UKNARIC conference Understanding IELTS scores explanation and practical exercise

The context… English language is becoming an increasingly important part of the Points Based System – student and worker Tier 1 Highly Skilled, and Tier 2 Sponsored Skilled Workers, need mandatory 10 points for English Language 3 ways to achieve this - one is to take an approved English language test As an employer or professional association it’s important to understand more about the tests used and the levels set by UKBA

Aims of the workshop To understand the IELTS band score system and scoring criteria, with particular focus on the bands most typically used for immigration What do these scores actually mean!? When using IELTS yourself, to assess whether you need to set a different standard to UKBA’s to suit the particular needs of your company / profession Understand how to go about setting the most suitable standard, with particular focus on speaking ability

Standards Setting The process of deciding what IELTS score a candidate would need to present before they could be allowed to enter a particular course, register as a professional or participate in a specific working environment etc.

IELTS Band Scores –9 Expert user –8 Very good user –7 Good user –6 Competent user –5 Modest user –4 Limited user –3 Extremely limited user –2 Intermittent user –1 Non user –0 Did not attempt the test

The IELTS scores explained DVD Standards setting tool – helps you decide what is the right score for entry onto your courses Helps staff who need to set language standards, or interpret IELTS scores

Explanation of listening and reading modules in more detail Sample listening audio and questions Sample reading texts and questions Explanation of how to interpret listening and reading scores

Explanation of writing and speaking modules in more detail Explanation of marking Band score descriptors Sample writing scripts and speaking clips Examiner comments

Standards setting Two key questions: 1. What is the minimal level of English needed? 2. How does this minimally acceptable level translate into IELTS scores?

1.What is the minimal level of English needed? Spend a few minutes discussing the following: When assessing international applicant’s qualifications, how do you assess their English language ability? How important is English ability to their success in your profession / organisation? What would your international applicants need to be able to do in English / what activities or tasks do they need to be able to do? What kinds of reading, writing, listening and speaking are involved in the job and how well does someone need to be able to do these things in order to ‘get by’? Which skills require a higher or lower level?

2How does this minimally acceptable level translate into IELTS scores? We will view some sample video clips of Speaking tests provided on the DVD to make judgements about which level of performance on the test corresponds to the minimally acceptable ability you believe is required for your profession.

Focus on Speaking

Speaking test overview 11 – 14 minutes Part 1: candidate answers general questions about themselves and a range of familiar topics Part 2: candidate speaks uninterrupted on a given topic (prompt card and preparation time given) Part 3: candidate engages in discussion with examiner on ideas and issues linked to the topic in Part 2

How are Band Scores awarded for Speaking? Fluency and coherence Lexical resource Grammatical range and accuracy Pronunciation

Using the DVD A practical exercise assessing speaking 1. Read through the band score descriptors 2. Watch some speaking clips 3. Use the score descriptors to judge the level 4. Discuss your opinions and suggest scores

Candidate C

Candidate C Candidate scored: 6.5 See hand out for comments The level required by UKBA for proof of English language ability to be granted a Tier 1 visa

Candidate E

Candidate E Candidate scored: 4.0 See hand out for comments The level required by UKBA for proof of English language ability to be granted a Tier 2 visa category General, Inter Company Transfer or Sportsperson

Candidate A

Candidate A Candidate scored: 5.5 See hand out for comments The level required by UKBA for proof of English language ability to be granted a Tier 2 visa category Minister of Religion

Considering speaking scores You should now have a better understanding of what is possible at band scores 4.0, 5.5, 6.5 Take into account half bands There are more examples on the DVD – free copies from the IELTS stand You can compare the criteria on each band score to the abilities you would like your workers to have

Standards Setting within institutions Check your present minimum score requirements with the User Questionnaire Consider required language levels for local needs in relation to the information provided on the IELTS scores explained DVD

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