City & Guilds IESOL

Sample Writing Tasks at A2 Access level

 Introduction
The aim of this booklet is to familiariseteachers who prepare candidates for the City and Guilds ESOL
examinations with tasks, performance samples, assessment criteria and benchmark performance samples.
The tasks and performance samples in the current material represent level A2 according to the Common
European Framework of Reference. The CEFR levels and descriptors are embedded in every stage of the
production and delivery of the International ESOL and Spoken ESOL tests and are also incorporated in the
marking procedures.
The material includes sample tasks from former live tests and authentic performance samples produced by
ESOL candidates. An attempt has been made to select samples which represent a wide variety of performance
levels within the given CEFR level. All samples have been double marked to ensure that the evaluation criteria
are rigorously followed and marking is consistent, accurate and reliable.

Marking the writing tasks

The current guide includes only the open writing tasks which are evaluated with the help of task-specific mark
schemes.
Each level has a task-specific mark scheme with descriptors for Task fulfilment, Grammar, Vocabulary and
Structure. The Task fulfilment mark reflects how far the candidate has achieved the task, the Grammar mark
measures the range, appropriacy and accuracy of grammar, the Vocabulary mark assesses the range,
accuracy and appropriacy of vocabulary as well as spelling accuracy. The Structure mark reflects how
coherently ideas are linked in the text and how accurate the punctuation is.
There are four levels of performance with a corresponding mark in each of the above criteria: First Class Pass,
Pass, Narrow Fail and Fail. The total marks awarded for the task are the sum of the marks awarded to each
criterion.
The writing tasks are marked by trained markers who use the task-specific mark scheme for the evaluation of
the tasks. The mark-schemes are regularly updated and markers are trained regularly to ensure that they are
marking to standard.

Grading the Writing section

If a task has not been attempted, a zero mark should be awarded for that task.
Once each Writing task has been marked, an overall mark is awarded for the Writing section. This overall mark
is translated into one of the following grades:
Fail, Narrow Fail, Pass or First Class Pass

Maximum marks for each writing task

Part 1 complete a form with personal details and follow instructions Maximum mark: 12
Part 2 copy and improve a text Maximum mark: 5
Part 3 respond informally to a given text Maximum mark: 12
Part 4 write a neutral or formal text for an intended audience Maximum mark: 12

Grade table for Writing section for A1

Grade Total marks: 39

FCP 32-39

PASS 21-23

NF 19-20

F 0-18
 Spelling and capitalization
American spelling is accepted if used consistently. Inappropriate use of capital letters is generally not penalised
unless spelling is the focus of the task.

Over and under length answers

The Task Fulfilment criterion with seriously under length answers will probably attract a score of 1 or 0 as there
will most likely be no or little expansion of the topic.
Answers which are seriously over length are awarded one mark less for the Task Fulfilment criterion than
would otherwise have been awarded.

Writing - Tasks
Access Level – (A2)

Skills and focus Format

Writing 1: complete a form with personal details and Complete the form
follow instructions

Writing 2: copy and improve a text Copy the text correcting the errors

Writing 3: respond informally to a given text Write 20-40 words

Writing 4: write a neutral or formal text for an Write 20 – 40 words

intended audience

Parts 1 and 2 are marked in accordance with paper-specific mark schemes.

Writing –Marking
CEFR Overall Written Can write a series of simple phrases and sentences linked with
Production descriptor simple connectors like 'and', 'but' and 'because'
A2

CEFR descriptors related to assessment criteria

Task Fulfilment Grammar Vocabulary Structure

Can write short Uses simple Uses basic sentence Can link groups
simple imaginary structures correctly, patterns with of words with
biographies and but still memorised phrases. simple
simple poems about systematically Groups of a few connectors like
people. Can write makes basic words and formulae 'and', 'but’ and
A2
very short, basic mistakes. Errors in order to 'because'.
descriptions of may sometimes communicate limited
events, past cause information in simple
activities and misunderstandings. everyday situations.
personal
experiences.
Marking Writing Part 3
Writing to produce an informal response to an informal text: 20-40 words.

Public Version Mark scheme A2 – Part 3

Task Fulfilment Grammar Vocabulary Structure

Overall text
Fully satisfies the Few serious
organisation
3 demands of the Grammar errors of
completely
task, addressing all appropriate to vocabulary
First Class appropriate for task.
three points, with level and mostly usage
Pass Attempts at textual
good expansion of accurate. (appropriacy and
cohesion and
the topic. spelling).
accurate punctuation.
Mainly satisfies the Some serious Text written in
demands of the errors of complete sentences,
2 Some errors,
task, addressing vocabulary organised
though meaning
Pass two points with usage though appropriately for the
still clear.
adequate expansion meaning is still text form and mostly
of the topic. clear. accurate punctuation.
Many serious
Partially satisfies,
errors of
the demands of the
1 Many errors, vocabulary A series of phrases,
task, addressing
sometimes usage resulting not sentences. Poor
Narrow Fail only one point with
difficult to follow. in text being punctuation.
little expansion of
sometimes
topic.
difficult to follow.
Little language
Does not satisfy the present or usage
Little language or
0 demands of the so poor as to
such poor control
task, with no make the text No clear system
Fail as to affect
expansion of the almost
message.
topic. impossible to
follow.
Marking Writing Part 4
Writing for a given audience in a formal or neutral manner: 20-40 words.

Public Version Mark scheme A2 – Part 4

Task Fulfilment Grammar Vocabulary Structure

Overall text
3 Covers all three Grammar Few serious errors organisation
content points, appropriate to of vocabulary completely appropriate
First Class fully and level and mostly usage (appropriacy for task. Attempts at
Pass effectively. accurate. and spelling). textual cohesion and
accurate punctuation.
Text written in
Some serious
complete sentences,
2 Covers at least Some errors, errors of
organised appropriately
two content points though meaning vocabulary usage
Pass for the text form and
adequately. still clear. though meaning is
mostly accurate
still clear.
punctuation.
Many serious
errors of
1 Covers only one Many errors, A series of phrases,
vocabulary usage
content point sometimes not sentences. Poor
Narrow Fail resulting in text
adequately. difficult to follow. punctuation.
being sometimes
difficult to follow.
Little language
Does not respond Little language or present or usage
0 to any of the such poor control so poor as to make
No clear system.
Fail content points as to affect the text almost
appropriately. message. impossible to
follow.
Sample answers and scores with examiner’s comments
A2 Access Writing Part 3

You want a short holiday from your work. Write a note to your manager to:
• say how many days you want
• say when
• say why.
Do not write an address. Write between 20 and 40 words.

Sample answer 1
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing this letter because I want two days holiday from 21 to 23 March 2010. I want that days
because I have an appointment with the doctor in my twon.
Yours faithfully
Mary Broutina

Score
Task Fulfilment Grammar Vocabulary Structure Total
3 2 3 3 11

Examiner’s comments
A very good attempt, showing confident and fluent use of language. All three content elements are
covered appropriately and the message reads clearly. Grammar is appropriate for the level with correct
use of present simple and present continuous. There is a mistake in the singular/plural agreement “that
days”. There is varied vocabulary with a careless mistake in spelling. The two complex sentences are
complete and coherent.

Sample answer 2
Dear Manager
How are you? I’m fine. I am very sorry but I have some order. I want a short holiday from my work. I want
three days holiday after this week. I want this holiday because I have some broplem in my house.
Best wishes
Paul
Score

Task Fulfilment Grammar Vocabulary Structure Total

2 2 2 3 9

Examiner’s comments
The three content points are covered (even if the exact date is not given) but the script goes a little over
length and therefore loses a point on content. The apostrophe is missing from the structure “three days
holiday”. There is an inappropriate word (“order”) and recurring repetition of the word “want”.
Sample answer 3
Good morning Mr. Joan. I want you give me five days for holiday. I want it in 12 March 2010. I want this
holiday because I want to go with my friend in England.
Thank you so much
Sylvia
Score
Task Fulfilment Grammar Vocabulary Structure Total
2 2 2 2 8

Examiner’s comments
The content points are covered but due to the minimalist style the message is not fully effective.
Recurrent repetition of the word “want” is part of the problem. There is a mistake in the infinitive
structure “I want you give me” and an obvious problem with the usage of prepositions.
Sample answers and scores with examiner’s comments
A2 Access Writing Part 4

Read the card from your Auntie Joan. Write a reply to her. Do not write an address. Write between 20 and 40
words

Happy Birthday
I hope you like your present. Did you do anything special for your birthday?
I am coming to see you next month.
Love
Auntie Joan

Sample answer 1

Dear My Auntie Joan,

Thank you for your geft. It was very fantastic. My birthday was very nice. There were many friends in it. I
did some special dance music and cakes.
I hope to see soon
Much love
Younis

Score
Task Fulfilment Grammar Vocabulary Structure Total
3 2 2 3 10

Examiner’s comments
The script covers all points in reasonable detail. There are mistakes in word order (the opening), and
collocations e.g. “very fantastic” and “did some music and cakes”. There is a missing word (you) in the
ending. At the same time there is coherence between the sentences and the right informal tone.
Sample answer 2

Dear Auntie Joan

Thank you for your present. It is very nice watch. In my birthday we will make special food. I hope see you
soon.
Love
Ahmet

Score
Task Fulfilment Grammar Vocabulary Structure Total
2 1 2 2 7

Examiner’s comments
There is some misunderstanding of the original message as reflected in the future tense reference to
the party. The script has some noticeable mistakes in grammar such as the missing article and
determiner and the infinitive structure without “to” although the message comes through. There is
coherence between the sentences, spelling and punctuation are accurate.

Sample answer 3

Dear My Auntie
Thank you for this card. I am very happy for this birthday. No, I didn’t need for any thing I am allready for
my birthday thank you my Auntie. Welcome my Auntie I will happy to see you.
Best wishes
Joseph

Score
Task Fulfilment Grammar Vocabulary Structure Total
1 1 1 1 4

Examiner’s comment
It takes an effort to understand the script, especially the long third sentence. The word order is incorrect
in the opening and there is a major mistake (I will happy) in a basic structure. The candidate seems to
be mixing up basic vocabulary in the problem sentence.