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Summary of the four skills assessments
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.
You will be given a selection of texts and articles on a similar topic. This is called your ‘Exam Text Pack’ (ETP).
You will have a number of days before the day of the exam to read and understand the ETP.
On the exam day the essay question for you to answer will be released at 08:00am UK time. Write an essay in response to the question, using the sources in the ETP for support.
You will have until 16:00 UK time to upload your essay to the VLE.
The speaking exam will be a group discussion, and will simulate a mini-seminar.
You will be in groups of 3-4.
You will be given a question or prompt based on the sources and topic used in the writing assessment (the ETP).
You should discuss the question together. This discussion should last between 10-15 minutes.
You might also be asked to individually answer some questions from the examiner.
The speaking exam in total will be between approximately 15 minutes long.
The listening exam will be based on a short, academic lecture.
The lecture and exam paper will become available at 08:00am on the day of the exam.
You will be given a number of questions to answer, and be asked to write a short summary on a part of the talk.
You will have until 16:00 the same day to upload your answer paper to the VLE.
The reading exam will be in 2 parts.
Part 1 (comprehension and summarising): you will be given a text to read and then answer a number of multiple-choice questions. You will then write a short summary of the text.
Part 2 (comprehension, evaluation and analysis): you will be given a text to read and then you will match a number of headings to paragraphs. Finally, you will write a critical response on the text.
The reading assessment will become available at 08:00 UK time on the day of the exam, and you will have until 16:00 the same day to upload your answer paper to the VLE.
Assessment dates
Assessment dates
The formative assessments will be halfway through the second 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 at the end of the second term.
How assessments will be marked
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
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.
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