PG - 2024/5 standard AB -Complete Guide to AES Assessments - CW2 & SEM

Writing

Reading

The Complete Guide to AES Assessments24-25

Listening

Introduction

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To read a brief introduction to the AES assessments, please click on the yellow 'Introduction' post-it notes in the top left corner of the screen. To read more about assessments for each skill (reading, listening, speaking, writing) click on the index cards in the notebook on the right side of the screen.

Speaking

Throughout the year, you will take different summative assessments in each of the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. This is so that you can meet the learning outcomes of the module, and demonstrate your level of English in each skill to the University. You must meet the minimum requirement of the University in each skill in order to progress. Some of these assessments are coursework, and some are exams. These assessments all contribute to your final mark, as indicated in the table below. In order to demonstrate that you have met all of the learning outcomes for the module, you must complete all of the assessments. To learn more about assessments you will be required to take in each skill and find out how best to prepare for them, please click on the index cards in the notebook on the main presentation screen.

Writing

Listening

Reading

A Short Guide to AES Assessments: Reading

Reading

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Speaking

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READING ASSESSMENTS

ReadingExam

Reading Exam:Interactive overview

Reading contributes 25% to your overall AES mark and is assessed through:- Reading Exam- CW1 Source Report

How to Prepare

CW1Annotated Bibliography

CW1: Complete guide

CW1 Marking Criteria

Sample CW 1

ASSESSMENT % OF SKILL TOTAL OVERALL WEIGHTING LEARNING OUTCOMES Reading Exam (part of the Integrated Reading & Writing Exam)50% Reading12.5%1, 2, 4, 5 The reading exam is part of the Integrated Reading & Writing Exam. It consists of two 700 - 900 word texts, with 8 questions on each text. You have 10 minutes at the start of the exam to read the texts and then an hour to complete the reading task before moving on to the writing part of the assessment. This assessment tests that you are able to deal with unseen texts of a level appropriate for academic study. The reading questions are devised to test the ability to understand main ideas and specific information, relationships between information in the texts, vocabulary, paraphrase, distinguish main points from examples and supporting information and infer meaning. The Integrated Reading and Writing Exam will be conducted via the digital platform WISEflow, incorporating lock-down browser software and monitoring via webcam. You will have an opportunity to sit this assessment twice during the course of the academic year, with the higher mark achieved in the two exams being contributory. For assessment dates, please see the assessment calendar in the assessment tab on the platform.

In your AES classes, you will learn the skills needed to complete your reading assessments. You will learn how to find and evaluate sources, identify relevant information, make notes while reading, and design a research question based on your reading. In addition, to better prepare for your reading assessments you should:

• read the assignment brief for CW1 and familiarise yourself with the marking criteria. Make sure you speak to your tutor if anything is unclear or you have any additional questions.
• complete the CW1 quiz. Click here to access it.
• read through the How to find sources for your CW1 infographic. Click hereto view it.
• check the Assessment section regularly for additional coursework portfolio preparation materials, including video walkthroughs and marked samples.
• go through the interactive Reading Exam overview, to learn about different question types and exam strategies (click here).
• complete practice reading tests (available in the Supplementary Assessment Preparation Materials section)
• complete Introduction to Reading and Writing Exam on WISEflow (speak to your tutor for instructions on how to access it).
• complete all mock exams on the WISEflow platform as directed by your tutor.

ASSESSMENT % OF SKILL TOTAL OVERALL WEIGHTING LEARNING OUTCOMES CW1 Annotated Bibliography50% Reading12.5%1, 5, 7 CW 1 is the first part of your AES coursework portfolio, which takes you through the stages of researching and planning, presenting and writing an extended research essay. You will design a research-based essay question, and are required to undertake research and identify reliable and academically appropriate sources which will be useful for your essay. You will be given an assessment brief outlining what you need to do, and also a model answer. You will also be able to review samples of other students’ work to help you understand how the assessment is marked. Note that you may use texts you have read for your academic subject, but you must be careful not to duplicate an essay which you submit for another module, as this is academic misconduct. Although in CW 1 you are not marked for the accuracy of your language, you must explain your conclusions and evaluations in your own words so that you can demonstrate that you have read and understood the sources and thought critically about your research so far. Coursework 1 will be written outside of class and submitted via Turnitin. You will be asked to submit your CW1 in two parts, according to your tutor's instructions. You will receive feedback on your work in a tutorial session before your final submission. This assessment tests your skills in finding and evaluating sources, identifying relevant information, understanding key concepts related to the topic, and taking useful notes.

Writing

Listening

A Short Guide to AES Assessments: Listening

Listening

Speaking

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The listening assessment contributes 25% to your overall AES mark and is assessed through a listening exam.

LISTENING ASSESSMENT

Listening Exam: Interactive overview

How to Prepare

Reading

Listening Exam

In your AES classes, you will learn the skills needed to complete your listening assessment. You will learn how to take notes in lectures, distinguish between main and supporting ideas, and listen for gist and detail. In addition, to better prepare for your listening exam you should:

• go through the interactive Listening Exam Overview (available here and in the guide above) to learn about different question types and exam strategies.
• read the articles included in the Reading Practice Tests (available in the Supplementary Assessment Preparation Materials section) to familiarise yourself with the topics of the listening exams and learn the vocabulary related to the topics.
• complete practice Listening Practice tests (available in the Supplementary Assessment Preparation Materials section).
• complete all mock exams on the WISEflow platform as directed by your tutor.
• watch films and videos in English (with English subtitles if you need them - do NOT use subtitles in your own language).

ASSESSMENT % OF SKILL TOTAL OVERALL WEIGHTING LEARNING OUTCOMES Listening Exam: comprehension and note-taking100% Listening25%3, 5 The listening exam has three parts: Part 1 is three x two-minute discussions between two speakers (one male, one female) on a related topic (6 minutes) and has 12 questions. Each discussion is played twice. You listen to the discussions and answer the questions. Parts 2 and 3 are based on a 10-minute lecture. In Part 2 you listen to the lecture for the first time and take notes. You are given topic headings for your notes to help guide you through the lecture, and locate answers in your notes. In Part 3 you are given 12 questions for the lecture. You listen to the lecture again and answer the questions. This assessment tests skills in note-taking, identifying and understand main ideas, specific information and speaker attitude, understanding vocabulary, paraphrasing and the use of signposting. The Listening Exam will be conducted via the digital platform WISEflow, incorporating lock-down browser software and monitoring via webcam. You will have an opportunity to sit this assessment twice during the course of the academic year, with the higher mark achieved in the two exams being contributory. For assessment dates, please see the assessment calendar in the assessment tab on the platform.

Reading

Listening

Speaking

Writing

A Short Guide to AES Assessments: Writing

WRITING

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Writing contributes 25% to your overall AES mark and is assessed through:- writing exam- CW3 Extended research essay

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

WRITING ASSESSMENTS

CW3Extended Research Essay

WritingExam

CW3: Complete guide

How to Prepare

CW 3 Marking Criteria & Samples

Writing Exam Marking Criteria & Samples

In your AES classes, you will learn the skills needed to complete your writing assessments. You will learn how to plan and organise your essay, incorporate information from sources into your own writing, and ensure your work meets the requirements of academic style. In addition, to better prepare for your writing assessments you should:

• read the assignment briefs for CW3 and familiarise yourself with the marking criteria; make sure you speak to your tutor if anything is unclear or your have any additional questions.
• check the Supplementary Assessment Preparation Materials section regularly for additional coursework portfolio preparation materials.
• complete all mock exams on the WISEflow platform as directed by your tutor.
• ensure you complete all writing homework given to you throughout the year and actively engage with the feedback provided

ASSESSMENT % OF SKILL TOTAL OVERALL WEIGHTING LEARNING OUTCOMES Writing Exam 50% Writing12.5%1, 2, 4, 5 In the writing exam, you will be given notes based on three sources. You will need to use these notes to write an essay of a minimum of 250 words in response to assessment question. In your essay, you will need to summarise the key ideas and arguments from all three sources, and conclude with an evaluation of the information and supporting evidence. You will need to include in-text citations, but not a reference list. You will have 1 hour 15 minutes write your essay. There is no upper word limit, but if you write an answer which is significantly under the word limit of 250 words, your mark for Task Achievement will be capped, as it counts as a ‘partial answer’. This assessment allows you to demonstrate your ability to use key information and arguments in texts, evaluate this information, and produce an essay synthesising information from

ASSESSMENT % OF SKILL TOTAL OVERALL WEIGHTING LEARNING OUTCOMES CW3 Extended research essay50% Writing12.5% 2, 4, 5, 7, 8 This is the final part of your coursework portfolio: an extended essay, writing up the research you have conducted and presented on your essay question. Your teacher will give you further information regarding this assessment, including relevant deadlines word count and formatting requirements. The essay incorporates key academic reading skills of identifying relevant information and understanding content, as well as writing skills of summarising, paraphrasing, incorporating quotations, synthesising sources, and academic conventions such as referencing. You are also awarded marks for the organisation, accuracy and range of your language. Note that this assessment is a test of your language competency in writing. You should NOT use generative AI, proof-reading or translation assistance of any kind as this will constitute academic misconduct. For assessment dates see the assessment calendar in the 'Assessment Tab' on the platform

Listening

Writing

Reading

Speaking

A Short Guide to AES Assessments: Speaking

Speaking

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Speaking contributes 25% to your overall AES mark and is assessed through a- seminar discussion - CW2 presentation

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

SPEAKING ASSESSMENTS

CW2Research Presentations

CW2: Complete guide

How to Prepare

CW2 Samples & Marking Criteria

SeminarDiscussion(EX 2)

Seminar DiscussionComplete guide

Seminar Samples & Marking Criteria

• To access student-friendly marking criteria for Coursework 2 (Research Presentation), please click here.
• To watch an annotated walkthrough of CW2, please click here.
• To watch a student deliver a strong CW2 presentation, please click here.

ASSESSMENT % OF SKILL TOTAL OVERALL WEIGHTING LEARNING OUTCOMES CW2 Presentation50% Speaking12.5 %2, 5, 6, 7 This is the second stage in your coursework portfolio. You are required to prepare either a Powerpoint or poster presentation based on the research you have conducted in CW 1. You will have up to 10 minutes to present and answer questions. This assessment provides a further opportunity for you to get feedback on your research and ideas for your extended research essay. It tests the level of your language as well as your ability to present clearly, explain visual information and respond to questions, which are key academic skills, For assessment dates, see the assessment calendar in the 'Assessment Tab' on the platform To get a better idea of how CW2 is assessed, please familiarise yourself with the marking criteria for this assessment. You can view the student version of the marking criteria here.

In your AES classes, you will learn about the structure and purpose of academic presentations. You will also have plenty of opportunities to practise your speaking skills in your weekly live classes. In addition, to better prepare for your speaking assessments, you should:

• engage in conversations with other students during your live classes and outside of them (consider forming an informal study group with your classmates where you can practise speaking English and revise for your classes together).
• watch Ted Talks and other videos of people giving talks and presentations: pay attention to the signposting language they use, their body language and the visual aids they're using for their presentations.
• do lots of independent reading in your free time - this will help you build your vocabulary and will help you develop your ideas on a range of different topics.
• read the assignment briefs for each assessment and familiarise yourself with the marking criteria. Make sure you speak to your tutor if anything is unclear or your have any additional questions.

ASSESSMENT % OF SKILL TOTAL OVERALL WEIGHTING LEARNING OUTCOMES Seminar discussion50% Speaking12.5%2, 6, 7 You are given a seminar topic in advance and are required to undertake additional research in order to discuss the seminar questions. You are put into groups of 3 or 4. At the start of the seminar, your group is allocated one or two of the seminar questions to discuss in your group for 8 – 10 minutes. You will do a series of assessed seminars throughout the year - your highest score will be contributory. This assessment tests your ability to follow up on lecture content for further discussion, as you will need to at University. It also tests your ability to participate in academic discussion, while assessing your level of spoken English. For assessment dates, please see the assessment calendar in the assessment tab on the platform. To get a better idea of how the Seminar Discussion exam is assessed, please familiarise yourself with the marking criteria for this assessment. You can view the student version of the marking criteria here.

• Click here to watch students doing a format A seminar
• Click here to watch students doing a format B seminar

To get a better idea of how this exam is assessed, try marking the sample seminars above using the Seminar Discussion marking criteria. You can view the student version of the criteria by clicking here.

Click on the button below to view the marking criteria for CW3.

Click on the button below to view a strong student sample of CW3.

marking criteria

CW3 sample

You can view more CW3 samples in the Complete Guide to CW3 .

Click on the button below to view the student version of the writing exam marking criteria.

Click on the button below to view a strong Ex. 2 writing sample.

marking criteria

writing exam sample