Job Discussion Forums

Sashadroogie · Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2013 6:56 pm Post subject: Halo effect?

A question to any Cambridge/IELTS examiners out there. Do you find yourself awarding higher marks than you should just because the candidate sitting in front of you happens to be absolutely stunningly good-looking? I am aware of my own susceptibility to this, and my male colleagues and I often make passing reference to the 'blonde mark' - jokingly, of course, ahem!

But, does this really affect our perceptions of what we hear? And do women examiners have the same issues when listening to an Adonis?

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

IELTS Politburo is already planning to automate the role of the Examiner !

INGSOC will triumph !

Teacher in Rome · Joined: 09 Jul 2003 Posts: 1286

I try very hard not to be swayed by any non-linguistic attribute of a candidate, but sometimes it's hard. On the other end of the scale, it's also hard not to give a sympathy vote sometimes.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Fri Apr 05, 2013 2:57 am Post subject:

Automate the role of the examiner? Oh, dear. Then TOEFL will triumph...

Sashadroogie · Posted: Fri Apr 05, 2013 5:06 pm Post subject:

I think this particular IELTS candidate is in the running for straight nines:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-AyuX_E--k

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Wow, I didn't know there was a musical section in IELTS;-)

Sashadroogie · Posted: Fri Apr 05, 2013 6:40 pm Post subject:

There isn't usually. However, I feel talent in all its forms should be recognised and rewarded! To hell with the criteria!!

Cool Teacher · Posted: Sun Apr 21, 2013 11:55 am Post subject:

BenE · Joined: 11 Oct 2008 Posts: 321

Hahaha the true advantages to teaching in Russia (and Belarus)

I must confess examining in Vietnam doesn't bring the same issues when I'm trying to decide what grade to give them. Most of my candidates are very nervous looking or have annoying squeaky voices. There is occasionally a candidate that makes my eyebrows raise but normally they're already past the 7 bandscore and mention some foreign spouse or boyfriend. Bah!

Maybe time to try and do some examining in Belarus when I next visit. I don't think my wife will be so keen though if she finds this message.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Sat Apr 27, 2013 5:05 am Post subject:

I thoroughly recommend IELTS examining anywhere in Russia and the Near Abroad. Many candidates will be sixes throughout, which helps reduce the boredom factor. Some much higher again. And many young bright haloed minds to talk to, and be swayed by : )

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

johnslat · Posted: Sat Apr 27, 2013 10:11 pm Post subject:

Dear Sasha,

Pay no attention to johntpartee. He's ugly.

Regards,
John

Sashadroogie · Posted: Sun Apr 28, 2013 4:44 am Post subject:

Dear Johnslat

OK. I ALWAYS listen to you! You're GORGEOUS!!!!

Regards

Sasha

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

6s eh ? That would be a change from doing it in the Gulf where you get 3s and 4s !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sashadroogie · Posted: Sun Apr 28, 2013 1:46 pm Post subject:

Can happen here too. But is rare. In any case candidates can still radiate charm and exhibit good looks : ) Of course, it is a lot harder to justify giving straight sixes based on those qualities alone...