process writing skills
A method for teachers to help students build process writing skills (not assessed).
Sample exam papers
Practise answering typical exam questions:
Paper 1 (with notes) Paper 1 (with answers) Paper 2 (with answers) Paper 3 (with answers) Paper 4 (with answers) Paper 5 (with answers) Paper 6 (with answers) Paper 7 (with answers)
Marking and interpreting outcomes:
Speaking
Independent listening — Task 1
Sample tasks
Sports Centre Sports CrazyTeacher information
Learn more about the improvements to the map in listening task 1 (from January 2025).
Independent 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
For further listening practice test examples please visit the ISE (paper edition) Listening TasksTrinity College London Press ebook store
.