| Spoken English for Work Examinations |
What is SEW?
SEW is a communicative English language exam that assess work-related speaking and listening skills.
Who are the examinations for?
The examinations are for non-native English speakers where English proficiency is a requirement for an opportunity for better career prospects or promotion. Anyone aged 16 or over already in work or seeking work may take the exam.
Features:
® One-to-one face-to-face assessments with an experienced examiner who travels from the UK
® Relevant to any sector -- focuses on the learner's own work-related topics and experiences
® Available at four levels from B1 to C1 in the CEFR
® Uses realistic tasks such as talking on the telephone and giving a presentation -- this provides valuable practice for job interviews
® An opportunity to discuss real work issues in a formal English-speaking environment
® Successful candidates receive certificates showing the chosen 'sector category', such as 'Advertising & Media'
® SEWCheck -- a list of 'can do' statements which help employers place their employees at the right exam level needed for their job
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The Four SEW Levels
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SEW 1
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SEW 2
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SEW 3
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SEW 4
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13 Minutes
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20 Minutes
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23 Minutes
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27 Minutes
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Telephone Task
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Telephone Task
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Telephone Task
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Telephone Task
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Interactive Task
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Interactive Task
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Interactive Task
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Topic Presentation
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Formal Topic Presentation
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Topic Discussion (examiner-led)
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Topic Discussion (examiner-led)
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Topic Discussion (examiner-led)
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Topic Discussion (candidate-led)
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Discussion
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Discussion
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Discussion
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Discussion
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The Telephone Phase
At the start of the examination the candidate enters the telephone room and is given a written prompt, presenting the candidate with a situation which needs to be addressed. The prompt gives rise to a telephone conversation which must be initiated by the candidate, leading to a natural interaction between the examiner and the candidate.
It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure the successful outcome of the situation outlined in the prompt. Candidates are free to be themselves but the examiner assumes a role for the duration of the phase, therefore, candidates will need to observe standard conventions of formal and/or informal interaction depending on the situation.
The Interactive Phase
This phase is also conducted over the telephone. An initial verbal prompt from the examiner gives rise to an interaction maintained and controlled by the candidate. The examiner will remain in role during this phase. Note, all the examination phases are ‘interactive’ but this is the phase in which the candidate’s own initiating skills are of paramount importance in determining the successful outcome of the phase.
At SEW 2, candidates start to demonstrate their independence as users of English for the workplace. This autonomy is further developed through SEW 3 and SEW 4. The phase requires the candidate to initiate ‘turns’ in the conversation and control the direction of the interaction. Tasks require an authentic exchange of information and opinions, with the language functions listed at each level arising naturally out of the phase.
The Topic Presentation and Topic Discussion Phases SEW 3/SEW 4
Before the examination the candidate prepares a topic of his or her choice which must be related to a work situation and correspond to one of the categories provided in this syllabus. In the examination the topic is used as a basis for the discussion in this phase. This phase allows candidates, at the level they have chosen, to demonstrate the range of structures, functions and lexis at their command. At all levels candidates must provide the examiner with brief notes, for example bullet points listing areas to be discussed. Clear and simple diagrams or organograms may also be used.
Trinity’s philosophy is that candidates should be given every opportunity to demonstrate to the examiner what they can do in English. This includes giving them the opportunity to talk about a topic in a work context, which is of interest to them and which they feel confident talking about.
The Discussion Phase
This is an opportunity for a realistic exchange of information, ideas and opinions which are related to the world of work. The Discussion phase involves a meaningful and authentic exchange rather than a formal ‘question and answer’ interview. The examiner selects one of the subject areas provided in the syllabus for the particular level. The subject areas have been carefully selected to offer a progression from the familiar to the less familiar and from the ‘concrete’ to the ‘abstract’ as candidates move up through the different levels of the suite.
The assessment of this phase takes into account the ability of the candidate to find out relevant information using the language of the level. At each SEW level, the candidate is expected to take more responsibility for initiating and maintaining the discussion. One of the ways in which this is expected to be actioned is by the candidate asking the examiner a number of questions. These questions are expected to arise naturally out of the conversation and will be used to further the interaction.
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For more information on the SEW examinations and a complete guide to each level, please download the SEW Syllabus on the downloads page.
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