City & Guilds IESOL

Sample Writing Tasks at B1 Achiever level

 Introduction
The aim of this booklet is to familiarize teachers 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 B1 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 proof reading a text to identify and correct errors Maximum mark: 8
Part 2 Writing 2: respond appropriately to a given text to produce Maximum mark: 12
a formal response for an intended public audience
Part 3 produce an informal letter to a friend Maximum mark: 12

Grade table for Writing section for B1

Grade Total marks: 32

FCP 26-32

PASS 16-25

NF 14-15

F 0-13
 Spelling and capitalisation
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

Achiever Level – (B1)

Writing 1: proof reading a text to identify and correct errors Identify and write correction in
margin of line with error

Writing 2: respond appropriately to a given text to produce a Write 70-100 words

formal response for an intended public audience

Writing 3: produce an informal letter to a friend Write 100-120 words

Parts 1 is marked in accordance with paper-specific mark schemes.

Writing –Marking
CEFR Overall Written
Production descriptor
B1
Can write straightforward connected texts on a range of
familiar subjects within his or her field of interest, by linking a
series of shorter discrete elements into a linear sequence.

CEFR descriptors related to assessment criteria

Task Fulfilment Grammar Vocabulary Structure

Can write accounts Uses reasonably Has enough Can link a series of
of experiences, accurately a language to get shorter discrete
describing feelings repertoire of by, with sufficient elements into a
and reactions in frequently used vocabulary to connected, linear
simple connected routines and express text.
B1
text. patterns him/herself with
associated with some
Can write a
more common circumlocutions
description of an
situations. on topics such as
event, a recent trip –
Occasionally family, hobbies
real or imagined.
makes errors that and interests,
Can narrate a story. the reader usually work, travel, and
can interpret current events.
Can write straight-
correctly on the
forward, detailed basis of the
descriptions on a context.
range of familiar
subjects within his
field of interest
Marking Writing Part 2
Writing to produce a neutral or formal text for a public audience: 70-100 words.

Public Version Mark scheme B1 - Part 2

Task Fulfilment Grammar Vocabulary Structure

Good range of
Cohesive & coherent
vocabulary on
3 Grammar text appropriately
Responds to all general topics,
appropriate to using a full range of
First Class four content points accuracy is high.
level and mostly linguistic devices. Few
Pass fully and effectively. Errors don’t
accurate. if any punctuation
impede
errors.
communication.
Good control of
Cohesive & coherent
elementary
Responds to at Adequate range text adequately using
2 vocabulary, major
least three content of grammar a range of linguistic
errors when
Pass points used with no devices. Punctuation
expressing
appropriately. impeding errors. errors do not impede
unfamiliar or
communication.
complex topics.
Attempts to use
linguistic devices
Responds to at Narrow repertoire.
1 Many errors, though not always
least two content Frequent errors
sometimes consistent. Errors,
Narrow Fail points make message
difficult to follow. including punctuation,
appropriately. difficult to follow.
make the text difficult
to follow.
Little language Lacks cohesion and/or
Responds to one or or such poor Very basic uses linguistic devices
0 none of the content control as to repertoire for inappropriately.
Fail points affect the everyday Punctuation errors
appropriately. communication situations. make the text almost
of the message. impossible to follow.
Marking Writing Part 3
Writing to produce a letter using informal language: 100-120 words.

Public Version Mark scheme B1 - Part 3

Task Fulfilment Grammar Vocabulary Structure

Good range of
Cohesive & coherent
Fully satisfies the vocabulary on
3 Grammar text appropriately
demands of the general topics,
appropriate to using a full range of
First Class task, with good accuracy is high.
level and mostly linguistic devices. Few
Pass expansion of the Errors do not
accurate. if any punctuation
topic. impede
errors.
communication
Good control of
Cohesive & coherent
Mainly satisfies the elementary
Adequate range text adequately using
2 demands of the vocabulary, major
of grammar a range of linguistic
task, with adequate errors when
Pass used with no devices. Punctuation
expansion of the expressing
impeding errors. errors do not impede
topic. unfamiliar or
communication.
complex topics
Attempts to use
Partially satisfies linguistic devices
Narrow repertoire.
1 the demands of the Many errors, though not always
Frequent errors
task, with little sometimes consistent. Errors,
Narrow Fail make message
expansion of the difficult to follow. including punctuation
difficult to follow.
topic. make the text difficult
to follow.
Very basic
Little language repertoire for Lacks cohesion and/or
Does not satisfy the
or such poor everyday uses linguistic devices
0 demands of the
control as to situations. inappropriately.
task, with no
Fail affect the Punctuation errors
expansion of the Errors make
communication make the text almost
topic. message
of the message. impossible to follow.
unintelligible.
Sample answers and scores with examiner’s comments
B1 Achiever Writing Part 2
Read the information about summer sports courses. You and a friend would like to do a course. Write a letter
to the school secretary to:
• explain what type of course you would like and
• ask two questions about the content of the courses and
• ask one question about accommodation.
Write between 70 and 100 words. Do not write an address.
AVON SPORTS SCHOOL
Fairmeadow, England
Tennis, football, basketball and judo courses for players at all levels
Summer courses for children, teenagers and adults
Weekend, one-week or two-week courses
Well-qualified and experienced instructors
Social programme in the evenings
Accommodation with local families
For further information contact Silvia Pratt, School Secretary.

Sample answer 1
Dear School Secretary
We are two friends who are interested to do a sport course at your school.
We all like individual victories and deal with our own loses so we would like to be trained in a course that
involves individual responsibilities and we think tennis will do.
We have seen how fast and flexible tennis players are and we therefore would like to know if there is a gym
in your school because we also want and need to build our muscles. Another thing we would like to find out
is whether we need our own equipment or we will be provided with them when we start.
Another concern is on the accommodation, we are not planning to be staying separated so we want to know
if the local families are able to accommodation two people at the same time and if they charge some amount
of money. we both don’t have families staying in Farmeadow, so we will really appreciate if you provide us
with all the information that we asked for.
We thank you in advance and we are looking forward to your timely reply!
yours faith fully

Score
Task Fulfilment Grammar Vocabulary Structure Total
3 3 3 3 12

Examiner’s comments
The only problem with the script is the length which goes far beyond the required limit (twice as long as
expected) and could therefore be penalised on task fulfilment. On other criteria the script excels (is
actually above the level required). It demonstrates highly accurate use of grammar structures such as
reported questions expected at this level, a far wider range of vocabulary than expected (concern,
appreciate) and very clever use of cohesive devices. Although you can spot a couple of mistakes in
vocabulary (“accomodation” misused for accommodate) or spelling and punctuation (“yours faith fully”),
they are few and do not spoil the highly favourable impression.
Sample answer 2
Dear Sir/madam

We need more infirmation about the courses you offer.

We would like to ask more information about the course for sport that you offer in you organisation.
Our interesting is on football course and we are kindly ask you to tell us about this course content. Like
what do people used to cover in that course and to do people use to buy books for themselves or you provide
for them?
We are also love to hear about the accommodation. Do you have hosted or flat and how much is the fee per
year?
We are look forward to hear from you soon.
Yours faitfully
Score
Task Fulfilment Grammar Vocabulary Structure Total
2 2 2 2 8

Examiner’s comments
Although the length of the script is within the required word limit, the abrupt start of the letter makes a
negative effect on the reader. The ambitious attempt at using polite language (we are kindly ask you to
tell us about) is not fully successful and the flawed use of use(d) to also impairs the overall impression.
There are a number of non-impeding errors, which hold the answer at the bottom of band (e.g. our
interesting is on football, we are also love, do you have hosted or flat).
Sample answer 3
Dear Sir/Madam
I am write this letter to ask about summer sports courses that you advise in the newspaper for last Friday on
23 Octomber this year.
We are very interested in gaining some experience to be came one of the sport man.
We want football course because we do that course late for fever week.
my question about the age if you admit according the age? Because we want with my friend and to have
different age to do the same time.
another question about the money we are going to pay?
We a far we dont have accommodation where we stay, did you have special accommodation for us.
I am looking to hear from you soon
Your faithfully

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

Examiner’s comments
Poor attempt. The two questions required about the content of the courses are not appropriately
addressed. Basic errors in organization, tenses and spelling (e.g. late for fever week, We a far we
don’t) impair the overall clarity of the message.
 Sample answers and scores with examiner’s comments
B1 Achiever Writing Part 3

Write a letter to a friend. Tell him/her about something interesting you did last weekend. Make arrangements to
meet your friend next weekend. Write between 100 and 120 words.

Dear ...

I had an interesting time last weekend.

Sample answer 1
Dear ….
I had an interesting time last weekend.
I was very surprised when I received a phone call from Mr. Kathilca the head coach of Epupa Eleven Stars
football club to attend trials in Opumo.
They picked me up with some other guys and we arrived in Ruaears around 7:00 pm on friday. We had a
mini meeting and we were introduced to the management of the team before a very wonderful dinner, it was
a very great moment.
On Saturday we went to play our first game agains Onambula United and we were beaten by three goals to
two. I had a very good game because I even scored our second goal with a hender. Later that afternoon we
went for a training session and returned to the camp around 6:00 pm.
We then had dinner and the coach thanked us all for the dedication we showed during the day. We were up
early on Sunday morning for training session before we drove to Untapi to play against young braves, this
was one of the best matches. I ever played. I did not know what was happening to me, everything just
seemed to go my way I was really on fire my friend, making a brace and provide another two goals. I really
enjoyed myself in that game.
The most wonderful part was when I was told that I will be signed on a 3 year contract. I will tell you the
details when you get here on friday because you are invited to my cerebration and I am not taking no for an
answer so please get prepared.

I will see you soon!

Your friend
Zoltan

Score
Task Fulfilment Grammar Vocabulary Structure Total
3 3 3 3 12

Examiner’s comments
The script is twice the expected length for which it could lose a point on task fulfilment. Otherwise it
deserves a maximum score. It gives a highly enjoyable account of the experiences of a football player
with a huge vocabulary and confident informal style. In spite of a few punctuation and spelling
mistakes, it clearly demonstrates a much higher level of English than needed to meet the demands of
the task.
Sample answer 2

Dear Selma
I had an interesting time last weekend.
It was so hard and unbelievable that I did it! It was Saturday morning around 09h 30 am when I went to
the testing centre to attend my drive testing. That I was already aware of.
as I entered the office I found the testing officer waiting for me at the front office, then he asked me all the
necessasry documents required to fill the application form fro driving licence. after completion of the form I
was instructed to go and take my car to meet the officer at the testing area, I did what I heard.
At the testing arrea I did all the best and later the office told me to go test my driving performance out side
the yeard (highway driving). As we drove out we went as far in the town ad I was affraid to make mistakes
that will cause me to fail. Luckily I manage to obey and stick to the rules and to his instruction and pass my
driving test and I am a holder for driving licence of Vehicles class B.
with a great happiness and cheerful pace, I would like to invite you to my celebration part of my last
weekend achievement in like that will be taking place at our house next Saturday as from 19h 00 pm until
late. Come with your friends for the witness.

Your friend
Paulina E.

Score
Task Fulfilment Grammar Vocabulary Structure Total
2 2 2 2 8

Examiner’s comments
The script has abundant details but sometimes it takes an effort to comprehend the meaning. There is
a wide range of grammar structures and vocabulary used, however with a noticeable amount of
inaccuracies. Although the text is coherent, the poor punctuation spoils the favourable impact.
Sample answer 3

Dear …..
I had an interesting time last weekend.
Last weeked I went for weeked at home our at our village I found my parent prepare time something good I
was surprise.
my parent prepare me a nice room made of bricks so that can sleep well it was like a dream. They never tell
me before.
Their buy me a nice bed and clothes I was very interesting and happy to see that.
I want to tell you that at the end of this year you must can and vist me so that we can enjoy a new room
with you. Tell your parent that.

I am very happy to see your reply.

Your friend.
Ewa

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

Examiner’s comments
Lack of proper punctuation and the frequency of misspelt words make the text difficult to read. The
candidate uses a very limited range of syntax, and the text also lacks organizational structure. Basic
errors (e.g. my parent prepare, their buy) sometimes interfere with the reader’s understanding of the
writing. The text consists of ideas that are presented in a random fashion.