The Preliminary English Test (PET) is an internationally recognized English language qualification. It assesses candidates' ability to communicate effectively in everyday English. If you're planning to take the PET exam, understanding how PET scores are calculated can help you better prepare for success. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the process of calculating PET scores, so you know what to expect.
What is the PET Scoring Scale?
The PET exam consists of three papers: Reading and Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Each of these papers is scored separately on a scale of 0 to 100. The final PET score is calculated by averaging the scores obtained in these three papers. Let's dive deeper into each paper's scoring criteria:
Reading and Writing Paper
- The Reading and Writing paper has a total of 42 questions, worth one mark each.
- For the Reading section, points are calculated by dividing the number of correct answers by 35 and multiplying it by 20.
- The Writing section is also scored out of 20 and assesses your ability to produce two short pieces of writing.
Listening Paper
- The Listening paper consists of four parts, with a total of 25 questions.
- Each question is worth one mark, and the total Listening score is calculated out of 25.
Speaking Paper
- The Speaking paper evaluates your ability to communicate effectively in spoken English and is scored out of 25.
- Trained examiners assess your performance based on various criteria such as fluency, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
Calculating the Final PET Score
Once you have individual scores for the Reading and Writing, Listening, and Speaking papers, you need to calculate the final PET score. Here's how:
- Add the scores obtained in the three papers.
- Divide the total by 3 to get the average.
The resulting average score will be your final PET score, which ranges from 0 to 100. The higher the score, the better your English proficiency level.
What Do PET Scores Indicate?
PET scores are categorized into six levels, indicating different levels of English proficiency. Here's a breakdown of the PET scoring scale:
- PET Score 73-80: Level B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- PET Score 60-72: Level B1 (Intermediate)
- PET Score 45-59: Level A2 (Pre-Intermediate)
- PET Score 35-44: Level A2 (Elementary)
- PET Score 20-34: Level A1 (Starter)
- PET Score 0-19: Level A1 (Breakthrough)
Knowing your PET score level can help you assess your current English proficiency and provide a target to work towards for further improvement.
Understanding how PET scores are calculated gives you valuable insights into the test's structure and helps you prepare more effectively. By familiarizing yourself with the scoring criteria and the scoring scale, you can identify your strengths and weaknesses and tailor your preparation accordingly. Remember, achieving a higher score not only shows your proficiency in English but also opens up more opportunities in education, work, and travel.