Level 3 Model Exam
Text Types
Formal correspondence:
• letters;
• memoranda;
• reports.
Description of the Test
The writing test is 90 minutes long and there are two tasks in it.
Task One consists of two parts and candidates are asked to write two kinds of texts:
Part A a formal transactional letter
responding to input in the form of a short text. The text should contain between 100 and 120 words.
Part B a formal memorandum which can be thematically related to the letter from Part A. The text should contain between 60 and 80 words.
In Task Two, candidates are asked to write a report which should contain between 200 and 250 words.
Rubrics
Candidates are given instructions in Polish before the start of the test. Rubrics are written in English.
Skills
• describing;
• refusing;
• giving information;
• asking for information;
• complaining;
• suggesting;
• recommending;
• giving orders;
• apologising;
• explaining;
• inviting;
• giving arguments;
• giving examples;
• describing causes/effects;
• expressing opinions;
• justifying;
• giving advice;
• giving Solutions;
• hypothesizing/speculating;
• making requests;
• reprimanding;
• making orders.
Performance Expected of the Candidate In Task One candidates are expected to write on job-related topics.
Part A - the letter - candidates are expected to achieve the task outlined in the rubrics, induding all the points indicated in the input such as a programme, a leaflet, a notę, an advertisement, etc. The text has to be divided into paragraphs.
Part B - the memorandum - candidates are expected to achieve the task outlined in the rubrics and should present the content in a elear and concise way.
In Task Two, candidates are expected to write on military and generał topics (e.g. politics, technology, economics, culture, and social matters). The text has to be a paragraphed report written in fuli sentences. The rubrics to the task contain input in the form of short texts and pictorial materiał such as maps, graphs, diagrams, charts, etc. Candidates can, but do not have to, use it as a guide to elaborate on the topie.
In Both Tasks
Candidates are required to write in an appropriate format (letter, memorandum, report). The text should be elear, coherent and cohesive and major points logically presented. Transitions should be successfully used. The language has to be consistently formal. Accuracy and appropriacy are expected. (For morę detailed information on writing a memorandum and a report see Appendix A and B.)
Marki ng
The test is assessed by two independent assessors. For each text candidates can be awarded maximum 10 points and have to score 21 out of 30 points to pass the writing test. The marking criteria are divided into point bands. To score points in a band, the text must fuifil all criteria. Candidates are referred to the evaluation criteria for Level Three, Writing on page 49.
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