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The
three modes are as follows:
Reading
and Listening
ESOL
for Work Reading and Listening is a Computer Adaptive Test, which means
that the test adapts to the level of the candidate. The test is
supported by a large bank of secure tasks and quickly provides an accurate
assessment of candidate ability. The precise length of the test will
vary from candidate to candidate depending upon level of ability. The
typical length of the test is 50-60 minutes.
Reading
and Listening is assessed on computer, and the marking and grading take
place automatically, meaning immediate results.
Speaking
ESOL
for Work Speaking is a one-to-one, face-to-face test lasting approximately
12 minutes. It comprises an interview, where the candidate listens and
responds; a short presentation, where the candidate speaks to communicate;
and a task involving information exchange and engagement in discussion.
The interview is recorded, and a second examiner then also awards marks on
the candidate’s performance. Marks and recordings are sent to Cambridge
for monitoring of marking standards by senior examiners.
Examiners,
who are nominated by the center, must meet Cambridge ESOL’s minimum
professional requirements. Before examining, they must undergo self-access
examiner training and standardization and be approved by Cambridge ESOL.
Writing
ESOL
for Work Writing is taken on paper, and is comprised of two tasks: the
first, a short message or email; and the second, a longer letter or
report. Candidates are given a choice of two tasks for the longer
response. The Writing test takes 45 minutes.
Centers
receive multiple versions of the test and manage their administration.
Each completed script is marked by two examiners who have been nominated
by the centre. The examiners must meet Cambridge ESOL’s minimum
professional requirements and they must undergo self-access examiner
training and standardization and be approved by Cambridge ESOL.
Candidate Writing scripts are sent back to Cambridge ESOL for quality
assurance purposes, including the monitoring of marking standards by
senior examiners.
All
Speaking and Writing examiners have to successfully complete a standardization
exercise to show that they can mark to acceptable
standards in order to be eligible to examine.
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