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This month, we’re delighted to introduce our Academic Source-Based Writing Tests; a new collection of unseen assessments designed to assess students’ ability to read, analyse and respond to multiple academic sources without the use of AI tools. Each test presents students with three contrasting sources and asks them to synthesise information, evaluate ideas and produce a focused academic response within a set time.
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The assessments provide a more AI-resistant approach to academic writing assessment, as students must work directly with unseen source material during the test rather than relying on pre-prepared content or AI-generated responses. Suitable for learners from B2 to C2, these ready-to-use tests are ideal for diagnostic, formative or summative assessment. Try our free sample test on mobile phones and student learning and see how the assessments work for yourself. Simply scroll down and start exploring!
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IMPORTANT: These tests are available exclusively through Institutional Membership. This means they are protected from student access and can be used as secure formative or summative assessments.
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The AEUK Team
Newsletter #185
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What are academic source-based writing tests?
The tests require students to read three contrasting sources and produce an academic response that summarises information, compares viewpoints, evaluates evidence and develops a balanced argument. The test allows teachers to assess students’ development of integrated reading-to-writing skills across different topics using the CEFR criteria from B2-C2 levels.
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Purpose and assessment focus
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The assessment is designed to measure key academic skills required for university study, where students are expected to combine information from multiple texts and construct evidence-based arguments. The test assesses students’ ability through the CEFR descriptors of:
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Using the tests across B2–C2 levels
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The test uses the same task format and are suitable for B2, C1 and C2 learners. The difference between levels is reflected in the quality and depth of students’ responses. The following guide is what is expected at each level.
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Sample Download
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SAMPLE: Smart Phones and Student Learning
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This unseen integrated reading-to-writing assessment requires students to read three contrasting academic sources and use the information to produce a 300–500-word academic response. The test includes a clear test brief, student instructions, three contrasting sources, and assessment criteria and marking guidance. Students have 60 minutes to read the sources, make notes, and write their response Level: ***** [B2/C1/C2] INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP
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5x Securely Protected Downloads
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IMPORTANT: These tests are available exclusively through Institutional Membership. This means they are protected from student access and can be used as secure formative or summative assessments.
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TEST 1: Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education
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This unseen integrated reading-to-writing assessment requires students to read three contrasting academic sources and use the information to produce a 300–500-word academic response. The test includes a clear test brief, student instructions, three contrasting sources, and assessment criteria and marking guidance. Students have 60 minutes to read the sources, make notes, and write their response. Level: *****[B2/C1/C2] INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP
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TEST 2: Social Media and Academic Research
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This unseen integrated reading-to-writing assessment requires students to read three contrasting academic sources and use the information to produce a 300–500-word academic response. The test includes a clear test brief, student instructions, three contrasting sources, and assessment criteria and marking guidance. Students have 60 minutes to read the sources, make notes, and write their response. Level: *****[B2/C1/C2] INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP
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TEST 3: Online Learning and Face-to-Face Teaching
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This unseen integrated reading-to-writing assessment requires students to read three contrasting academic sources and use the information to produce a 300–500-word academic response. The test includes a clear test brief, student instructions, three contrasting sources, and assessment criteria and marking guidance. Students have 60 minutes to read the sources, make notes, and write their response. Level: *****[B2/C1/C2] INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP
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TEST 4: University Students and Part-Time Employment
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This unseen integrated reading-to-writing assessment requires students to read three contrasting academic sources and use the information to produce a 300–500-word academic response. The test includes a clear test brief, student instructions, three contrasting sources, and assessment criteria and marking guidance. Students have 60 minutes to read the sources, make notes, and write their response. Level: *****[B2/C1/C2] INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP
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TEST 5: The Purpose of University Education
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This unseen integrated reading-to-writing assessment requires students to read three contrasting academic sources and use the information to produce a 300–500-word academic response. The test includes a clear test brief, student instructions, three contrasting sources, and assessment criteria and marking guidance. Students have 60 minutes to read the sources, make notes, and write their response. Level: *****[B2/C1/C2] INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP
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Institutional Membership
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These are logo-free Microsoft Word documents for universities, educational institutes or English language schools. Institutional Membership provides full access to 550 resources with an estimated value of £1000.
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1) Use /share our materials with unlimited teachers & unlimited students.
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2) Create courses and printable / digital course booklets.
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3) Put our materials on Electronic Learning Environments.
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4) Add your own signage and adapt the materials in anyway you would like.
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5) Share Academic English UK login details with up to 20 teachers.
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