We consider a grade 7.0 to be a ‘pass’ in IELTS.
Writing and speaking
Examiners use detailed performance markers when assessing the writing and speaking tests. These markers ( band descriptors), describe your written and spoken performance in four areas:
- task achievement
- coherence and cohesion
- lexical resource
- grammatical range and accuracy
Reading and listening
For both sections on the reading and listening examinations you need to answer at least 30 out of 40 questions correctly
Assessment structure
- Speaking examination (11-14 minutes) – divided into three parts. It is taken with one student and one examiner.
- Reading examination (1 hour) – read and answer questions on three different texts.
- Listening examination (40 minutes) – divided into four parts, and involves listening to lectures and conversations.
- Writing examination (1 hour) – two pieces of writing; one descriptive, and one argumentative.
Examinations
There are three IELTS examinations a year: one in each term.
Michaelmas (December)
The Michaelmas examination happens in December and it is compulsory for Rhetoric II (Year 13) students.
It is the first IELTS examination for those in Rhetoric I (Year 12) based upon the teacher’s recommendation for able students who can score a very high level to get their certificate and leave the IELTS classes.
For those in Rhetoric I with a lower level of English, this examination is a good opportunity to get a feel for the examination level.
Lent (March)
The examination in the Lent term is mainly for those who have a good chance of scoring the grade they need, or it is for those who would like additional practice taking the test under examination conditions.
Trinity (June)
The Trinity Term IELTS examination is compulsory for all Rhetoric I students and for students in Rhetoric II yet to score the grade needed for their chosen university course.
Assessment venue: Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge
St Edmund’s College will arrange the transport and paperwork required for your assessment.
At least one of your teachers will accompany you to the examination. We normally leave the College at 8.00 am, and return at 4.00 pm. The examinations are normally on Saturdays.