Each score represents the applicant's ability for each of the four test sections: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The scores range from 0 – did not attempt the test to 9 – expert ability. The following bullets list what each score represents.

• 0 – Did not attempt the test


• 1 – Non-user


• 2 – Intermittent user


• 3 – Extremely, limited user


• 4 - Limited user


• 5 – Modest user


• 6 – Competent user


• 7 – Good user


• 8 – Very good user


• 9 – Expert user

An applicant's overall score is the average of the applicant's four test scores. For example, if an applicant receives the following scores, Reading – 8, Writing – 7, Speaking – 7, and Listening – 8, the applicant's overall score is 7.5 (8 + 7 + 7 + 8 = 30. 30/4 = 7.5.) If the applicant's overall score ends in .25, the score rounds up to .50. For example, if an applicant's overall score is 7.25, it rounds up to 7.5.
If the applicant's overall score is 7.75, the score rounds up to the next whole number. For example, if the applicant's overall score is 7.75, it rounds up to 8.0.

Examiners use a set of criteria to determine speaking and writing scores. An applicant's speaking score is determined by how well the applicant's speaking ability weighs against the following criteria.

• Was the applicant's speaking coherent and fluent?


• Did the applicant use a variety of vocabulary?


• Did the applicant use good grammar?


• How good was the applicant's pronunciation?

An applicant's writing score is determined by how well the applicant's writing ability weighs against the following criteria.

• Where the two writing tasks accomplished?


• Was the applicant's writing coherent and cohesive?


• Did the applicant use a variety of vocabulary?


• Did the applicant use good grammar?

• You may write your answers in pencil or pen.


• Pay attention to the number of words required for each task. You will lose marks if you do not write at least 150 words for Task 1 and at least 250 words for Task 2.


• You should spend approximately 20 minutes on Task 1 and approximately 40 minutes on Task 2.


• You must write your answers in full; answers written in note form or in bullet points will lose marks.


• Pay attention to spelling, grammar, and punctuation; you will lose marks for mistakes.


• You may write your answers entirely in capitals if you wish.


• You may make notes on the question paper but nothing you write on the question paper will be marked.