PrepPassBased on Trinity's GESE Grade 5 guidance · checked 5 November 2026
Good English isn't enough on its own. Trinity notes that people taking Grade 5 for a visa may speak English above Grade 5, but to pass they must still fulfil the Grade 5 requirements. Most of the mistakes below are about the exam's requirements, not your level.
Common mistakes
1. Not asking the examiner any questions
You're expected to ask at least one question about your topic, and at least one about the subjects in the Conversation phase. The examiner may not invite you, so plan your questions and ask them naturally: “What about you? Have you ever…?”
2. Reciting a memorised script
The Topic phase is a conversation, not a speech. Examiners mark down answers that sound learned by heart. Prepare ideas and words, then practise speaking freely.
3. Choosing a topic that's too simple, or not allowed
Topics like “my family” or “my pet” keep you in the present simple tense. And a topic that matches one of the six subject areas isn't allowed. See how to choose your topic.
4. Forgetting the topic form
You need a completed topic form, with your title and five points, in the exam. Without it you can't pass.
5. Giving one-line answers
“Yes.” “I like it.” Short answers give the examiner nothing to assess. Add a reason (because), an example, or how long (for, since).
6. Not using the Grade 5 grammar
If you only use the present simple and past simple, you miss the language the examiner is listening for. See the list below.
7. Preparing only some of the subject areas
The examiner chooses two of the six, and you won't know which. Prepare something to say about all six subject areas.
8. Panicking when you don't understand
It's fine to say “Sorry, could you repeat that?” or “Do you mean…?”. Checking you understand is part of good communication.
The B1 language to show the examiner
Trinity lists six language functions for Grade 5. Here's each one with the grammar to use and an example:
Present perfect: ever, never, just
“Have you ever been to Scotland?” “I've just started a new job.”
For and since
“I've lived here for six years.” “I've worked there since 2022.”
Because
“I like the train because I can read on the way.”
I prefer, I'd rather
“I prefer home cooking.” “I'd rather stay in than go out.”
Will for informing and predicting
“I think prices will go up.” “I'll start college in September.”
A lot of, much, many
“There are a lot of festivals in my city.” “I don't have much free time.”
A simple two-week plan
- Days 1–3: choose your topic, make a mind map and write your five points on the topic form.
- Days 4–7: talk about your topic out loud every day. Ask someone to question you in a random order. Prepare two questions to ask the examiner.
- Days 8–11: practise one or two subject areas a day. Use the Grade 5 question patterns and answer with reasons.
- Days 12–14: do full 10-minute practice conversations, then check which Grade 5 language you used and which you missed.
For the format and the day itself, read our GESE Grade 5 exam guide.