How are the papers marked?
Different elements of each of the papers are marked in different ways: Some questions, such as multiple-choice questions, are scanned by computer. Typically these are questions where a candidate lozenges a small box to identify the answer, for example, A, B, C or D. Questions which require a longer answer, for example a word or phrase, are marked by human markers who check to see if the answers are correct or not. In this case the marking is carried out by two different markers — the second exercise is a check that the first marker has marked correctly. Writing tasks in PET, FCE, CAE and CPE are marked by experienced examiners. These examiners undergo rigorous training prior to the marking session and are closely monitored throughout the exercise by team leaders, who are in turn supervised by a Principal Examiner. Cambridge ESOL takes great care to ensure that the marking of all papers is fair and standardised. In the case of the Speaking tests, examiners undergo a standardisation sess
