Scrúdú Bonnleibhéal 1

The examination has four components:

Speaking
Listening comprehension
Reading
Writing

The speaking component

Format: Each candidate is tested individually. One examiner and one interlocutor are present during the examination, which is recorded.
There are three sections.
Section one: The candidate answers a number of questions relating to him/herself and his/her everyday life (based on the specifications).
Section two: The candidate participates in a role-play.
Section three: The candidate describes a picture.
Duration: Approximately 7-8 minutes.
Weighting: This component accounts for 40% of the total marks. All three sections are given equal weighting.

The listening component

Format: There are four sections. Candidates will hear short, informal dialogues, descriptions, announcements and telephone messages. There are usually thirty items featuring the following task types: matching, multiple-choice and short answer questions.
Duration: Approximately 20 minutes
Weighting: This component accounts for 25% of the total marks.

The reading component

Format: There are five sections. The candidate is expected to read sentences, dialogues and short texts relating to everyday life. There are usually thirty items featuring the following task types: matching, multiple-choice, filling gapped text and true/false/doesn’t say.
Duration: 90 minutes for the Reading and Writing component.
Weighting: This component accounts for 25% of the total marks.

The writing component

Format: There are two tasks. In the first task the candidate fills a gapped text (letter/email etc). The second task is a multiple-choice item which tests grammatical accuracy.
Duration: 90 minutes for the Reading and Writing component.
Weighting: This component accounts for 10% of the total marks.

Results

The following grades will be awarded in this examination: Pass, Merit and Distinction. The pass mark is 50% of the total. Certificates are awarded to all successful candidates.

For more information see: www.teg.ie