Assessing writing performance
Assessment criteria for LanguageCert IESOL Speaking Expert C1
Task Fulfilment
The candidate is able to fulfil the tasks by interacting flexibly and effectively. The candidate can manage the conventions of turn taking and can clearly relate contributions to those of the interlocutor. In fulfilling the tasks, the candidate provides evidence of flexibility. For example, detailed complex descriptions are produced, subtopics are clearly connected and each point in an argument is fully supported before an appropriate conclusion is reached. Content is consistently relevant to both the topic and to the interaction and misunderstandings do not occur.
Coherence
The candidate can use a range of connectors and cohesive devices to produce clear, smoothly flowing, well-structured discourse, with a good degree of control.
Accuracy and Range of Grammar
The candidate uses a wide range of C1 level structures with a high level of accuracy. A few errors may occur when complex structures are attempted, but these are generally corrected.
Accuracy and Range of Vocabulary
The candidate uses a broad range of vocabulary at C1 level to deal with the tasks effectively with a good level of control. The use of vocabulary is appropriate to the context or situation, and candidates can compensate for occasional gaps in vocabulary knowledge through circumlocution. Although a few slips may occur, there are no major vocabulary errors.
Pronunciation and Intonation
The candidate’s pronunciation is consistently clear and can be readily understood. Stress and intonation patterns are sufficiently controlled for meaning to be supported and subtleties of meaning to be conveyed.
Fluency
The candidate is able to use language in a fluent and spontaneous manner with no noticeable pauses or hesitations. Only conceptually difficult subjects hinder a completely smooth flow of language.
C1 Markscheme
| Task Fulfilment and Coherence | Accuracy and Range of Grammar | Accuracy and Range of Vocabulary | Pronunciation, Intonation and Fluency | |
| 3 | – Tasks are fulfilled with flexibility and confidence– Turn taking is spontaneous, flexible and wholly natural– Contributions are always fully relevant and sufficiently detailed– Points are supported with precise and complex supporting detail – Discourse is consistently clear, smooth-flowing and well structured– Linking and cohesive devices are used very effectively | – A wide range of C1 level grammar is used effectively– There is a consistently high level of accuracy and control– Errors are very rare and unobtrusive | – A consistently broad range of C1 level vocabulary is used– Choice of vocabulary is consistently appropriate and effective– Errors are rare and unobtrusive | – Pronunciation is consistently clear and natural – Stress and intonation patterns are used effectively to convey subtleties of meaning– A spontaneous flow of natural language is maintained without effort– No evident hesitations |
2 | – Tasks are fulfilled with ease and confidence– Turn taking is naturally handled– Contributions are always relevant and detailed– Intended message is clearly communicated across the range of tasks– Discourse is clear, smooth flowing and well-structured– Linking and cohesive devices are used effectively | – A wide range of C1 level grammar is used– There is a high level of accuracy and control– A few errors may occur in more complex structures | – A broad range of C1 vocabulary is used to deal with the tasks– Choice of vocabulary is generally appropriate and effective– Some minor vocabulary errors occur, but do not impede communication | – Pronunciation is clear and easily understood– Stress and intonation patterns are appropriate and used to support meaning– The flow of language is generally maintained despite some hesitation– No undue strain on the listener |
1 | – Tasks remain largely unfulfilled– Communication is unclear in places and puts strain on the listener– There is undue reliance on support from the interlocutor– Little natural turn taking takes place– Contributions lack relevance– Intended message is not always successfully communicated– Limited use of cohesive devices results in poorly flowing discourse | – Range of grammar is too limited to deal with the C1 level tasks– Frequent errors are noticeable, and are not corrected | – Range of vocabulary is too limited to deal with the C1 level tasks– Vocabulary errors are noticeable, and not corrected | – Unclear pronunciation may lead to undue strain on the listener– Inappropriate stress and intonation patterns may impede communication– Hesitation is noticeable in places |
0 | – The tasks are unfulfilled, and the intended message is not successfully communicated– Ideas are difficult to follow and not linked together into connected speech– OR insufficient sample of language to assess | – Inadequate range of grammar to deal with C1 level tasks– Frequent errors put a strain on the listener– OR insufficient sample of language to assess | – Lacks the vocabulary to deal with the C1 level tasks– The message is obscured by vocabulary errors– OR insufficient sample of language to assess | – Unclear pronunciation and/or intonation prevents clear understanding– Frequent hesitation places strain on the listener– OR insufficient sample of language to assess |
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