Tapes and scripts are then second-marked by a team of IELTS Principal Examiners and assistant Principal Examiners. Selected centres worldwide are required to provide a sample of examiners' marked tapes and scripts. The jagged profile system is also combined with ‘Targeted sample monitoring’ to further identify possible faulty ratings by examiners. This process allows for the identification of possible misclassified test takers. Routine targeted double marking identifies the level of divergence (i.e., jagged profile) between Writing and/or Speaking scores and Reading and Listening scores. A ‘jagged profile’ system maintains a further check on the global reliability of IELTS performance assessment. A Professional Support Network (PSN) manages and standardises the examiner cadre, including face to face examiner monitoring as well as distance monitoring (using recordings of the Speaking tests). Reliability of rating is assured through the face-to-face training and certification of examiners and all must undergo a retraining and recertification process every two years. This information helps in setting appropriate standards of English proficiency. In addition, you can order the “IELTS Scores Explained” DVD which provides information specifically tailored to organisations wanting a detailed description of IELTS scores. Benchmarked example writing performances and CD-based speaking performances at different levels can be found, along with examiner comments, in the IELTS official practice materials. Reliability of Writing and Speaking sectionsįor more information about the assessment criteria used for rating Writing and Speaking performance, read about the IELTS scoring in detail. The SEM should be interpreted in terms of the final band scores reported for Listening and Reading sections (which are reported in half-bands). Table 1 Mean, standard deviation and standard error of measurement of Listening and Reading (2019) Section On the basis of these reliability figures, an estimate of the standard error of measurement (SEM) may be calculated for these sections using the following formula: The figures reported for Listening and Reading sections indicate the expected levels of reliability for tests containing 40 items.

Section (All Academic and General Training tests)

Ielts listening practice test 2019