Scoring the B1 writing test

Level B1 WRITING Task One

The maximum score of the first writing task is 15 points. Examiners work with a mark scheme, which focuses on Task achievement (max. 5 points),
Grammatical range and accuracy (max. 5 points) and Lexical range and accuracy (max. 5 points).

Mark Scheme
Task Achievement Grammatical Range and Accuracy Lexical Range & Accuracy
Task well achieved at a high level Grammatical Structures: Adequate Basic, but adequate range of lexis to complete the task, some
Spelling: Adequate original lexical solutions
Intention: Entirely clear Word order:Correct with only occasional slips
Purpose: Completely followed Punctuation: Used properly throughout Lexis used fully appropriately with very few occasional misuse
Instructions: All instructions followed Errors: Very few basic errors
5 Effect: A positive effect on the reader
Outcome: Sure to achieve a successful outcome
Content: All relevant details included
Some original ideas or presentation

4
Task achieved, some gaps Grammatical structures: Simple but mostly correct Sufficient range of lexis to complete the task
Spelling: Mistakes that do not impede comprehension
Intention: Clear in most areas Word order: Mostly correct. Lexis used mostly appropriately with some occasional misuse
3 Instructions: All important ones followed Punctuation: Mostly effective
Effect: A generally positive effect on the reader. Errors: Some, but do not significantly impede meaning.
Outcome: Likely to achieve a successful outcome
Content: Many relevant details included
2
Task unachieved Grammatical Structures: Very simple with frequent and serious Poor range of lexis to complete the task
mistakes
Intention: Very unclear. Spelling: Very poor Lexis used inappropriately in most cases
Instructions: Most /all not followed Word order: Often wrong
1 Effect: negative Punctuation: Often wrong
Outcome: Will not achieve a successful outcome
Content: Omission, irrelevance.

Task unattempted / partially attempted Little or no evidence of grammatical knowledge of simple No relevant lexis organized into sentences, or under 20 words.
0 Not enough language to make an assessment structures, or under 10 words.
(under 10 words).