First Certificate Writing Paper 2  

Criteria for assessment

General Impression Mark Scheme    BAND 3 is a PASS    Band 4 is GOOD    Band 5 is EXCELLENT

*Candidates who do not include all the content points will be

penalised for dealing inadequately the task.

Candidates who fully satisfy Band 3 will

demonstrate an adequate performance in writing at FCE level.

BAND 5

(17+ out of 20)   For a Band 5 to be awarded, the candidate’s writing fully

achieves the desired effect on the reader. All the content

points required in the task are included* and expanded

appropriately. Ideas are organised effectively, with the use of a

variety of linking devices and a wide range of structure and

vocabulary. The language is well developed, and any errors that

do occur are minimal and perhaps due to ambitious attempts at

more complex language. Register and format which is

consistently appropriate to the purpose of the task and the

audience is used.

BAND 4

(14-16 out of 20)

For a Band 4 to be awarded, the candidate’s writing achieves the

desired effect on the reader. All the content points

required in the task are included*. Ideas are clearly organised,

with the use of suitable linking devices and a good range of

structure and vocabulary. Generally, the language is accurate,

and any errors that do occur are mainly due to attempts at more

complex language. Register and format which is, on the whole,

appropriate to the purpose of the task and the audience is used.

BAND 3  

(12-13 out of 20)

For a Band 3 to be awarded, the candidate’s writing, on the

whole, achieves the desired effect on the reader. All the

content points required in the task are included*. Ideas are

organised adequately, with the use of simple linking devices and

an adequate range of structure and vocabulary. A number of

errors may be present, but they do not impede communication.

A reasonable attempt is made atregister and format which is appropriate to the purpose of the task and the audience.

BAND 2

(7– 11 out of 20)

For a Band 2 to be awarded, the candidate’s writing does not

clearly communicate the message to the reader. Some

content points required in the task are inadequately covered or

omitted, and/or there is some irrelevant material. Ideas are

inadequately organised, linking devices are rarely used, and the

range of structure and vocabulary is limited. Errors distract the

reader and may obscure communication at times. Attempts at

appropriate register and format are unsuccessful or inconsistent.

BAND 1

(4-7 out of 20) For a Band 1 to be awarded, the candidate’s writing has a very

negative effect on the reader. There is notable omission of

content points and/or considerable irrelevance, possibly due to

misinterpretation of the task. There is a lack of organisation or

linking devices, and there is little evidence of language control.

The range of structure and vocabulary is narrow, and frequent

errors obscure communication. There is little or no awareness of

appropriate register and format.

         BAND 0

       (0-3 out of 20)

For a Band zero to be awarded, there is either too little language

for assessment or the candidate’s writing is totally irrelevant