Sample Materials Guide

2012

Contact Information
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Cambridge Michigan Language Assessments
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www.CambridgeMichigan.org

2012 Cambridge Michigan Language Assessments

Table of Contents
Introduction....................................................................... 2
Contents of the Sample Materials.................................. 3
How to Take the Sample Writing & GCVR Sections...... 4
Scoring the Sample Writing & GCVR Sections.............. 5
GCVR........................................................................... 5
Writing.......................................................................... 5
Interpreting Your Scores.................................................. 6
Grammar, Cloze, Vocabulary, and Reading
(GCVR) Section............................................................ 6
Writing Section............................................................. 6
Passing the ECPE Overall............................................ 6
Important Points to Note............................................. 6
Appendix 1: Writing Section Scoring Rubric.................. 7
Appendix 2: Sample Essays & Comments..................... 8

Introduction
The main purpose of the ECPE 2012 Sample Materials
and this accompanying guide is to familiarize examinees
with the Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in
English (ECPE). It also gives examinees the opportunity
to test themselves to see whether their English is at the
level required for the actual exam.
Some examinees take the ECPE before they have
reached the standard required to pass. We hope that
this sample test will help examinees to better judge their
preparedness for the exam. Examinees who intend to
take the ECPE should use this guide to complete the
sample writing and GCVR sections, mark it themselves,
and see whether their scores are sufficient for them to
attempt the exam itself.
It must be noted, however, that the score received
on the sample materials do not guarantee that the
same standard will be reached during an actual ECPE
administration.
These materials should be read in conjunction with
the ECPE Information Bulletin. This guide includes
instructions on how to take and score the sample writing
and GCVR sections.

ECPE 2012 Sample Materials Guide 2

Contents of the Sample Materials

Format and Content of the ECPE 2012 Sample Materials
Section

Time

Description

NUMBER OF ITEMS

Writing

30 minutes

Examinees write an essay based upon one of two topic

choices.

Grammar
Cloze
Vocabulary
Reading

75 minutes

Grammar (multiple choice)

An incomplete sentence is followed by a choice of words
or phrases to complete it. Only one choice is grammatically
correct.

40

Cloze (multiple choice)

After reading a passage from which words have been
removed, examinees must choose one of four words that
best fills a missing word slot in terms of grammar and
meaning.

20

Vocabulary (multiple choice)

An incomplete sentence is followed by a choice of words to
complete it. Examinees must choose the option that best
completes the sentences in terms of meaning.

40

Reading (multiple choice)

Four reading passages are followed by comprehension
questions. Examinees choose the correct answer from the
printed answer choices.

20

1 task

Further information about the format of the ECPE can be found in the ECPE Information Bulletin.

ECPE 2012 Sample Materials Guide 3

How to Take the Sample Writing & GCVR Sections

It is important to take the sample test under proper test
conditions. You should take the test in a place with a
table and chair that is quiet and free from distractions.
Please allow at least three hours of uninterrupted time.
Do not take a break between sections.

4. Turn to the general instructions on page 3

of the test booklet. Read the instructions for
completing the answer sheet and make sure that
you understand them. Fill out the answer sheet
according to the instructions.

Additionally, when you take the sample test you should

follow these steps.

5. Turn to the grammar, cloze, vocabulary, reading

(GCVR) section instructions on page 5 of the test
booklet. Read the instructions and make sure that
you understand them.

1. Gather the test materials:

a. the sample test booklet
b. an answer sheet
c. a piece of paper for the writing section
d. pencils
e. a timing device such as a clock or stopwatch
2. Turn to the writing section on page 1 of the test
booklet. Read the instructions carefully and make
sure that you understand them. Once you have
read the instructions you may read the essay
topics and begin writing. You should write your
essay on a separate piece of paper.
3. After 30 minutes, stop writing. Do not reread your
essay or change your essay after the 30 minutes
has ended.

6. When you are ready, turn to the GCVR section on

page 6 of the test booklet and begin answering
the questions. Mark your answers on the separate
answer sheet. Please note that you should begin at
number 51 on side 2 of the answer sheet.
7. Stop writing after 75 minutes. Do not change any of
your answers after 75 minutes.
8. Read the Scoring the Sample Writing and
GCVR Sections portion of this guide. Follow the
instructions for checking your answers against
the answer key (included with the sample test
materials) and example essays (included in
this guide).
Please note that if you allow yourself longer than the
time allocated for each section, you will not get a true
picture of your ability.

ECPE 2012 Sample Materials Guide 4

Scoring the Sample Writing & GCVR Sections

When you have finished taking the sample writing and
GCVR sections, you should have a completed answer
sheet with one answer per question and a completed
essay for the writing section. You now need to score the
writing and GCVR sections. Please follow these steps.

GCVR

Writing
1. This guide includes the writing section scoring
rubric and ten sample essays, two at each band on
the ECPE writing scale.
2. Read your essay and then read each of the sample
essays and the comments that accompany
each sample.

1. For each GCVR item, you should have only filled in

one answer on the answer sheet.

3. Compare your essay to the sample essays and

decide which sample is the closest to yours.

2. Compare your answers with the answer key. If

your answer matches the answer key then award
yourself one point. If your answer does not match
the answer key do not award yourself a point.

4. The score of the sample which is closest to yours

is your score for the writing section. You should
ask a teacher to review your writing and to confirm
that you have chosen the right band score.

3. Add up all of your correct answers in the GCVR

section. This is your GCVR section score.

5. Read the Interpreting Your Scores section of this

guide for an explanation of what your sample
essay score means.

4. Read the Interpreting Your Scores section of this

guide for an explanation of what your sample
GCVR score means.

ECPE 2012 Sample Materials Guide 5

Interpreting Your Scores

When the ECPE is taken under examination conditions,
the listening section and the grammar, cloze, vocabulary,
reading (GCVR) section are scored by computer using
Item Response Theory (IRT). This method ensures that
the ability required to pass a section, or to receive a high
score, remains the same from year to year. IRT scores
are not the same as number-right scores, but there is
very high correlation between number of correct answers
provided and the IRT scores.

Writing Section

Grammar, Cloze, Vocabulary, and Reading

(GCVR) Section

Passing the ECPE Overall

Scores 90 and above: If you have strictly followed the

instructions for taking the sample test, you are likely to
pass the GCVR section of the ECPE under examination
conditions.
Scores 7889: You have a chance of passing the GCVR
section of the ECPE under examination conditions but
you may benefit from more lessons or more practice
before you register for the examination.
Scores 77 and below: You are unlikely to pass the GCVR
section of the ECPE under examination conditions and
should spend more time improving your English before
taking the examination.

If you have strictly followed the instructions for taking the

sample test and your writing meets the criteria of at least
a C on the ECPE writing section scoring rubric, then you
have a chance of passing the ECPE writing section under
examination conditions. If your writing meets the criteria
of at least a B on the ECPE writing section scoring rubric,
then you are likely to pass the ECPE writing section
under examination conditions.

Examinees who pass three sections with a Low Pass (or

higher) and receive no less than a Borderline Fail in one
section will be awarded an ECPE certificate. If you are
able to meet the standards described above then you are
probably ready to take the ECPE.

Important Points to Note

1. Although the sample materials are designed to be
similar in difficulty to the ECPE and will give you a
reasonable idea of how you should expect to score
on the exam, there is no guarantee that your score
on the sample materials will be the same as the
score you receive when you take the ECPE.
2. The writing section scores you receive when
you take an ECPE under examination conditions
are determined by raters trained and certified
according to standards established by
Cambridge Michigan Language Assessments. It
is possible that when you review your own writing
performance, the scores assigned might be
different from those that would have been assigned
by certified raters and examiners.

ECPE 2012 Sample Materials Guide 6

Appendix 1: Writing Section Scoring Rubric

RATING

RHETORIC

GRAMMAR/SYNTAX

VOCABULARY

MECHANICS

A
Honors

Topic richly, fully, complexly

developed

Flexible use of
a wide range of
syntactic (sentence
level) structures;
morphological (word
forms) control nearly
always accurate

Broad range,
appropriately used

Spelling and
punctuation errors
are rare and
insignificant

Both simple and

complex syntax
adequately used;
good morphological
control

Vocabulary use
shows flexibility,
is usually
appropriate

Spelling and
punctuation errors
are infrequent and
not distracting

Both simple and

complex syntax
present

Adequate
vocabulary, but
may sometimes
be inappropriately
used

Spelling and
punctuation
errors sometimes
distracting

Vocabulary
may be limited
in range, and
is sometimes
inappropriately
used to the point
that it causes
confusion

Spelling and
punctuation errors
are frequently
distracting

Pervasive and basic

errors in sentence
structure and
word order cause
confusion

Incorrect use of
vocabulary causes
confusion

Basic vocabulary
words regularly
misspelled

Problems with
subject-verb
agreement, tense
formation or word
formation

Even basic words

may be misused
May show
interference from
other languages

Little or no control
over sentence
boundaries

Organization wellcontrolled, appropriate to

the material
Connection is smooth

Topic clearly and

completely developed,
with acknowledgment of its
complexity
Organization is controlled
and shows appropriateness
to the material
Few problems with
connection

Topic clearly developed,

but not always completely
or with acknowledgment of
its complexity
Organization generally
controlled; connection
sometimes absent or
unsuccessful

For some, syntax

is cautious but
accurate, while
others are more fluent
but less accurate

Any inappropriate
vocabulary does
not confuse
meaning

Inconsistent
morphological control

Topic development usually

clear but simple and may
be repetitive
Attempts to address
different perspectives
on the topic are often
unsuccessful

Morphological errors
are frequent
Simple sentences
tend to be accurate;
more complex ones
tend to be inaccurate

Overreliance on
prefabricated language
and/or language from the
prompt
Organization partially
controlled

Topic development may be

unclear and/or limited by
incompleteness or lack of
focus
Might not be relevant to
topic
Connection of ideas often
absent or unsuccessful

Even basic sentences

are filled with errors

Spelling and
punctuation errors
regularly cause
confusion

ECPE 2012 Sample Materials Guide 7

Appendix 2: Sample Essays & Comments

On the following pages are ten sample ECPE writing section essays. Each essay is followed by sample
examiner comments.
Essays 1 through 5 are responses to Prompt 1:

Essays 6 through 10 are responses to Prompt 2:

Prompt 1

Prompt 2

In some countries the government

places a limit on the number of
children a couple can have, while in
other countries the government offers
economic incentives to a couple to have
more children. Why do governments
establish population policies like these?
What effects do these policies have?
Discuss, and give specific examples to
support your views.

There is no universal definition of the

word adult. Different cultures, religions,
legal systems, and individuals have
varying ideas about when a person
becomes an adult. What factors do you
think define adulthood? Support your
opinion with specific reasons.

ECPE 2012 Sample Materials Guide 8

Essay 1

Rating: A

The number of children a couple can have is limited in some countries whereas in other countries,
couples are offered economic incentives to have more children. The reason why these policies exist are
mainly for the situation of the national economy of each and every country.
Countries which are underdeveloped and lack major necessities for their people, such as employment,
education, health, basic sanitation and food, just to name a few, try to limit the number of their
population using limits on how many children a couple can have and in some cases placing heavy fines
on those who do not comply with these limits. This way, if they manage to reduce their population, they
might be able to offer a better living standard for their people.
On the other hand, countries which are highly developed and advanced, usually can offer all the
major necessities to their people in abundance. Therefor, these countries seek to boost their economies even
higher by trying to increase the number of people who are employed and pay taxes, the number of people
who seek better education and pay for it, and as you can imagine from the examples, a significant increase
in the population can be interpreted as more income for the governments, resulting in a much stronger
economy. This is why these governments offer economic motives to young people to have as many children
as they can, because they know that, even though they might be paying a small price to increase their
population, they will be receiving a lot more from this increase in the future when these new members of
society will be a part of the economy.
Examiner Comments on Essay 1
This composition is an A-level essay.The language is
controlled well and it develops the topic well. These
strengths make up for the occasional weakness in word
choice.
Topic fully, complexly developed
Organization well-controlled, appropriate to
the material
Connection is smooth
The writer selects low frequency conjunctions and
uses them appropriately to indicate expansion or
elaboration of a point (e.g., and as you can imagine
from the examples...; just to name a few...).
Flexible use of a wide range of syntactic (sentence
level) structures; morphological (word forms)
control nearly always accurate
There is a wide range of syntactic structures used:
these countries seek to boost their economies even
higher by trying to increase the number of people

who are employed and pay taxes, the number of

people who seek better education and pay for it, and
as you can imagine from the examples, a significant
increase in the population can be interpreted as more
income for the governments, resulting in a much
stronger economy.
Vocabulary use shows flexibility, is usually
appropriate and does not confuse meaning
Word choice lacks polish in a couple of areas:
economic motives was used instead of economic
incentives; and living standard in place of
standard of living.
Although word choice is not always appropriate, this
weakness is ameliorated by the other strengths, resulting
in this essay being awarded an A.

ECPE 2012 Sample Materials Guide 9

Essay 2

Rating: B

It is true that special population policies exist in each country. In some countries, the
government tries to restrict the number of children a couple can have, by enacting suitable
laws, while in other countries the government gives economic incentives so that more
children are born. This situation may be quite contradictory but there are reasons why this
happens.
Firstly, in the countries where the government tries to limit the population, there is
pressing need to do so. These countries are usually overpopulated or highly-populated and
in most cases, the national economy of each of these countries experience problems. In such
places, there are many births every year, each family has many members and the economy
of the country is unable to handle this situation and afford everything for these children
(education, health services, etc.). In addition, except for the poverty that usually dominates
in such countries (for example India), there is a high rate of unemployment, as well. Hence,
it will not only be difficult to raise children, but it will also be difficult for these children to
make ends meet later in their lives. Hence, the government tries to limit the number of births
and most times, this try is effective and efficient. The number of the members of a family
is dwindled, so we have smaller families (usually with 2 parents and one or 2 children).
On the other hand, there are the governments which give economical incentives to couples
in order to give birth to more children. In this case, as well, there is vital need to do so. These
countries, which are underpopulated, usually experience demographic problems. This means
that the elderly far outnumber the young. This is followed by economic problems as well.
There are fewer people who work thus many work-positions are empty and rarely filled, as
there are not enough young people to work. Hence, they need to augment the number of
children, the number of future employees who will help to boost the economy of the country.
Of course, these measure are quite effective, maybe due to the economic benefits provided. The
fact is that in these countries families become larger and are made out by more members.
On the whole, the number of births should be controlled in each country for its own good.
In some countries, they will need to dwindle the rate of births and in others to augment it,
but in both cases they promote their cause with suitable policies. Let us hope that the number
of births in each country will be as wanted and expected.
Examiner Comments on Essay 2
This composition is a B-level essay. The topic is
thoroughly developed and the writer addresses both
sides of the issue. The ideas are generally connected
together clearly for the reader.
Topic clearly and completely developed
Organization is controlled and shows
appropriateness to the material
Few problems with connection
Connectors are somewhat mechanical: Firstly,; In
addition; Hence; On the other hand...
Both simple and complex syntax adequately used;
good morphological control

Vocabulary use shows flexibility, is usually

appropriate
There is some evidence of idiomatic language (e.g.,
make ends meet; pressing need).
Any inappropriate vocabulary does not
confuse meaning
Sometimes word choice is inappropriate (e.g.,to
dwindle the rate of births and in others to augment
it) but the reader can understand the gist.
Overall, the essay is well developed. It has some
idiomatic expressions, but it is otherwise written in
relatively simple language. The vocabulary choices are
usually appropriate, but not sophisticated.

ECPE 2012 Sample Materials Guide 10

Essay 3

Rating: C

Many governments nowadays are believed to get involved in the couples decision of how many children they
are going to have. However this policy can be separated into two different attitudes. Some governments put a
limit on the number of offspring in family, while at the same time in other countries governments encourage the
childrens birth.
To begin with, overpopulation is considered to be a major problem for some countries and consequently
governments try to deal with it. A known example of this situation is China. Its generally acknowledged that
its population increases more and more so as to be considered as a threat. For that reason, couples are obliged
to have only one child. With this measure peoples freedom is limited because they dont have the right to
decide about their family. However this solution seems to be the only one effective for solving the problem.
Overpopulation leads to overconsumption and overproduction. In this way our planet deteriorates as the
natural sources decrease in an extremely fast way and what is more, we should not forget the consequences
of this situation which are very harmful for the environment. As a result, many families face phychological
problems from the fact of being prohibited to have more than one children.
On the other, in some countries where the birth rate is quite small governments push parents to have
more children by offering many economic benefits. Its true that in contemporaries societies families face
financial problems and this deters them from having more kids. Apart from money parents lack available time
as well in order to be with their family. In such a case, governments realize that their nation may someday
become extinct and try to prevent this and create a balance between the low births and the high rate of life
expectancy. Its a common phenomenon in some countries the elderly to outnumber the young people.
To sum up, this governments policy is implemented in two completely different ways. However, this
involvement doesnt seem to be quite ethical but its the only possible solution for countries to deal with their
current and future hazards.
Examiner Comments on Essay 3
This composition is a C-level essay. The essay is
on-topic, but the authors views are not completely
developed and an argument is never clearly established.
Topic clearly developed, but not always completely
Organization generally controlled
Both simple and complex syntax present
For some, syntax is cautious but accurate, while
others are more fluent but less accurate
Sometimes, the language lacks precision of
expression (e.g., decrease in an extremely fast
way). The writer also makes some grammatical
mistakes in this essay, including some run-on
sentences. But these errors do not impede meaning:
In such a case, governments realize that their nation
may someday become extinct and try to prevent
this and create a balance between the low births and
the high rate of life expectancy.

Inconsistent morphological control

There are some morphological problems (e.g., many
families face phychological problems from the fact of
being prohibited to have more than one children.)
Adequate vocabulary, but may sometimes be
inappropriately used
The writer has a broad range of vocabulary (e.g.,
offspring; overconsumption; deteriorates;
phenomenon). Nonetheless, there are
several instances where the vocabulary is used
inappropriately (e.g., couples are obliged to have
only one child; its the only possible solution
for countries to deal with their current and
future hazards; its true that in contemporaries
societies...).
Overall, this is a C-level response due to the
shortcomings in topic development, inconsistent
morphological control, and inappropriate use of
vocabulary.
ECPE 2012 Sample Materials Guide 11

Essay 4

Rating: D

Nowadays, there are so many countries all over the world. Every each country
hase a sum of problems to deal with in order to have a good Function. Such problems
can be financialy, environmental, political and so many others.

A common problem that many Asian and African countries face is the big
number of population. As long as I know at least China and some other Asian
goverments have place limit on the nulmber of children a couple can have. In specific,
a Chinese couple can have only one child. These restrictions have been placed by the
goverments in order to minimize the number of population in their country. All these
children that are born have the need for a home to stay and for food! But, already,
these countries, have a big populations and the most of the people are living under bad
and unhealthy circumstances. In conclusion, these countries had no other option but
to put these limits.

On the other hand there are some countries that dont have big population and
even more their population is consisted, mostly from elder people. So, these countries
dont have enough people to work and this results to a bad finance situation. Moreover,
the governments have to give retirements to their elder populations. Due to that fact
the government of these countries offers economic incentives to a couple in order to
motivate them have more children. The goverments target is to raise the population
and so add the workforce. In this way, these countries can have better financials.
In my opinion, the goverments that offers incentives, of which one is my country
Greece, can motivate people have more children and that is good for the country
for the reasons I have already told. But for the goverments that put limits on how
many children can I couple have, I cannot agree, I think its unfair. Everyone has
the right to choose of how many members his family can be consisted of. This right
shouldnt be banned.
Examiner Comments on Essay 4
This composition is a D-level essay. Topic development
is simple and limited. Word order causes confusion, but
after close reading, meaning can still be retrieved. There
are many grammatical errors throughout.
Topic development usually clear but simple
Organization partially controlled
Morphological errors are frequent
For example: Such problems can be financialy;
a bad finance situation; their population is
consisted; In specific
Simple sentences tend to be accurate; more
complex ones tend to be inaccurate
The areas of syntactic inaccuracy include subject/
verb agreement (e.g., China and some other Asian
governments have place limit on the number of

children a couple can have ; governments that

offers incentives) and word order (e.g., these
countries had no other option but to put these
limits).
Vocabulary may be limited in range and is
sometimes inappropriately used to the point that it
causes confusion
For example: big population, elder people,
countries can have better financials
Overall, the language limitations present in this
composition are typical of a D-level essay.

ECPE 2012 Sample Materials Guide 12

Essay 5

Rating: E

In our days there are many countries in all over the world which face to a
problem of reducing the population. On the other hand there are countries like
China which has rapidly increasing of population. For this reason each country
receive measures to solve the problem.
On the one hand there countries like Greece and I think the majority of
European countries which offer economic incentives to a couple to born more than
one child in order to increase the population.
On the other hand there are countries like China, Indian and other countries
specially in Asia and in Africa which the government places a limit on the number
of children a couple can have because in these countries a couple often has 4 or
5 children. The majority of families which has many children has economic problem
and they are very poor.
In my opinion should the countries which attemp problem of reducing to give
motives to a couple to borm more children in order to succeed the aim, because
after years the order may be more than younger.
In countries like China should firstly learn young people to be more mature and
not to born such children and if it is necessity to place limit on the number of
children.
To conclude, I advocate the opinion that there are experts who should find a
solution in each country and to give their knowledge not only in the government
but specially to young people, to a young couple.
Examiner Comments on Essay 5
This composition is an E-level essay. The text is
quite confusing and a lot of effort is required to try to
understand the writers intended message.
Topic development may be unclear and/or limited
by incompleteness or lack of focus
Connection of ideas often absent or unsuccessful
Pervasive and basic errors in sentence structure
and word order cause confusion
Many sentences are almost impossible to
understand: In my opinion should the countries
which attemp problem of reducing to give motives to
a couple borm more children in order to succeed the
aim, because after the years the order may be more
than younger.

Even basic sentences are filled with errors

There are numerous syntax problems (e.g., there are
many countries in all over the world which face to a
problem; there are countries like China which has
rapidly increasing of population).
Vocabulary may be limited in range and is
sometimes inappropriately used to the point it
causes confusion
Every sentence in this essay contains errors. It takes
a great deal of effort on the readers part to discern
meaning. Therefore, this is an E-level essay.

Problems with subject-verb agreement, tense

formation or word formation

ECPE 2012 Sample Materials Guide 13

Essay 6

Rating: A

Youngsters all around the world are looking forward to the moment when they will be able to make
their own decisions in life and act without needing permission from their parents. But the age after which a
person is considered adult varies a lot, depending on the country where you grow up and your nationality.
In Greece an adolescent is considered as an adult once he enters his eighteenth year of age. In other
countries around Europe this threshold is slightly higher or lower. In tropical countries, isolated tribes
have a tradition of celebrating their childrens entrance into adulthood once they are about the age
of fourteen, or even ten, which is surprisingly early based on our own criteria. Consequently, we cant
determine exactly the borderline between adolescence and adulthood-all the above are just for typical
reasons.
As far as I am concerned, being an adult is all about independence and maturity. So, these should
be the requirements, in order to call somebody so. If you really want to grow up, then you need to
ask yourself whether you possess certain qualities. When a person, especially a boy, enters adulthood he
usually leaves his parents home and sets out to live his own life. This requires that he be independent.
He will need to make his own decisions in life, concerning anything, from the most trivial to the most
meaningful things, such as getting married and having children. Furthermore, we will need to be able
to survive on his own, which means being able to maintain a household. Although most boys and girls
might still be going to college, when they enter adulthood, some may have chosen to end their studies
and therefore it will be necessary to them to find a job and make a living. All these require a lot of selfknowledge, maybe even courage. Making decisions also requires some fundamental education, which will
provide you with adequate judjement of what is going on around you and what your position should be in
specific occassions.
It is therefore understandable that age is of no importance. You may be considered as an adult,
because your eighteen or older, but a younger person than you could be much more capable of surviving
on his own.
Examiner Comments on Essay 6
This composition is an A-level essay. The composition is
richly developed with supporting examples.
Topic richly, fully, complexly developed
Organization well-controlled, appropriate to the
material
Connection is smooth
Flexible use of wide range of syntactic (sentence
level) structures; morphological (word forms)
control nearly always accurate
The writer uses a broad vocabulary that is directly
relevant to the topic (adolescence; threshold)
The use of formulaic phrases (e.g., maintain a
household; end their studies; enters adulthood)
and other idiomatic language (e.g., age is of no
importance) demonstrates linguistic resources
similar to those of an educated native user
of English.

Broad range of vocabulary

There are grammatical errorse.g., to them instead
of for thembut these are minor and infrequent.
Spelling and punctuation errors are rare and
insignificant
Overall, this essay is representative of an A-level
response.

ECPE 2012 Sample Materials Guide 14

Essay 7

Rating: B

Nowadays the information available to young people through television, internet,

newspapers, magazines is enormous, especially in the Western World. The exposure
of children and young people to enormous amounts of information makes them more
knowledgeable, curious to try different things and willing to enter the adult world sooner
than our parents maybe did or wanted.
Different Countries have varying ideas about when a person becomes an adult. For
example in Greece you are given the rights of adulthood when you turn eighteen years old.
That means that you have the right to vote, to join the army, consume alcohal, get a drivers
licence. In Britain the system is different, they allow you to do different things at different
ages. On the whole though you are considered an adult when you turn sixteen.
My view is that what defines adulthood has to do with personality traits such as sense of
responsibility, problem solving skills, ability to be independent, ability to cope with stress.
Furthermore, knowledge, skills, life experience are important as well.
There are of course many adults that dont possess the aforementioned traits but
nevertheless they are adults. There is no denying that the older one gets the wiser one
becomes.
To conclude there should be a balance between knowledge and emotional maturity. Below
the age of sixteen I feel that the emotional maturity is lacking. At the age of 18 up to the
age of 21 young people tend to have a better balance between life experience and emotional
maturity and can make better and wiser decisions.
Examiner Comments on Essay 7
This composition is a B-level essay. The response is
directly relevant to the prompt but the topic development
is not rich or complex. The supporting examples consist
of listing specific traits and providing general views rather
than giving a definite opinion.
Topic clearly and completely developed

Vocabulary use shows flexibility, is usually

appropriate
The composition demonstrates a good range of
vocabulary, although some words and expressions
are overused showing some limitation in word choice
(enormous; wiser; emotional maturity).

Organization controlled and shows appropriateness

to the material

Spelling and punctuation errors are rare and

insignificant

Few problems with connection

For the most part, the essay has a smooth
connection, yet paragraph four gives statements
that almost appear contradictory to points made in
the previous paragraph: There are of course many
adults that dont possess aforementioned traits but
nevertheless they are adults. There is no denying that
the older one gets the wiser one becomes.

Although the essay shows sufficient evidence of

advanced language resources, the inconsistency in
connection, limitations in word choice, and lack of
sophistication make it a B-level essay

Both simple and complex syntax adequately used;

good morphological control
Other than the occasional missing conjunction (and),
the writer demonstrates good control over grammar
and syntax.

ECPE 2012 Sample Materials Guide 15

Essay 8

Rating: C

Nowadays, countries in all over the world do not have the same definition for the word adult. It varies
from country to country. In some regions it has got a serious and important meaning, but in others it is minor.
What factors define this meaning, adulthood?
To begin with, in different cultures people do not become adults in the same age. For example, in european
countries people are supposed adults when they reach the age of eighteen years old. In this age, one is able to
get married, to vote, and generally to do things and take decisions that are to be taken into consideration from
the government and other public domains, no matter how mature he is. Whereas, in other non-civilised countries
people are faced as adults when they are ready and mature enough to take on serious decisions.
Furthermore, as far as I am concerned people should be defined as adults when they are decisive, when they
know what they want to do in their own life, when they are independent and do not depend on their parents so
as to live. In other words, those who are ready to handle their lives seriously.
Also, people in the age of eighteen are not well-developed mentally, so this supposition that adulthood
begins at the eighteen is only a theory because pratically does not exist, only in some exceptional cases.
To sum up, the meaning of adulthood varies from country to country and from culture to culture. But one
thing is sure, that someone becomes an adult when he feels it, when has self-confidence and he is sure for
himself, he does not become when he reaches a certain age.
Examiner Comments on Essay 8
This a C-level essay. The response addresses the
prompt directly. It is simply organized, with moderate
development that is typical of a C-level composition.
Topic clearly developed, but not always completely
or with knowledge of its complexity
Organization generally controlled; connection
sometimes absent or unsuccessful
At times, the reader has to reformulate in order to
interpret the writers intentions (e.g, In this age, one
is able to get married, to vote, and generally to do
things and take decisions that are to be taken into
consideration from the government and other public
domains, no matter how mature he is).
Both simple and complex syntax present

For some, syntax is cautious but accurate, while

others are more fluent but less accurate
For example, the writer repeatedly uses the wrong
preposition in the phrase in the same age. This
should be at the same age.
Adequate vocabulary, but may be sometimes be
inappropriately used
Some basic words are used incorrectly (e.g., are
faced as adults) but the misuse does not cause
confusion for the reader.
Overall, the response is easy to read and is relevant to
the prompt, but the argument is insufficiently developed
to warrant more than a C.

ECPE 2012 Sample Materials Guide 16

Essay 9

Rating: D

A matter of considerable controversy is the issue of whether a person become an

adult. Every country define a person to come of age when the factors that play a
really important role is the religion, the legal system of the country, the culture.

To begin with, for me, one main factor that define a person as an adult is the
age. For example, I believe that when a person become eighteen years old, has already
finished the school and have received some basic education and have mature enough to
take decisions for its life. Moreover, a person when is eighteen years old have a legal
paper which offer to him or her the opportunity to take part to every social events
like voting for the goverment. In addition, it can take a drivers license and this shows
that is really mature and with critical mind.
Secondly, one other major point that I claim that has great value is the maners
with which communicate it with the other people in society. For instance, until this age
the person has passed many experiences at school, in family and also its parents
must have taught it to communicate with the fellowmen with compromise and
friendlyness.

Thirdly, a person have to have respect to his or her religion, cultures, goverment and
to be a good model of citizen. An adult ought to be serious, responsible for his or her
actions and must receive the all forms of punishments when he or her break the law.
Moreover, a very major factor is to have a job and earn the money on himself
or herself and not depend to his or her family.
To sum up, the factors what I mentioned are playing a great importance for
someone to become and adult, like seriousness, maturity, education, manners, and
having his or her own money to survive in the modern world.
Examiner Comments on Essay 9
This composition is a D-level essay.
Topic development usually clear, but simple
Overreliance on prefabricated language and/or
language from the prompt
The first line begins with incorrect use of scripted
language: A matter of considerable controversy is
the issue of whether a person become an adult.
Furthermore, the language of the rest of the first
paragraph is taken directly from the prompt.
Organization partially controlled
The connectors used are quite mechanical (To begin
with; Secondly; Thirdly; Moreover; To sum
up) but the composition is generally well organized.
Morphological errors are frequent
Problems with subject-verb agreement, tense
formation or word formation
Meaning is retrievable, but at times requires
conscious reader effort (e.g., I believe that when
a person become eighteen years old, has already

finished the school and have received some basic

education and have mature enough to take decisions
for its life.).
Vocabulary may be limited in range and is
sometimes inappropriately used to the point that it
causes confusion
The writer does not appear to have the lexical
resources to express their meaning concisely and
precisely (e.g., it can take a drivers license and this
shows that is really mature and with critical mind).
May show interference from other languages
For example, incorrect use of the pronoun it in
place of he or she or its in place of his or her.
The main weakness of this response is the lack of
syntactic control. Almost every sentence contains an
error. Although the errors do not usually prevent the
reader from deriving meaning, the cumulative effect
has a negative impact on the reader, making this a
D-level essay.
ECPE 2012 Sample Materials Guide 17

Essay 10

Rating: E

It is a prevalent and undeniable fact that different cultures, religions, legal

systems and individuals have different ideas when a person becomes an adult.
Thus, they have to deal with sometimes insurmountable problems. In this way,
the word "adult" for people from different countries must be changeable.
As a consequence, a person that is 18 must be considered as one adult from
one country but not for other.
But what factors define adulthood?
On the one hand, I think that one child would be adult if he/or she had the
basic education. By saying, having done at least 12 year of education. So he or
she must have the right knowlge and communicated with other people.
Furthermore, he or she can define the right and the wrong know what he do.
Of course, the most important is the education of their parent but and friends.
Not only do parent have something for their children in the side of education
but and goverment should not give permission to children up to one age.
I wouldn't fail to mention, that we should work as a whole for solving this
situation and not having negative affect
To cut the long story short, it is a personal view for define if one children is
or not adult, but I think education. It's up to us as a whole to do something.
Examiner Comments on Essay 10
This composition is an E-level essay. It is consistently
difficult for the reader to derive meaning from the
composition because of prefabricated chunks of
language placed incorrectly throughout the essay.
Topic development may be unclear
Connection of ideas often absent or unsuccessful
Overreliance on prefabricated language
Connectors are often used inappropriately (e.g., It
is a prevalent and undeniable fact that...; As a
consequence; On the one hand; Thus, they have
to deal with sometimes insurmountable problems;
To cut the long story short).

Problems with subject-verb agreement, tense

formation or word formation
For example: So he or she must have the right
knowlge and communicated with other people.
Even basic sentences are filled with errors
The awkward use of scripted language and poor
control of syntactic structures causes confusion.
Overall, the writer does not have sufficient language
resources to convey his or her point of view in this
composition, thereby making this an E-level essay.

Pervasive and basic errors in sentence structure

and word order cause confusion

ECPE 2012 Sample Materials Guide 18