Four skills exams

Summary of the four skills assessments

The following gives you a brief outline of the four skills exams you will take on the module. Click the heading of each skill to find out more.

Assessment dates

The formative assessments are likely to be at the end of the first term. Although the scores from the formative exams do not go towards your final grade, they are very important because you will receive essential feedback on where and how you need to improve. The summative assessments are week 13 (two weeks after you finish the course).

How assessments will be marked

For all of the writing and speaking assessment, and for parts of the reading and listening assessment, markers will score your work using a marking criteria. You can find the marking criteria here. It is a good idea to fully understand these documents so you know what is expected of you in the exams. Your tutors will also talk to you about this.

Pass marks

To pass the module, for Foundation students you will need to achieve an average of 55 (no less than 55 in any of the 4 skills). For Pre-Masters students, you will need to achieve an average of 60 (with no less than 55 in any of the 4 skills). However, these scores only guarantee your award of the Foundation or Pre-Masters certificate. It does not guarantee progression onto your chosen University of York programme. Your required progression score is likely to be higher, and will be detailed in your offer letter. The Programme Handbooks also give more information about pathways and required scores.