Response to written commentary in preparation for high-stakes second language writing assessment

This is the final version. Available on open access from Springer via the DOI in this recordAvailability of data and materials: The dataset used and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.Many L2 learners preparing for high-stakes, on-demand English language tests (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) undertake classroom-based test preparation involving the provision of teacher written feedback commentary (WFC) on writing that simulates test tasks. The assumption is teachers’ knowledge of both the language and testing system helps develop candidates’ language/test-taking skills and familiarity with task expectations. Prior research has indicated features of WFC’s content and delivery can impact on the extent and quality of student revisions, although preparation for writing assessment settings have yet to be explored. The present study investigated the effects of five WFC content and delivery characteristics (focus, length, explicitness, semantic function, and presence of mitigation) on three rehearsal essays written by eight candidates preparing for IELTS Writing Task 2. The qualities of content and delivery most associated with substantive, positive revisions included comments targeting Task Response, those 50 words or longer, when an explicit revision strategy was provided, the presence of mitigation through personal attribution, and question posing and criticism. The study found learners tended not to act upon descriptive end comments explicating written performance, praise, and comments below five words in length. The implications for teachers in classroom IELTS preparation contexts are discussed

A typology of the characteristics of teachers’ written feedback comments on second language writing

This is the final version. Available on open access from Taylor & Francis Group via the DOI in this recordWritten feedback commentary (WFC) on L2 student writing is a widespread and time-intensive teacher practice, serving a range of roles and purposes. One of the challenges in providing effective WFC is attending to the many content and delivery options that are possible, some of which have been shown to exert tangible effects on students and their texts. This article presents a typology of characteristics of teachers’ written comments, synthesised from 30 years of empirical research. Ten strategies for providing WFC (focus or target, mode and tone, syntactic structure, text specificity, location, explicitness, length, presence of mitigation strategies, pen-and-paper versus computer-mediated delivery, and temporality) are outlined. Thereafter, the paper presents the available options relating to student response to written feedback commentary. Each characteristic is illustrated and research into its effectiveness reviewed

Test Review: LanguageCert IESOL B1 (Achiever) SELT

This is the final version. Available on open access from Routledge via the DOI in this recordThe present article reviews LanguageCert’s International English for Speakers of Other Languages (IESOL) Achiever Secure English Language Test (SELT). This high-stakes on-demand CEFR-linked exam has, since 2020, constituted Home Office-recognised evidence L2 English users can speak, write, and understand written and verbal English at B1 level. Passing the test facilitates enrolment onto a foundation or pre-sessional English course at a UK higher education institution, although some institutions set higher standards. As a neophyte SELT, there have been few descriptions and evaluations of the test beyond a range of sponsored studies. The current review indicated the Achiever test measures candidates’ general abilities to understand, interact, and produce tasks that mirror real life. However, a lack of ‘academicness’ and validity concerns in listening raise questions over its suitability for predicting readiness for tertiary study. The test offers the benefits of efficiency in registration and communicating results, remote proctoring and invigilation, and numerous sample materials in the public domain. The provision of an innovative re-sit option may prove favourable to candidates, although could encourage repeat test taking and attempts to pass by a narrow margin, rather than investments in language learning

Postglacial expansion of the arctic keystone copepod calanus glacialis

Calanus glacialis, a major contributor to zooplankton biomass in the Arctic shelf seas, is a key link between primary production and higher trophic levels that may be sensitive to climate warming. The aim of this study was to explore genetic variation in contemporary populations of this species to infer possible changes during the Quaternary period, and to assess its population structure in both space and time. Calanus glacialis was sampled in the fjords of Spitsbergen (Hornsund and Kongsfjorden) in 2003, 2004, 2006, 2009 and 2012. The sequence of a mitochondrial marker, belonging to the ND5 gene, selected for the study was 1249 base pairs long and distinguished 75 unique haplotypes among 140 individuals that formed three main clades. There was no detectable pattern in the distribution of haplotypes by geographic distance or over time. Interestingly, a Bayesian skyline plot suggested that a 1000-fold increase in population size occurred approximately 10,000 years before present, suggesting a species expansion after the Last Glacial Maximum.GAME from the National Science Centre, the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education Iuventus Plus [IP2014 050573]; FCT-PT [CCMAR/Multi/04326/2013]; [2011/03/B/NZ8/02876

Risk stratification by pre-operative cardiopulmonary exercise testing improves outcomes following elective abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery : a cohort study

Background: In 2009, the NHS evidence adoption center and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published a review of the use of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). They recommended the development of a risk-assessment tool to help identify AAA patients with greater or lesser risk of operative mortality and to contribute to mortality prediction. A low anaerobic threshold (AT), which is a reliable, objective measure of pre-operative cardiorespiratory fitness, as determined by pre-operative cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is associated with poor surgical outcomes for major abdominal surgery. We aimed to assess the impact of a CPET-based risk-stratification strategy upon perioperative mortality, length of stay and non-operative costs for elective (open and endovascular) infra-renal AAA patients. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was undertaken. Pre-operative CPET-based selection for elective surgical intervention was introduced in 2007. An anonymized cohort of 230 consecutive infra-renal AAA patients (2007 to 2011) was studied. A historical control group of 128 consecutive infra-renal AAA patients (2003 to 2007) was identified for comparison. Comparative analysis of demographic and outcome data for CPET-pass (AT ≥ 11 ml/kg/min), CPET-fail (AT < 11 ml/kg/min) and CPET-submaximal (no AT generated) subgroups with control subjects was performed. Primary outcomes included 30-day mortality, survival and length of stay (LOS); secondary outcomes were non-operative inpatient costs. Results: Of 230 subjects, 188 underwent CPET: CPET-pass n = 131, CPET-fail n = 35 and CPET-submaximal n = 22. When compared to the controls, CPET-pass patients exhibited reduced median total LOS (10 vs 13 days for open surgery, n = 74, P < 0.01 and 4 vs 6 days for EVAR, n = 29, P < 0.05), intensive therapy unit requirement (3 vs 4 days for open repair only, P < 0.001), non-operative costs (£5,387 vs £9,634 for open repair, P < 0.001) and perioperative mortality (2.7% vs 12.6% (odds ratio: 0.19) for open repair only, P < 0.05). CPET-stratified (open/endovascular) patients exhibited a mid-term survival benefit (P < 0.05). Conclusion: In this retrospective cohort study, a pre-operative AT > 11 ml/kg/min was associated with reduced perioperative mortality (open cases only), LOS, survival and inpatient costs (open and endovascular repair) for elective infra-renal AAA surgery