Change to IELTS scoring system

Scores for each part of the test will still be reported on a scale from one to nine, but the Writing and Speaking tests will be reported in whole or half bands in the same way as the Reading and Listening tests.

This is the latest in a series of enhancements to IELTS, based on continual consultation with test-takers, teachers, recognising organisations and other stakeholders around the world.

It comes following feedback from a large number of organisations that use IELTS scores. The feedback showed the half-band score to be very useful, as it allows organisations to specify required language levels more precisely. Many teachers and test-takers have shown their willingness to have more detailed information on performance in each skill.

The change will have three main benefits. First, IELTS-recognising organisations will be able to set their requirements for admission, recruitment and so on more precisely, based on more detailed information about the test-taker's performance in each of the four skills.

Second, the Test Report Form will give test-takers more precise information on their strengths and weaknesses.

Third, IELTS scores will be easier to understand because test-taker performance in all skills will be reported in the same way.

The change will not have any effect on the way the Writing and Speaking tests are assessed. Examiners will still assess test-takers' performance in exactly the same way as at present, using the Writing and Speaking assessment criteria. Teachers and test-takers do not, therefore, have to make any changes to the way they prepare for the test.

The scores for each criterion will then be processed by the IELTS score-calculation system to produce a final Writing or Speaking band score, which may be a whole or a half band.

Moreover, the meaning of the Overall Band Score will remain unchanged. Therefore, IELTS-recognising organisations do not need to change their IELTS score requirements, unless they specify a Writing and Speaking band score in addition to the Overall Band Score.

Later this year, the British Council will issue new versions of the Information for Candidates, IELTS Handbook, Official IELTS Practice Materials and the IELTS Scores Explained DVD. In the meantime, updates will be available on the IELTS website at www.ielts.org, so that test-takers can update older copies of these publications if they already have them.

For more information, call the British Council on (02) 652 5480-9.

The Nation