UNIT TEST 7 ● ANSWER KEY

Writing

Can systematically develop an argument giving the reasons for or against a point of view.

Sample answer
With more and more information available online, it seems natural for governments to consider
making tablets available to all children in primary schools. Younger generations are growing up with
technology, and it is perhaps their most natural learning tool. Without doubt, it would bring many
benefits to primary school children. However, there would also be some disadvantages.
It is undeniable that there would be many advantages for young children in having access to tablets
and the Internet at school. They would have access to a whole world of information to help with their
learning. It would encourage them to be curious, and to follow their own interests, whether they want
to learn about science, animals, other countries, etc. Children would also learn how to use the Internet
in a safe environment, with the supervision of a teacher.
That said, there are also some disadvantages. It might be difficult for teachers to keep children focused
on a particular subject if they have constant access to the Internet. Children could also get distracted by
social media, and it could end up being frustrating to teachers if they spend a lot of their time telling
children to stop messaging each other!
All things considered, there are advantages and disadvantages associated with this idea. However,
providing there are some controls to prevent children becoming distracted, in my view the benefits
outweigh the drawbacks, and I would definitely be in favour of this idea.
(239 words)

Mark scheme
The task is worth 30 marks. Award up to 6 marks for each section of the mark scheme, according to
the descriptions below.

Marks Task Written Written Range Accuracy

achievement production and interaction
coherence
1-2 Completes only No clear Text is difficult Uses only very Lots of errors
one or two paragraph to understand. basic vocabulary even in basic
aspects of the structure Errors impede and grammar, language, which
task. May not use followed. Very communication. with a lot of impede
the correct genre little linking of errors. communication.
and only covers sentences.
one or two of the
points specified
in the task.
3-4 Completes the A paragraph Text is generally Uses simple Generally
majority of the structure easy to vocabulary and accurate, but with

© 2016 Pearson FOCUS 4 PHOTOCOPIABLE 1

 UNIT TEST 7 ● ANSWER KEY
Writing

task. Uses the followed. Some understand. Some basic grammar some errors,
correct genre and paragraphs may errors may structures especially in
covers the only have one or impede accurately. Uses more advanced
majority, but not two sentences. communication. some more language.
all, of the points Some linking advanced
specified in the between vocabulary and
task. sentences. structures. Uses
some language
and structures
suitable for an
essay, including
language
expressing
certainty and
contrast. Uses
some more
advanced
grammar
structures with
errors.

© 2016 Pearson FOCUS 4 PHOTOCOPIABLE 2

 UNIT TEST 7 ● ANSWER KEY
Writing

5-6 Completes all Divided into Text is very clear Uses a wide A few mistakes
parts of the task clear paragraphs, and easy to range of in more advanced
fully, including and each understand. vocabulary and language
the correct genre paragraph has a structures structures, but
and all the points clear function. A appropriately. generally very
specified in the variety of linking Uses language accurate.
task. words used to and structures
link sentences. suitable for an
essay, including
language for
expressing
certainty and
contrast. Uses a
wide range of
grammar
structures
accurately and
appropriately.

© 2016 Pearson FOCUS 4 PHOTOCOPIABLE 3