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[AjarnIam]

During this this past term, I tutored 4 students for the IELTS test. As I tutored them I tried to simulate the real exam by putting them under exam pressure. Apparently I didn't put them under enough pressure. 2 of the 4 student left the speaking test crying because the examiner was yelling at them and belittling them for not not speaking clearly enough. I think the exam is hard enough so I don't know why the examiners have to create even more stress for them.

[Sashadroogie]

WTF?

Are you serious? Report the examiner right away - he ( I can't believe it was a she) will be suspended, at the very least. Complain, and get a re-sit or refund. Not you, of course. I mean suggest to your students that they need to explore this option. Get them to contact the IELTS Centre Manager forthwith.

There is not supposed to ANY pressure during the interview itself. The examiner has to be supportive and encouraging. There are even guidelines for how to arrange the furniture so as to reduce any possible feelings of intimidation. IELTS spends doodles of dosh each year researching the 'impact' of the test on candidates. Candidates are supposed to leave the interview feeling that they did all they could and that they were given every opportunity to show what they were capable of.

If what the students said was correct, there will be an audio recording of the interview to prove it. Make a stink, and get that idiot out of IELTS.

[spiral78]

Second that. It's TOTALLY unacceptable for an examiner to do anything of the kind, and he/she should absolutely be reported.

[AjarnIam]

[Sashadroogie]

Not video-taped - just audio. Probably just on a little mp3 dictaphone thingy. But the candidate's name and number and the examiner's too will be stated at the very beginning. There is plenty of documentation to track every interview. Would be near impossible for the examiner to deny his misdeeds, if what you say is true.

Also, every examiner is supposed to be monitored by a senior IELTS examiner trainer - to maintain the standard. Not usually to deal with the TOTAL UNPROFESSIONALISM as you have described. Usually just things like timing, adhering to the rubric, etc. Minor by comparison. This sounds like somebody's head will roll...

There are mechanisms in place to deal with this. Use them. Do IELTS a favour and prevent more complaints

[jpvanderwerf2001]

As an examiner, I can tell you that not only should that examiner be reprimanded (perhaps canned), but your students should also complalin vehemently.

[naturegirl321]

I-ve done Cambridge exams for two years and I can say that there are good examiners and bad examiners out there. But I-ve never seen any make someone cry. Usually they just don-t follow the scripts, get los,t , forget people-s names.

That-s just too much.

I have seen little girls, on the PET test near tears. But that was before they even entered the room. They were just nervous.

[Sashadroogie]

Please post any follow-up details from this case. I'd be most interested to learn what the official response will be from the IELTS Test Centre Manager.

Thanks.

[barabbas]

The biggest problem my students have had with examiners for BritishCouncil/ Cambridge administered exams was quite the opposite, in that some of the examiners were so old that they fell asleep during the interview.

It's very easy to complain but you need to do it asap.

[Dedicated]

I have worked as a Centre Manager for IELTS both abroad and in the UK, as well as being involved with the IELTS board in Cambridge.

All complaints are thoroughly examined, and in the case of the IELTS speaking exam, are listened to again by a minimum of three examiners.
The vast majority of complaints about the examiner shouting or harassing the students (especially Chinese or Japanese females) are dismissed without any evidence whatsoever on the taped conversation. Often the student has remained silent, and the examiner tries to encourage them to speak at all!

It seems that the students realise they have performed poorly, and rather than " lose face" fabricate a pack of lies, perhaps not realising they have been recorded.

However, do let us know the outcome of the complaint.

[AjarnIam]

I'm trying...However, as one person mentioned already, " face" is a touchy situation in Asia. No one likes "blowing the whistle". I've tried asking the one girl in particular to make a formal complaint, and she's now Mai Bpen Rai...don't worry..be happy...so basically she's forgot about it...but I haven't. I might get the Dean involved to throw some weight, but I'm thinking he'll be avoiding confrontation as well.

[Hod]

Off topic, but there�s actually a market for IELTS amongst native speakers.

I�m just about to apply for an independent Australian visa. Recent rule changes (last week) mean I no longer score enough �points�.

Of the 120 points needed, 15 are awarded for being a native English speaker. Gaining IELTS Grade 7 or higher, though, earns 25 Aussie points.

Hard to believe, but a whole load of native speakers take IELTS to gain that extra ten points and qualify for the Australian visa. I might be joining them soon. Any tips?

[Sashadroogie]

I know. I've tested some of them. Very surreal. Tips? Same as for the non-natives - give full, coherent answers with good vocab. Native speaker is not the same as expert user!

[Sashadroogie]

[steki47]