Half Band Scores
From 1 July 2007, we're making a small but important change
which will make IELTS Band Scores more informative.
Scores for each part of the test will still be reported on the
scale from 1 to 9, but now the Writing and Speaking tests will be
reported in whole or half bands in the same way as the Reading and
Listening tests.
Why is score reporting for the Writing and Speaking
tests being changed?
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.
This range of scores - using whole and half bands - is already
used for Listening and Reading. We have consulted a large number of
organisations that use IELTS scores, and their feedback tells us
that they find the half band scores very helpful as they allow them
to specify required language levels more precisely. Many teachers
and test takers have also told us that they would like more
detailed information on performance in each skill.
What will the benefits be?
There will be three main benefits:
- Recognising Organisations will be able to set their
requirements for admission, recruitment, etc, more precisely, based
on more detailed information about the test-taker's performance in
each of the four skills.
- The Test Report Form will give test takers more precise
information on their strengths and weaknesses.
- IELTS scores will be easier for everyone to understand because
test taker performance in all skills will be reported in the same
way.
Does this change the way the Writing and Speaking tests
will be assessed?
No. Examiners will assess test takers' performance in exactly
the same way as at present using the Writing and Speaking
assessment criteria.
The scores for each criteria will then be processed by the IELTS
scores calculation system to produce a final Writing or Speaking
band score which may be a whole or a half band.
Since there will not be any change in the way examiners assess
the test takers' performance, the meaning of the overall IELTS Band
Score will remain unchanged. Therefore, 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.
Should teachers and test takers change the way they
prepare for the Writing and Speaking tests?
No, because the tests and the way they are assessed will remain
exactly the same.
Can test takers get half band scores for tests taken
before 1 July 2007?
No, it is not possible to issue half band scores for Speaking
and Writing for tests taken before 1 July 2007.
Where can I get more information?
Later this year, we 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 so that you can update older
copies of these publications if you already have them, and we will
be including printed updates with materials we send out.
Official
IELTS Practice materials – Half Bands updates
For details of recent changes being included in the Official
IELTS Practice Materials update, please click on the above link for
a PDF of the changes being incorporated.
IELTS Scores DVD half band insert
Half bands information has been updated on the new Scores
Explained DVD. For a full explanation of these updates please click
HERE .
