ESB
English Speaking Board Examinations
The ESB (English Speaking Board) certificate is an English language qualification issued by the University of Central Lancashire and, in Greece, the exams are organized by Europalso. It is recognized by ASEP, the British OFQUAL, and various institutions abroad, offering both professional and academic benefits. The ESB levels correspond to the CEFR levels (Lower, Advanced, Proficiency).
The ESB (English Speaking Board) is one of the largest accredited examination bodies in the United Kingdom, certified by the competent authority of England (Ofqual).
With 64 years of experience (established in 1953), it has now evolved into an international organization operating extensively not only in the United Kingdom but also in Europe and the Far East.
- What it is: An English language certification issued by the English Speaking Board, a British educational institution.
- Recognition: Recognized by ASEP, Ofqual (the British accreditation authority), and various organizations abroad.
- Levels: There are several levels, with ESB Level 1 corresponding to Lower, Level 2 to Advanced, and Level 3 to Proficiency.
- Purpose: It certifies English language proficiency for professional and academic purposes.
ESB (English Speaking Board)
- The tests are completely student-friendly and take into account the age of Greek learners.
- At the start of the exam, candidates receive all parts together. There is no break until the end of the examination, which begins with the Listening section. After that, candidates can choose the order and the amount of time they will dedicate to each part.
- The scores of all parts (Oral, Listening, Reading/Use, Writing) are combined.
- The Listening section is played twice.
- Candidates choose one essay topic.
- Duration: 2 hours for Level B1, 2 hours and 30 minutes for Level B2, 2 hours and 40 minutes for Level C1, and 3 hours for Level C2.
The pass mark is 55% of the total score.
Comprehension of written and spoken language (Reading & Listening) is done in 5 parts:
Listening, Reading, Use of English, Writing and Speaking Test.
- Each paper of the ESB exam (listening, reading, Use of English, writing, speaking) contributes to 20% of the total score.
Listening
The Listening section includes 20 multiple-choice questions, which the candidate hears twice. The Listening score accounts for 20% of the total examination score.
Reading
The Reading section includes 15 multiple-choice questions, each with a different score, to contribute to the total written score.
Use of English
The Use of English section includes 40 questions, which are either multiple-choice or gap-fill exercises with provided words.
Writing
The Writing section requires the candidate to write an essay, choosing from 3 topics. The assessment is carried out by an ESB examiner.
Speaking
The Speaking section is assessed by ESB examiners and typically includes a personal questions interview, a monologue, and a dialogue based on cards or assigned topics.
- The exam lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes in total.
- Candidates record their answers on a separate multiple choice answer sheet, which is scored electronically.
This ensures an objective assessment, as there is no need to complete open-ended questions, and a 100% reliable and accurate electronic scoring thanks to the use of OMR (Optical Mark Reader).
It is recognized by ASEP.Exam Cost: €155
AXON not ARACHON!!
