The IESOL Written Exams are comprised of the following units:
Listening (comprehension of oral speech)
Reading (comprehension of written texts)
Writing (production of written texts)
Main features
Realistic exam
The exam is based on authentic communication situations and not on academic texts so that it can meet the candidates’ practical linguistic needs. Grammar is not examined as a separate unit, but rather as an integral part of the Listening, Reading and Writing units, according to Common European Framework specifications.
Unified exam
The format of the written exam is simple and consists of a unified test for all three parts (Listening, Reading, Writing), allowing candidates to budget their time as they see fit. Grammar is not examined in a separate unit, but rather as an integral part of the Listening, Reading and Writing units, according to Common European Framework specifications.
User-friendly exam
The exam is user-friendly due to its simple format.
Selection of examination dates
Candidates can schedule their exams with flexibility since examinations are held all year round.
Short duration of exam
The duration of the exam is short because it is designed in such a way as to focus on crucial knowledge and skills without unduly tiring the candidate.
Use of mono-lingual dictionary
Candidates are permitted to use a mono-lingual dictionary during the exam.
IESOL – Exam format
|
A1 |
Preliminary |
2 hours |
Listening, Reading, Writing |
|
A2 |
Access |
2 hours |
|
B1 |
Achiever |
2 ½ hours |
|
B2 |
Communicator |
2 ½ hours |
|
C1 |
Expert |
3 hours |
IESOL - Content
The number and type of exercises/essays depends on the level of the exam.
Listening: 20-30 questions (multiple choice/fill in the gaps)
Reading: 20-30 questions (multiple choice / complete a table / identify missing words, phrases or sentences / true-false / identify which texts are written for different purposes or contains specific information / complete gapped answers)
Writing: 2 essays, 200-300 words (write simple sentences / complete a form /rewrite a text / write a formal letter, instructions, report, article / respond formally to a text, discursive topics / write a long continuous text on a given topic)
IESOL – Assessment
Grade Tables for all levels as of October 2010 (IESOL Exams)
|
Grade |
Total Marks = 25 |
Total Marks = 20 |
|
FCP |
18 - 25 (72%) |
16 - 20 (80%) |
|
Pass |
13 - 17 (52%) |
11 - 15 (55%) |
|
NF |
12 (48%) |
10 (50%) |
|
Grade |
Total Marks = 25 |
Total Marks = 20 |
|
FCP |
19 - 25 (76%) |
14 - 20 (70%) |
|
Pass |
13 - 18 (52%) |
10 - 13 (50%) |
|
NF |
12 (48%) |
9 (45%) |
|
Grade |
Total Marks = 24 |
Total Marks = 30 |
|
FCP |
19 - 24 (79%) |
24 - 30 (80%) |
|
Pass |
12 - 18 (50%) |
15 - 23 (50%) |
|
NF |
10 - 11 (42%) |
13 - 14 (43%) |
|
Grade |
Total Marks = 30 |
Total Marks = 30 |
|
FCP |
23 - 30 (77%) |
23 - 30 (77%) |
|
Pass |
15 - 22 (50%) |
15 - 22 (50%) |
|
NF |
13 - 14 (43%) |
13 - 14 (43%) |
|
Grade |
Total Marks = 30 |
Total Marks = 30 |
|
FCP |
23 - 30 (77%) |
23 - 30 (77%) |
|
Pass |
15 - 22 (50%) |
15 - 22 (50%) |
|
NF |
13 - 14 (43%) |
13 - 14 (43%) |
|
Grade |
Total Marks = 30 |
Total Marks = 30 |
|
FCP |
23 - 30 (77%) |
23 - 30 (77%) |
|
Pass |
15 - 22 (50%) |
15 - 22 (50%) |
|
NF |
13 - 14 (43%) |
13 - 14 (43%) |
At the same time, according to our new assessment procedures, the percentage rates for each part of the written exam (listening, reading, writing) are averaged out. According to the new criteria, if a candidate has a narrow fail in one part of the exam and a pass in the other two, the candidate passes. Those candidates who have a fail in one part of the exam or, alternatively, a narrow fail or fail in more than one part of the exam do not pass.