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fchris171 · Joined: 28 Mar 2015 Posts: 33

A quick question to any IETLS examiners here.

If there is a difference of 2 bands or more between any modules do they automatically get remarked?

For example, if one achieved the below scores would they automatically be checked again? I've heard that they do, however I've never actually heard this from the horses mouth.

Reading: 8.5
Listening: 7
Speaking:6.5
Writing: 6

Sashadroogie · Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2015 6:58 am Post subject:

Jagged profiles? Yes, is the short answer to your question. But the exact mechanism is not really made public. Just if the speaking or writing doesn't seem to match the receptive skills
papers, then a second examiner blind marks the speaking or writing again.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2015 7:00 am Post subject:

Not so sure that the above would trigger any system alarm
bells though. It's quite usual for Reading the score higher than the others.

Deats · Joined: 02 Jan 2015 Posts: 503

My thoughts too Sasha. If anything, the reading seems the anomaly. They won't check if three disciplines are within 1 band, surely?

This really is just my opinion though. I'd be very interested to hear your outcome fchris. Maybe we'll get a clearer understanding of the process if you successfully appeal. Please keep us updated!

HLJHLJ · Joined: 06 Oct 2009 Posts: 1218 Location: Ecuador

I know someone who recently got 8 or 8.5 in Reading, Speaking and Listening, and 6.5 in writing and she didn't get an auto-remark.

Deats · Joined: 02 Jan 2015 Posts: 503

I think all 4 disciplines are so different that it actually makes sense that sometimes people's bands vary wildly.

HLJHLJ · Joined: 06 Oct 2009 Posts: 1218 Location: Ecuador

It's not really about whether jagged profiles are likely or not. It's that speaking and writing are graded by people rather than computers. So if one of those scores is way off compared to the others it's flagged up in case it's due to grader error.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2015 8:46 pm Post subject:

If something tripped a switch in the IELTS system, the candidates wouldn't necessarily be told about it. The re-marking just happens as needed, and then the results are released.

Challenging the mark is a different process, though it does involve re-marking also. (Which, incidentally, is free of charge if the marks are adjusted upwards. Shhhh! IDP doesn't like test-takers to know that, though....)

buravirgil · Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2015 2:37 am Post subject:

Mr. Leafy · Joined: 24 Apr 2012 Posts: 246 Location: North of the Wall

Sashadroogie · Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2015 6:42 am Post subject:

kpjf · Joined: 18 Jan 2012 Posts: 385

A quick google for IELTS remark shows several results that clearly state that the fee will be refunded if the band score increases (no small print)

http://www.ieltsessentials.com/results/request_a_re-mark.aspx

buravirgil · Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2015 9:36 am Post subject:

Nice try, Sasha. We've stayed on another's good sides for a good long while now; don't get squirrely.

I've sourced and designed metrics, collaboratively developed them, and had them statistically validated-- not merely been trained. I'm curt within these IELTS threads because many claims are uninformed and resistant to contrary information. It's similar to someone engaging a topic on calculus while purporting some kinds of algebra are just wrong.

Both you and Spiral know ahelluvalot. And so do I. I know the IELTS was long in its development and the best measure of proficiency/competency money can buy. I'm American and must abide what claims TOEFL makes...the IELTS is more accurate, nuanced, and fair for many reasons.

That appreciation and knowledge came from actually making measures, not criticism of them.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2015 10:23 am Post subject:

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

IELTS is a money-making enterprise. And a source of "Soft Power" for the true believers who run it. An interesting comparison might be with Scientology and the disciples of L. Ron Hubbard.