Cambridge IELTS 16 Academic Student’s Book with Answers with Audio

Book Preface

HOW IS IELTS SCORED?

IELTS results are reported on a nine-band scale. In addition to the score for overall language ability, IELTS provides a score in the form of a profile for each of the four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking). These scores are also reported on a nine-band scale. All scores are recorded on the Test Report Form along with details of the candidate’s nationality, first language and date of birth. Each Overall Band Score corresponds to a descriptive statement which gives a summary of the English-language ability of a candidate classified at that level. The nine bands and their descriptive statements are as follows:

Expert user – Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.

Very good user – Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.

Good user – Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
Competent user – Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
Modest user – 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.
Limited user – Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.

Extremely limited user — Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.
Intermittent user – Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English. 1Non-user – Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few
isolated words.
Did not attempt the test – Did not answer the questions.

MARKING THE PRACTICE TESTS

Listening and Reading
The answer keys are on pages 121-128.
Each question in the Listening and Reading tests is worth one mark.

Questions which require /etter/ Roman numeral answers
For questions where the answers are letters or Roman numerals, you should write only the number of answers required. For example, if the answer is a single letter or numeral, you should write only one answer. If you have written more letters or numerals than are required, the answer must be marked wrong.
Questions which require answers in the form of words or numbers
· Answers may be written in upper or lower case.
· Words in brackets are optional — they are correct, but not necessary.
· Alternative answers are separated by a slash (I).
· If you are asked to write an answer using a certain number of words and/or (a) number(s), you will be penalised if you exceed this. For example, if a question specifies an answer using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS and the correct answer is ‘black leather coat’, the answer ‘coat of black leather’ is incorrect.
· In questions where you are expected to complete a gap, you should only transfer the necessary missing word(s) onto the answer sheet. For example, to complete ‘in the …’, where the correct answer is ‘morning’, the answer ‘in the morning’ would be incorrect.
· All answers require correct spelling (including words in brackets).
· Both US and UK spelling are acceptable and are included in the answer key.
· All standard alternatives for numbers, dates and currencies are acceptable.
· All standard abbreviations are acceptable.
· You will find additional notes about individual answers in the answer key.
Writing
The sample answers are on pages 129-138. It is not possible for you to give yourself a mark for the Writing tasks. We have provided sample answers (written by candidates), showing their score and the examiners’ comments. These sample answers will give you an insight into what is required for the Writing test.