CAE Writing: Marking Criteria

5 relevant and the topic fully developed

4 relevant and the topic is developed
3 relevant with some development of the topic
2 not always relevant
1 irrelevant
5 a wide range of complex structures and vocabulary
4 a good range of complex structures and vocabulary
3 a satisfactory range of structures and vocabulary, word choice
might lack precision
2 limited and/or repetitive range of structures and vocabulary
1 severely limited range structures and vocabulary
5 minimal errors, well-developed control of language,
inaccuracies have no impact on communication
4 some errors might occur when attempting more complex
language but they do not cause difficulty for the learner
3 errors might occur but they do not impede communication
2 basic errors or the errors cause difficulty for the learner
1 frequent errors, difficult understanding
5 ideas skillfully organized through a range of cohesive devices
used to good effect
4 ideas clearly organized through a range of cohesive devices
3 ideas logically organized, though cohesive devices might not
always be used appropriately
2 inadequate organization, inaccurate use of cohesive devices
1 poor organization and/or minimal use of cohesive devices
5 consistently appropriate to the purpose of the task and the
audience
4 on the whole appropriate to the purpose of the task and the
audience
3 reasonably appropriate to the purpose of the task and the
audience
2 sometimes inappropriate
1 little or no awareness of appropriate format
5 a very positive effect on the target reader
4 a positive effect on the target reader
3 a satisfactory effect on the target reader
2 a negative effect on the target reader
1 a very negative effect on the target reader

content

task completion
all content points included

range
of vocabulary and structure
accuracy
vocabulary
structure
spelling
punctuation
organization
cohesion

register and format

Register: formal/informal/semi-formal/neutral
Format: a letter/composition/report/story/article

target reader

For band 0: either too little language for assessment or the candidates writing is totally irrelevant or illegible