Assessing Cambridge Writing (First & Advanced)

by Billie Haase

First (B2) & Advanced (C1)

Assessing Cambridge Writing

The Assessment Criteria

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Assessing Cambridge Writing

Example: Cambridge English First Assessment Scales

Assessing Cambridge Writing

Example: Cambridge English First Assessment Sheet

Assessing Cambridge Writing

Let’s practise assessing the Cambridge English First!

You have seen this announcement on an English-speaking website.

Film Reviews wanted!

We are looking for film reviews about recent movies. Have you watched a movie recently that you enjoyed and that you would like to recommend? Write a review and send it to us and tell us where the film is set, what it is all about and why you would recommend it.

The best reviews will be published on our website.

Write your review. (140 – 190 words)

Assessing Cambridge Writing

First Part 2: Review

Assessing Cambridge Writing

First Part 2: Film review

Content & Organisation:

● Has the candidate fulfilled the task? Have they done what they were asked to do?

● Is the writing logical and ordered? Has the candidate used linking words and appropriate paragraphs?

Task: Assess the text on your own. Then compare ideas in small groups.

Assessing Cambridge Writing

First Part 2: Film review

Content:3.5 - some information given about the film and a recommendation included but it does not say where the film is set or what it is a about in detail

Organisation:4 - clear and logical order, good use of paragraphs but could use a greater range of linkers

Communicative Achievement & Language:

● How appropriate is the writing for the task? Has the candidate used the right register?

● Has the candidate used an appropriate range of vocabulary and grammar for B2? How accurate is the language?

Task: Assess the text on your own. Then compare ideas in small groups.

Assessing Cambridge Writing

First Part 2: Film review

Communicative Achievement:3.5 - fairly engaging but could be more descriptive to capture the reader’s attention, a mix in register (some formal: such as; some informal: to be honest, haven’t) - candidate should stick to a more formal register

Language:2.5 - basic vocabulary and many grammar mistakes, this is the main area to work on for the candidate

Assessing Cambridge Writing

First Part 2: Film review

Assessing Cambridge Writing

Let’s look at the Cambridge English Advanced now!

Assessing Cambridge Writing

Advanced Part 2: Letter of Complaint

Read this extract from a letter you have recently sent to a friend:

.... Oh, and by the way, don't go to Barry's Restaurant for your birthday. We went there last night - the service was awful and the food was a disaster! I complained to the head waiter but he asked me to put it in writing ...

Write your letter of complaint to the restaurant manager. (220-260 words)

Organisation & Language:

● Is the writing logical and ordered? Has the candidate used linking words and appropriate paragraphs?

● Has the candidate used an appropriate range of vocabulary and grammar for C1? How accurate is the language?

Task: Assess the text on your own. Then compare ideas in small groups.

Assessing Cambridge Writing

Advanced Part 2: Letter of Complaint

Organisation:5 - very well organised, clear paragraphs, logical order

Language:4/ 4.5 - wide range of vocabulary and complex grammatical structures

Overall, this is a good letter of complaint!

Assessing Cambridge Writing

Advanced Part 2: Letter of Complaint

Assessing Cambridge Writing

Summary:• Familiarize yourself with the assessment criteria and descriptors

for each exam.

• Use a simple mark sheet when assessing your students.

• Start by focusing on one or two criterion first.

• Write down good and not so good examples to share with students.

• Remember: In order to pass the exam candidates generally need at least a band 3 overall.

Thank you