Since not all ESOL qualifications are equal, we must choose carefully from the wide selection available. A relatively new examination on the ESOL market is the NOCN examination, offering levels B1, B2,C1, C2, from Intermediate to Proficient, testing speaking, reading, writing and listening.

Section One: The examination consists of 31 listening comprehension items divided into three parts. In part one you hear 10 sentences TWICE and you must choose the best reply from the A, B and C choices. Though the examination does not test grammar separately, grammar may be tested in Part 1 of the Listening. 

For example:                      

Look at the following 3 answer choices:

1. That will have been brilliant, wont it?
2. That is great, isn’t it?
3. That is dreadful, isn’t it?

Notice that item a is not grammatically correct, so it should be eliminated as a choice which means the candidate is left with two options.

1. It depends. If the weather will be nice, I will go.
2. It depends. If the weather would be nice, I will go.
3. It depends. If the weather is nice, I will go.

Items a and b are grammatically incorrect so the correct choice is c without even having heard the question.

1. I agree, it was delightful.
2. I agree, it was disgusted.
3. I agree, it was disgusting.

Note that here, both grammar and vocabulary are tested.

The whole listening section is heard TWICE and students must receive 51% and above to pass.

Section Two is the Reading Section and is made up of 4 reading texts with a total of 31 questions. In addition to reading comprehension, grammar and vocabulary is also tested, that is approximately 12 questions.

Section Three is the Writing Examination. Candidates must write a formal task and an informal letter. In the formal writing section, candidates are given two choices and must only write on one of the given topics.

It is important to note that the writing section is guided. Candidates are given pointers about what they could write.

Example:                                   

Write an article for a local magazine about benefits of healthy eating.

You could write about:                                                             

• Advantages and disadvantages of different types of foods
• The health benefits of eating properly
• How eating healthily can make a difference to your lifestyle
• What could happen if you do not eat healthily

The brainstorming is done for the candidate.

Last but not least is the Speaking Section, which consists of three parts. What’s of benefit to the candidate here is that for just answering personal questions correctly, the candidate can receive 9 points out of the 17 total that he/she needs to pass the Speaking Section. This gives candidates an advantage, as does the prompt sheet they receive to help them with the Speaking section in Part 2 & Part 3.

An added advantage candidates have is that passing scores of the individual 4 sections can be maintained for 3 years and candidates may retake only the section or sections they have failed, paying the equivalent portion of the test-taking fees.

To see for yourself if the NOCN provides a competitive advantage for your students at all the 4 levels, Intermediate to Proficient, administer a mock examination and see if it meets the interests and needs of the students.

by Sylvia Kar