Study guides · 01
What does ESB Speech Grade 8 assess?
Understand the four speaking and listening components before building a realistic rehearsal plan.
Official sources checked: 2026-10-23
Four components, one preparation plan
The qualification combines an oral presentation, a discussion of a news item, a literary recommendation, and questions and discussion. Prepare the transitions between prepared speaking and responsive listening as carefully as the prepared material.
Start with the current specification
Use the specification linked by ESB's current Advanced Level page. Its version 4 supersedes the version 3 link still present in some older materials, so check the version before relying on a saved worksheet.
Rehearse with other people
Study tasks can help organise ideas, but the assessment involves interaction with a group and an assessor. Arrange live rehearsal so that you must answer an unexpected question, clarify an idea and respond to a competing interpretation.
Use practice results as feedback
The app can support knowledge practice and reflection. A mock score does not measure the whole live performance or predict an ESB grade. Keep separate notes for research quality, organisation, delivery and response to others.