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How is the ECCE scored?
The ECCE is scored using a method called aggregate scoring. Aggregate scoring allows candidates who are weak in one area to compensate by being strong in another area. This aggregate scoring method is appropriate for intermediate students of English, who typically do not learn all English language skills at the same pace.
With the aggregate scoring method, candidates who do not pass one of the four sections of the test can still pass the exam if their scores on other sections are significantly higher than the minimum pass level. Candidates who fail two or more sections will not pass the exam.
The speaking and writing sections are graded according to criterion-referenced scales established by ELI-UM. The speaking rating is assigned by trained local examiners. The writing section ratings are assigned by trained raters at ELI-UM.
How can two candidates have the same section results, but one examinee passes and the other fails?
With the aggregate scoring system used with the ECCE, an examinee may compensate for failing a section by earning a higher score in one or more other sections of the exam. However, it is not always the case that an examinee will be able to compensate for the failed section.
The letter grades or bands that candidates will see in the
Examination Reports represent ranges of scores of the respective test sections. This is explained in the performance descriptors in the Examination Reports for each section of the test. For example, a candidate who gets Borderline Fail in listening (D) is able to answer approximately 50% to 64% of the listening questions correctly.
Two students with the same section grades may have a different final result. Consider two examples:
Student A
Student A passes the ECCE in spite of getting a failing grade in the listening section. He passes because he has higher grades in speaking, GVR, and writing. Here are his section grades:
- Writing: Low Pass
- Listening: Borderline Fail
- GVR: Pass
- Speaking: Pass
Student A passes because his listening score falls within the Borderline Fail range of scores, but it is close to the higher end of this range—64%. The higher scores in GVR and speaking compensate for the failed section.
Student B
Student B has the same section results as Student A, but he fails the exam. His score in listening is very low in the Borderline Fail range, closer to the lower end of 50% for the Borderline Fail, and his performance in the GVR and speaking sections is closer to the lower end. He has a bigger "gap" to compensate for, and his two better scores are not enough to cover the gap, so he fails the test.
