SECTION

DESCRIPTION

Section W1A/W1 (25 marks)

Writing: composition 
Choice of eight titles
300-350 words (AcCEPT) 
250- 300 words (General)

Section W2 (15 marks)

Writing: formal/informal correspondence
Write a letter and an email
approx. 200 words

Section R1 (10 marks)

Reading comprehension
One text 530-580 words
Ten questions

Section R2 (10 marks)

Reading for information
Summarise 
50-75 words

Section R3 (10 marks)

Reading for inference and information
One text approx. 700 words
Sentence selection
Five questions

Section W3 (10 marks)

Writing: sentence transformation
Complete the sentences
Ten questions

Section R4 (10 marks)

Use of English: word transformation
Fill the gaps
Ten questions

Section R5 (10 marks)

Use of English: grammar in context
Fill the gaps
Ten questions

SECTION

DESCRIPTION

Section L1 (20 marks)

Listening for information

One monologue

Three-option multiple choice/complete the sentences

Ten questions

Section L2 (20 marks)

Listening for meaning
Five monologues
Three-option multiple choice 
Ten questions

Section L3 (10 marks)

Listening for information
One dialogue
Three-option multiple choice
Five questions

SECTION

DESCRIPTION

Section s1 (up to 4 minutes)
(task 1)

Warm up

Style of questions similar to an interview for a job or a place in higher education not a simple informal chat

Section s2 (up to 8 minutes)
(task 2)

Making a case
prepared talk: current affairs with follow-up questions
unprepared follow-up discussion
choice of short text stimulus

Section s3 (up to 8 minutes)
(task 3)

Discussion of complex or difficult issues
semi-prepared: broad topic areas 
unprepared: specific headings for discussion

C

Content organisation

5 = Clear relevant paragraphs to organise work. A range of connectives/conjunctions (whereas, alternatively, likewise, furthermore etc). Elements of description and discussion have logical connectors and grouping 
4 = Evidence of paragraphing and good attempt made at linking/ grouping ideas with connectives suitable for this level
3 =Evidence of paragraphing or a logical chain of events/grouping. Probably not both
2 = Ideas not organised into any logical chain of events/grouping
1 = Very confusing/ difficult to follow

A

Accuracy

5 = Minimal errors with C1 level language used. Shows total control of language
4 = A few errors but fluent and confident language overall
3 = Some basic errors but do not impede comprehension of the text overall
2 = Significant errors with language expected at the level 
1 = Significant errors throughout. Impedes understanding

R

Range of vocabulary and structure

5 = Competent use of a range of language expected at this level. (E.g. range of tenses, conditional, inversion, unreal past) 
4 = Good use of appropriate language
3 = Adequate language used for the task. May be simple at times but convinces reader of candidate’s proficiency nonetheless
2 = Lack of basic structures. Language too simplistic and repetitive for C1
1 = Almost no examples of advanced structure or vocabulary

A

Appropriacy of tone and register

5 = Natural. Fully appropriate use of language and style
4 = Mostly appropriate with one or two exceptions
3 = Clear attempt has been made to use suitable tone/register
2 = Inappropriate tone/register but would not cause offence
1 = Limited language or inappropriate, and would cause offence

T

Task completion

5 = Full completion of task. No repetition. Very positive effect on reader
4 = Main points of task covered
3 = Attempt made to cover task
2 = Task not covered sufficiently and/or too short. Negative effect on reader. 
1 = Majority of task not covered and/or answered a different question. Very negative effect on reader

GRADE

MARKS

Distinction

20 - 25

Merit

16.5 - 19.5

Pass

12.5 - 16

Referred

5 - 12

Ungraded

0 - 4.5

C

Content organisation/ appropriacy

5 = Letter and email set out correctly and clearly. Well organised with appropriate salutations/signing off. Clear paragraphs in letter. Language organised into a logical thread, with natural use of connectors/linkers and clear distinction in tone and register according to recipient
4 = Clear attempt made at laying out letter and linking/ grouping ideas. Appropriate in tone and register perhaps with minor lapses
3 =Basic but adequate attempt at layout and organisation. Some evidence of differentiation in register
2 = Sentences either not organised/connected or inappropriate for recipient. Perhaps no differentiation in register. Could cause offence in places
1 = Sentences not organised/connected and inappropriate for informal email. Likely to cause offence
0 = little or no language at all

A

Accuracy and organisation

5 = Accurate use of C1 level language. One or two minor errors but they do not impede understanding at all. Accurate use of contractions and other punctuation in informal writing
4 = Few errors in C1 level language but easily understood and good control
3 = Several errors in C1 language but can be understood
2 = Significant errors in both B2 and C1 language, which impede understanding 
1 = Major errors throughout, which seriously impede understanding 
0 = Little or no language at all

T

Task completion and language range

5 = Full completion of task. Competent use of a range of C1 language. Some attempt at using more advanced language, maybe with errors.
No repetition
4 = Main points of task covered. Good use of language expected at this level
3 = Attempt made to cover task. Adequate language used
2 = Task not covered sufficiently. Lack of basic structures and language too simplistic for C1
1 = Majority of task not covered. Structure and vocabulary far too simplistic
0 = Task not covered. Little or no language

GRADE

MARKS

Distinction

12.5 - 15

Merit

10 - 12

Pass

7.5 - 9.5

Referred

4 - 7

Ungraded

0 - 3.5