English Language Teaching Centre TIER 4 LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

English Language Teaching Centre TIER 4 LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS Richard Simpson University of Sheffield

English Language Teaching Centre • The Good Old Days • Post 21 st April • CEFR B 2 & IELTS • Other tests • The way forward

English Language Teaching Centre The Good Old Days • Most HEIs used IELTS as baseline • Offers ranged from 5. 5 to 7. 5 • Typical offers 6. 0 or 6. 5 • Other tests mapped to IELTS

English Language Teaching Centre Post 21 st April • NQF 6 requires CEFR B 2 in all components • Secure English Language Test (SELT) levels dictated (IELTS 5. 5) • No flexibility on SELT mapping • HEIs may use other means for B 2

English Language Teaching Centre CEFR B 2 & IELTS CEFR B 2 Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

English Language Teaching Centre CEFR B 2 & IELTS 5. 0 Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field. IELTS 6. 0 Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.

English Language Teaching Centre CEFR B 2 & IELTS test score guidance for educational institutions Linguistically demanding courses . . less demanding courses IELTS 7. 0 Probably acceptable Acceptable IELTS 6. 5 English study needed Probably acceptable IELTS 6. 0 English study needed IELTS Guide for educational institutions, governments, professional bodies and commercial organisations

English Language Teaching Centre Other Tests Comparing CEFR, TOEFL and Pearson PTE TOEFL Pearson PTE IELTS (component scores omitted) CEFR B 1 57 43 4. 0 CEFR B 2 87 59 5. 5 CEFR C 1 110 76 7. 0

English Language Teaching Centre Other Tests Comparing CEFR, TOEFL and Pearson PTE IELTS TOEFL WAS TOEFL NOW Pearson PTE WAS Pearson PTE NOW 4. 0 39 57 <30 43 5. 5 69 87 43 59 7. 0 100 110 63 76

English Language Teaching Centre Other Tests Filling in the gaps …………. . IELTS TOEFL WAS TOEFL NOW Pearson PTE WAS Pearson PTE NOW 4. 0 39 57 < 30 43 5. 5 69 87 43 59 6. 0 79 95 50 65 6. 5 89 103 58 70 7. 0 100 110 63 76

English Language Teaching Centre The Way Forward • Contingency plans for current cycle • Need to lobby for review • Consensus on non-SELT