Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What kinds of topics are included in the papers?
What kinds of tasks are included in the papers?
How much should a candidate write?
Are all questions marked in the same way?
Can the writing test be taken by itself?
What kinds of topics are included in the papers?
All writing tasks are designed to reflect the everyday experience of the ESOL learner. At each level, the paper draws on authentic or semi-authentic texts and task-types, and provides an opportunity for candidates to use and respond to language in a similar way to that which is asked of them in daily life.
What kinds of tasks are included in the papers?
All tasks aim to reflect a real-world writing purpose. Candidates are therefore assessed on their ability to perform tasks such as completing a form, writing a note or letter, and filling in a questionnaire, as well as various classroom-type writing activities.
How much should a candidate write?
For each task, there is a recommended word limit or, with some types of form, an indication of the number of sentences to write. The word limit is meant as a guideline to candidates as to how much they probably need to write to complete the task fully. Candidates should not worry if they run slightly over or under the word limit, provided they have addressed the task. However, if they write too much, they will have less time to complete the other tasks; if they have written too little, they probably haven’t fully answered the question.
How is this paper marked?
Tasks are marked according to up to three assessment criteria: Text (composition and communication of message), Sentence (grammar and punctuation) and Word (vocabulary, handwriting and spelling). Each one has its own markscheme with four bands of achievement.
Are all questions marked in the same way?
No. In some cases, candidates will be asked to produce a text in which certain features of writing cannot be fairly assessed. For example, Text features cannot be assessed with some lists and forms. Similarly, Word features will not be assessed in an informal email (Entry Level 2 and 3) since in such a scenario, handwriting skills are irrelevant and there is a certain flexibility in regard to spelling amongst native speakers.
Can the writing test be taken by itself?
Yes. If you do not want to take a test in Skills For Life Reading or
in Speaking and Listening at Entry Level (or other levels), you can
take the test in Writing alone. It’s also possible to take the
writing test at a higher or lower level than tests in the other skills.
If you have any other questions about Skills for Life Writing Entry 1-3, please contact us and we'll answer the most frequently asked questions here.