Can you tell the difference between the results given by a human and AI marker? Martin Moore shares the big (and not so big) differences between the two.
Can you trust the results of an AI speaking test?
read more
All posts
All
Placement testing
General English
IELTS for teachers
AI speaking assessment: How we designed a valid test
The road to our AI speaking test wasn’t a smooth one. Martin Moore lays out the trials, tribulations and triumphs of developing the Dynamic Speaking Test.
New beginnings: Arrivals in English
After the launch of the UK version, Elinor Stokes reviews Arrivals in English, its features and shares how to best use the program.
English intonation: The challenge for speakers of tonal languages
Speakers of tonal languages such as Chinese, Thai or Yoruba face particular challenges with English intonation. Andrew Stokes examines why and how we can help.
HOPES LEB Online learning for refugees: An analysis of project outcomes
Atlas English shares their findings from their project with HOPES LEB, improving the prospects for vulnerable youth and refugees in Lebanon.
Item analysis: How reliable is your test?
This post explains what item analysis is, how we use it, and what you’ll find in a robust and reliable test.
Corporate training: Streamlining English language testing
English language testing is crucial in the petroleum industry. This is how one training organisation found the most suitable placement test.
Why an adaptive test is the only answer
At the ELITE conference in Malang, Indonesia last week Dr Adrian Raper explained why a placement test must be adaptive. This is a summary of his talk.
Placement tests: Can your choice of device affect your result?
No one wants to be disadvantaged during a test. Here is a reminder of what students can expect when taking the Dynamic Placement Test on different devices.
Internationalising an English test
Can we, and should we, make English tests more international? Andrew Stokes explores the possibilities.
English intonation: The challenge for speakers of tonal languages
Speakers of tonal languages such as Chinese, Thai or Yoruba face particular challenges with English intonation. Andrew Stokes examines why and how we can help.
Learning to learn: 5 free tools for Pre-A1s
Most online learning tools are free of charge and available at all times on the phone in your pocket! These are five stand out tools your learners can access for free.
Arrivals in English: Barriers to ESOL
For refugees, learning English is a crucial step towards resettling. But barriers to ESOL access makes this ever more challenging. Here, we suggest some solutions.
Trim the admin: Keycode Access
Too many students, groups, classes, and programs to handle? Keycode Access can reduce and streamline your admin. Here’s how.
The Critical Thinking conundrum
Faced with AI, social media, and ‘intercultural communicative competence’, students must engage with critical thinking. Here’s how to do it.
IELTS: What the candidates say
Road to IELTS runs around five million sessions every year for candidates hoping to achieve the IELTS band score they need. Read one candidate’s experience of using Road to IELTS.
IELTS: Directed independent learning
This series uncovers ideas and activities from British Council teaching centres around the world. Read on for tips for directed independent learning from British Council Education India, Bangalore.
British Council HK: Students’ wants versus needs
This series uncovers ideas and activities from British Council IELTS teaching centres around the world. Read on for three ideas from British Council Hong Kong.
British Council Greece: Teaching teachers
This series uncovers ideas and activities from British Council IELTS teaching centres around the world. Read on for three ideas from British Council Greece.
British Council Vietnam IELTS: It’s all in the plan
This series uncovers ideas and activities from British Council IELTS teaching centres around the world. Read on for four lessons from British Council Vietnam.