What 4ES1/03 assesses
An optional recorded interview between the student and an interlocutor, based on task cards supplied by Pearson, and marked by Pearson. It is certificated separately on its own 9–1 scale and adds no marks to the ESL grade. Part 1 is an introductory interview (2–3 minutes), Part 2 is a student talk (1 minute of preparation, then 1–2 minutes) and Part 3 is an extended discussion (5–6 minutes).
- Time: 9–12 minutes
- Marks: 40
- Weight: Endorsement of Pearson Edexcel 4XES2 (Specification, Issue 2 (December 2016); first assessment June 2019)
- How it is assessed: External
- Who takes it: Optional
What the examiners reward in 4ES1/03
Speaking
- Communicate clearly and appropriately in spoken English across an interview, an individual talk and a discussion (assessed only in the optional, separately endorsed Paper 3)
Listening
- Understand spoken English and identify main points, detail and meaning from recorded material
This is one of the objectives. The 4XES2 overview lists the full set.
Preparing for Pearson Edexcel 4XES2 Paper 3? The paid trial hour can start with a timed look at that paper.
Question types we practise for 4ES1/03
- ESL speaking: discussion: Developing and structuring ideas in a spoken discussion. Skills guide · annotated model response · practice
Where marks are lost on 4ES1/03
Preparing a speaking topic: Memorising a script. The talk sounds flat and collapses when a question interrupts it. Read the full guide.
The ESL speaking test (0510 and 0511): what to expect: One-sentence answers that make the examiner do all the work. Read the full guide.
Preparing for 4ES1/03 with us
A teacher practises the 4ES1/03 speaking format with your child in live conversation and gives feedback on each answer. See English as a Second Language tuition for how a session runs.
4ES1/03 is reported separately from the 9–1 grade of Pearson Edexcel 4XES2. Check the current arrangement for your exam year with your school or the board.