City & Guilds IESOL Sample Writing Tasks at B1 Achiever level
Introduction The aim of this booklet is to familiarize teachers who prepare candidates for the City and Guilds ESOL examinations with tasks, performance samples, assessment criteria and benchmark performance samples. The tasks and performance samples in the current material represent level B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference. The CEFR levels and descriptors are embedded in every stage of the production and delivery of the International ESOL and Spoken ESOL tests and are also incorporated in the marking procedures. The material includes sample tasks from former live tests and authentic performance samples produced by ESOL candidates. An attempt has been made to select samples which represent a wide variety of performance levels within the given CEFR level. All samples have been double marked to ensure that the evaluation criteria are rigorously followed and marking is consistent, accurate and reliable. Marking the writing tasks The current guide includes only the open writing tasks which tasks which are evaluated with the help of task-specific mark schemes. Each level has a task-specific mark scheme with descriptors for Task fulfilment, Grammar, Vocabulary and Vocabulary and Structure. The Task fulfilment mark reflects how far the candidate has achieved the task, the Grammar mark measures the range, appropriacy and accuracy of grammar, the Vocabulary mark assesses the range, accuracy and appropriacy of vocabulary as well as spelling accuracy. The Structure mark reflects how coherently ideas are linked in the text and how accurate the punctuation is. There are four levels of performance with a corresponding mark in each of the above criteria: First Class Pass, Pass, Narrow Fail and Fail. The total marks awarded for the task are the sum of the marks awarded to each criterion. The writing tasks are marked by trained markers who use the task-specific mark scheme for the evaluation of the tasks. The mark-schemes are regularly updated and markers are trained regularly to ensure that they are marking to standard. Grading the Writing section If a task has not been attempted, a zero mark should be awarded for that task. Once each Writing task has been marked, an overall mark is awarded for the Writing section. This overall mark is translated into one of the following grades: Fail, Narrow Fail, Pass or First Class Pass
Maximum marks for each writing task Part 1
proof reading a text to identify and correct errors
Maximum mark: 8
Part 2
Writing 2: respond appropriately to a given text to produce a formal response for an intended public audience
Maximum mark: 12
Part 3
produce an informal letter to a friend
Maximum mark: 12
Grade table for Writing section for B1 Grade
Total marks: 32
FCP
26-32
PASS
16-25
NF
14-15
F
0-13
Spelling and capitalisation American spelling is accepted if used consistently. Inappropriate use of capital letters is generally not penalised unless spelling is the focus of the task. Over and under length answers The Task Fulfilment criterion with seriously under length answers length answers will probably attract a score of 1 or 0 as there will most likely be no or little expansion of the topic. Answers which are seriously over length are length are awarded one mark less for the Task Fulfilment criterion than would otherwise have been awarded. Writing - Tasks Achiever Level – (B1) Writing 1: proof reading a text to identify and correct errors
Identify and write correction in margin of line with error
Writing 2: respond appropriately to a given text to produce a formal response for an intended public audience
Write 70-100 words
Writing 3: produce an informal letter to a friend
Write 100-120 words
Parts 1 is marked in accordance with paper-specific mark schemes.
Writing –Marking CEFR Overall Written Production descriptor B1
Can write straightforward connected texts on a range of familiar subjects within his or her field of interest, by linking a series of shorter discrete elements into a linear sequence.
CEFR descriptors related to assessment criteria Task Fulfilment
B1
Can write accounts of experiences, describing feelings and reactions in simple connected text.
Grammar
Uses reasonably accurately a repertoire of frequently used routines and patterns associated with Can write a more common description of an situations. event, a recent trip – Occasionally real or imagined. makes errors that the reader usually Can narrate a story. can interpret Can write straightcorrectly on the forward, detailed basis of the descriptions on a context. range of familiar subjects within his field of interest
Vocabulary
Structure
Has enough language to get by, with sufficient vocabulary to express him/herself with some circumlocutions on topics such as family, hobbies and interests, work, travel, and current events.
Can link a series of shorter discrete elements into a connected, linear text.
Marking Writing Part 2 Writing to produce a neutral or formal text for a public audience: 70-100 words.
Public Version Mark scheme B1 - Part 2 Task Fulfilment
3 First Class Pass
2 Pass
1 Narrow Fail
0 Fail
Responds to all four content points fully and effectively.
Responds to at least three content points appropriately.
Grammar
Vocabulary
Structure
Grammar appropriate to level and mostly accurate.
Good range of vocabulary on general topics, accuracy is high. Errors don’t impede communication.
Cohesive & coherent text appropriately using a full range of linguistic devices. Few if any punctuation errors.
Adequate range of grammar used with no impeding errors.
Good control of elementary vocabulary, major errors when expressing unfamiliar or complex topics.
Cohesive & coherent text adequately using a range of linguistic devices. Punctuation errors do not impede communication.
Narrow repertoire. Frequent errors make message difficult to follow.
Attempts to use linguistic devices though not always consistent. Errors, including punctuation, make the text difficult to follow.
Very basic repertoire for everyday situations.
Lacks cohesion and/or uses linguistic devices inappropriately. Punctuation errors make the text almost impossible to follow.
Responds to at least two content points appropriately.
Many errors, sometimes difficult to follow.
Responds to one or none of the content points appropriately.
Little language or such poor control as to affect the communication of the message.
Marking Writing Part 3 Writing to produce a letter using informal language: 100-120 words.
Public Version Mark scheme B1 - Part 3 Task Fulfilment
3 First Class Pass
2 Pass
1 Narrow Fail
0 Fail
Fully satisfies the demands of the task, with good expansion of the topic.
Mainly satisfies the demands of the task, with adequate expansion of the topic.
Grammar
Vocabulary
Structure
Grammar appropriate to level and mostly accurate.
Good range of vocabulary on general topics, accuracy is high. Errors do not impede communication
Cohesive & coherent text appropriately using a full range of linguistic devices. Few if any punctuation errors.
Adequate range of grammar used with no impeding errors.
Good control of elementary vocabulary, major errors when expressing unfamiliar or complex topics
Cohesive & coherent text adequately using a range of linguistic devices. Punctuation errors do not impede communication.
Narrow repertoire. Frequent errors make message difficult to follow.
Attempts to use linguistic devices though not always consistent. Errors, including punctuation make the text difficult to follow.
Partially satisfies the demands of the task, with little expansion of the topic.
Many errors, sometimes difficult to follow.
Does not satisfy the demands of the task, with no expansion of the topic.
Little language or such poor control as to affect the communication of the message.
Very basic repertoire for everyday situations. Errors make message unintelligible.
Lacks cohesion and/or uses linguistic devices inappropriately. Punctuation errors make the text almost impossible to follow.
Sample answers and scores with examiner’s comments B1 Achiever Writing Part 2 Read the information about summer sports courses. You and a friend would like to do a course. Write a letter a letter to the school secretary to: explain what type of course you would like and ask two questions about the content of the courses and ask one question about accommodation. Write between 70 and 100 words. Do not write an address. • • •
AVON SPORTS SCHOOL Fairmeadow, England Tennis, football, basketball and judo courses for players at all levels Summer courses for children, teenagers and adults Weekend, one-week or two-week courses Well-qualified and experienced instructors Social programme in the evenings Accommodation with local families For further information contact Silvia Pratt, School Secretary.
Sample answer 1
Dear School Secretary We are two friends who are interested to do a sport course at your school. We all like individual victories and deal with our own loses so we would like to be trained in a course that involves individual responsibilities and we think tennis will do. We have seen how fast and flexible tennis players are and we therefore would like to know if there is a gym in your school because we also want and need to build our muscles. Another thing we would like to find out is whether we need our own equipment or we will be provided with them when we start. Another concern is on the accommodation, we are not planning to be staying separ ated so we want to know if the local families are able to accommodation two people at the same time and if they charge some amount of money. we both don’t have families staying in Farmeadow, so we will r eally appreciate if you provide us with all the information that we asked for. We thank you in advance and we are looking forward to your timely reply! yours faith fully Score Task Fulfilment Grammar Vocabulary Structure Total 3
3
3
3
12
Examiner’s comments The only problem with the script is the length which goes far beyond the required limit (twice as long as expected) and could therefore be penalised on task fulfilment. On other criteria the script excels (is actually above the level required). It demonstrates highly accurate use of grammar structures such as reported questions expected at this level, a far wider range of vocabulary than expected (concern, appreciate) and very clever use of cohesive devices. Although you can spot a couple of mistakes in vocabulary (“accomodation” misused for accommodate) or spelling and punctuation (“yours faith fully”), they are few and do not spoil the highly favourable impression.
Sample answer 2
Dear Sir/madam We need more infirmation about the courses you offer. We would like to ask more information about the course for sport that you offer in you organisation. Our interesting is on football course and we are kindly ask you to tell us about this course content. Like what do people used to cover in that course and to do people use to buy books for themselves or you provide for them? We are also love to hear about the accommodation. Do you have hosted or flat and how much is the fee per year? We are look forward to hear from you soon. Yours faitfully Score Task Fulfilment Grammar Vocabulary Structure Total 2
2
2
2
8
Examiner’s comments Although the length of the script is within the required word limit, the abrupt start of the letter makes a negative effect on the reader. The ambitious attempt at using polite language (we are kindly ask you to tell us about) is not fully successful and the flawed use of use(d) to also impairs the overall impression. There are a number of non-impeding errors, which hold the answer at the bottom of band (e.g. our interesting is on football, we are also love, do you have hosted or flat).
Sample answer 3
Dear Sir/Madam I am write this letter to ask about summer sports courses that you advise in the newspaper for last Friday on 23 Octomber this year. We are very interested in gaining some experience to be came one of the sport man. We want football course because we do that course late for fever week. my question about the age if you admit according the age? Because we want with my friend and to have different age to do the same time. another question about the money we are going to pay? We a far we dont have accommodation where we stay, did you have special accommodation for us. I am looking to hear from you soon Your faithfully Score Task Fulfilment Grammar Vocabulary Structure Total 1
1
1
1
4
Examiner’s comments Poor attempt. The two questions required about the content of the courses are not appropriately addressed. Basic errors in organization, tenses and spelling (e.g. late for fever week, We a far we don’t) impair the overall clarity of the message.
Sample answers and scores with examiner’s comments B1 Achiever Writing Part 3 Write a letter a letter to to a friend. Tell him/her about something interesting you did last weekend. Make arrangements to meet your friend next weekend. Write between 100 and 120 words.
Dear ... I had an interesting time last weekend.
Sample answer 1
Dear …. I had an interesting time last weekend. I was very surprised when I received a phone call from Mr. Kathilca the head coach of Epupa Eleven Stars football club to attend trials in Opumo. They picked me up with some other guys and we arrived in Ruaears around 7:00 pm on friday. We had a mini meeting and we were introduced to the management of the team before a very wonderful dinner, it was a very great moment. On Saturday we went to play our first game agains Onambula United and we were beaten by three goals to two. I had a very good game because I even scored our second goal with a hender. Later that afternoon we went for a training session and returned to the camp around 6:00 pm. We then had dinner and the coach thanked us all for the dedication we showed during the day. We were up early on Sunday morning for training session before we drove to Untapi to play against young braves, this was one of the best matches. I ever played. I did not know what was happening to me, everything just seemed to go my way I was really on fire my friend, making a brace and provide another two goals. I really enjoyed myself in that game. The most wonderful part was when I was told that I will be signed on a 3 year contract. I will tell you the details when you get here on friday because you are invited to my cerebration and I am not taking no for an answer so please get prepared. I will see you soon! Your friend Zoltan Score Task Fulfilment Grammar Vocabulary Structure Total 3
3
3
3
12
Examiner’s comments The script is twice the expected length for which it could lose a point on task fulfilment. Otherwise it deserves a maximum score. It gives a highly enjoyable account of the experiences of a football player with a huge vocabulary and confident informal style. In spite of a few punctuation and spelling mistakes, it clearly demonstrates a much higher level of English than needed to meet the demands of the task.
Sample answer 2
Dear Selma I had an interesting time last weekend. It was so hard and unbelievable that I did it! It was Saturday morning around 09h 30 am when I went to the testing centre to attend my drive testing. That I was already aware of. as I entered the office I found the testing officer waiting for me at the fr ont office, then he asked me all the necessasry documents required to fill the application form fro driving licence. a fter completion of the form I was instructed to go and take my car to meet the officer at the testing area, I did what I heard. hear d. At the testing arrea I did all the best and later the office told me to go test my driving performance out side the yeard (highway driving). As we drove out we went as far in the town ad I was affraid to make mistakes that will cause me to fail. Luckily I manage to obey and stick to the rules and to his instruction and pass my driving test and I am a holder for driving licence of Vehicles class B. with a great happiness and cheerful pace, I would like to invite you to my celebration part of my last weekend achievement in like that will be taking place at our house next Saturday as from 19h 00 pm until late. Come with your friends for the witness. Your friend Paulina E. Score Task Fulfilment Grammar Vocabulary Structure Total 2
2
2
2
8
Examiner’s comments The script has abundant details but sometimes it takes an effort to comprehend the meaning. There is a wide range of grammar structures and vocabulary used, however with a noticeable amount of inaccuracies. Although the text is coherent, the poor punctuation spoils the favourable impact.
Sample answer 3
Dear ….. I had an interesting time last weekend. Last weeked I went for weeked at a t home our at our village I found my parent prepar e time something good I was surprise. my parent prepare me a nice room made of bricks so that can sleep well it was like a dream. They never tell me before. Their buy me a nice bed and clothes I was very interesting and happy to see that. I want to tell you that at the end of this year you must can and vist me so that we can enjoy a new room with you. Tell your parent that. I am very happy to see your reply. Your friend. Ewa Score Task Fulfilment Grammar Vocabulary Structure Total 1
1
1
1
4
Examiner’s comments Lack of proper punctuation and the frequency of misspelt words make the text difficult to read. The candidate uses a very limited range of syntax, and the text also lacks organizational structure. Basic errors (e.g. my parent prepare, their buy) sometimes interfere with the reader’s understanding of the writing. The text consists of ideas that are presented in a random fashion.
