SELT Practice
Trinity GESE Grade 7 interactive phase
The Trinity GESE Grade 7 interactive phase lasts up to 4 minutes, and you must take control of the conversation. The examiner reads a short situation aloud. You then ask questions, comment and ask for the examiner's opinion. Grade 7 is not on the GOV.UK list files as of 9 November 2026, so check GOV.UK before you book.
What happens, step by step
- The examiner reads a short situation.
- You ask questions to find out more.
- You make comments and suggestions.
- You invite the examiner to give an opinion.
- You keep the exchange going until the phase ends.
Trinity says the examiner will not rescue the interaction. If you do not keep it going, the phase can end early. Trinity also publishes sample prompts. Sources: Trinity specifications , Trinity Grade 7 page , Trinity sample prompts .
An original example
Examiner: "A friend wants to move to another city for a new job, but is worried about leaving family."
You: "Where is the job? How far is it from his family? Could he visit often? If I were him, I would ask if the company can help with moving costs. What do you think?"
This answer asks questions, gives advice and asks for the examiner's opinion. That is the pattern the phase needs.
Useful phrases
- Questions: "Can I ask how ...?" "Do you know if ...?"
- Suggestions: "You could ..." "Why don't we ...?"
- Advantages and disadvantages: "One good thing is ... but the problem is ..."
- Possibility: "It might ..." "I'm not sure, but ..."
- Opinion: "What do you think?" "Do you agree?"
Trinity lists second conditional, modals for advice, and connectors such as because of. Source: Trinity specifications .
Mistakes to avoid
- Waiting for the examiner to ask. You are the one who drives.
- Asking one question and then stopping.
- Only giving your own ideas. Ask for the examiner's views too.
- Silence. Use fillers such as "Well, let me think".
How to practise
Take a situation, set a 4 minute timer and ask at least six questions. Make two suggestions. Ask for an opinion twice. You can practise this phase with an AI examiner on this site. Read the full test guide on Trinity GESE Grade 7 .
What is the interactive phase in GESE Grade 7?
A phase of up to 4 minutes where the examiner reads a situation and you take control with questions, comments and invitations to give an opinion.
What if I stop talking in the interactive phase?
Trinity says the examiner does not rescue the interaction, and the phase ends early.
Does Trinity publish sample prompts?
Yes. Trinity published sample interactive prompts in August 2026.
Is Grade 7 on the GOV.UK list?
Not in the list files current on 9 November 2026. Check GOV.UK before you book.