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Ensuring Reliability
When sufficient test tasks are given, it is easy to obtain more accurate information about the candidate’s writing performances. As a result, the judgment of the examiner is more reliable and it would be almost the same if the test is repeated or if the same paper is marked by a second examiner.
It is important to restrict the candidate’s in different ways to ensure uniformity in writing. For example, when the guidelines for developing the essay are provided, it is easy to make a direct comparison among candidates, who otherwise will develop essays in different ways and will be marked differently by examiners. When candidates are given a choice for selection of question, such essays will also be marked differently and the reliability will be less. The length of the answer to be produced must also be specified in the question.
When the instructions are too long, the tester measures the comprehension ability and test-taking skills of the candidates, not their true writing performances. Sometimes instructions can be accompanied by a simple diagram, graph or an illustration, where the tester presents guidelines very precisely.
Assessment
Just as speaking, writing skills should be assessed based on a band scheme. The assessment can be either holistic or analytical depending on the test situation. For instance, if it is a classroom test, a holistic approach may be appropriate. But in an island wide examination, where a large number of examiners are involved in the evaluation process, an analytical approach will provide more reliable information of the candidates’ performances.
The following band scheme can be used to assess the sub-skills such as grammar and vocabulary, content, and organization in an analytical approach:
Grammar and Vocabulary
Description
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Mark Bands
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Has used both simple and complex sentences free of grammatical errors. A sophisticated range of vocabulary used. Choice and usage of words very effective.
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5-7
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Has constructed both simple and complex sentences with one or two grammatical errors. A wide range of vocabulary used. Choice and usage of vocabulary very effective.
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3-4
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Has constructed only simple sentences with frequent grammatical errors. Limited range of vocabulary. Frequent errors of words/ choice, usage etc.
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1-2
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No mastery of sentence construction. Very fragmentary.
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0
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Content
Description
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Mark Bands
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Content very relevant to the given topic. Has covered all the points given in the question. Has presented facts in an interesting and effective manner. Content reflects candidate's wide understanding of the subject matter.
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4-5
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Content relevant to the given topic. Has covered all the points given in the question, but information given is not complete. Composition quite interesting. Content reflects candidate's moderate level of understanding of the subject matter.
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2-3
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Content relevant to the topic. Has covered two three points given in the question. Information given inadequate. Facts not presented in an interesting manner. Content does not show candidate's adequate knowledge of the subject matter.
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1-2
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Content totally irrelevant to the given topic. Has copied the question.
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0
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Organization
Description
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Mark Bands
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Very fluent expression. Ideas very clearly stated. Able to select, organize and present relevant information in a logical manner. Use of linking devices very good. Unity and coherence perfect. Paragraph development excellent.
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3
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Fluent expression. Ideas clearly stated. Able to select, organize and present information quite logically. Use of linking devices good. Unity and coherence good. Paragraph development good.
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2
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Fairly fluent expression. Presentation of ideas clear to a certain extent. Able to select, organize and present information fairly logically. Unity and coherence fairly good.
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1
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Very poor organization. Sentences fragmentary and disjointed. Not intelligible.
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0
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The following band scheme can be used in scoring a formal letter:
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Description
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Mark Bands
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Format
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Has used format of a formal letter including sender’s address, receiver’s address, date, appropriate salutation and close. No spelling/ punctuation errors.
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0 - 1
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Content
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Has used all the points given in the question. Content of the letter relevant to the given topic. Has used formal language and formal style. Has used specified length.
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0 - 3
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Organization
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Has organized the letter well, paying attention to paragraphing, using appropriate linking words etc.
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0 - 2
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Language use
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Has used grammatically correct sentences and appropriate vocabulary. No spelling or punctuation errors.
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0 - 4
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