NCFE Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 1 – Writing Mark Scheme

Sample Paper P000130 - Sponsored Walk for ShelterBox

Writing Level 1

Markers’ Briefing Note

Marks in the English Writing component are awarded for ‘independent construction of written text to communicate in a purposeful context’. Whilst the candidate may use the content of the Source Documents to inform their writing, the Writing Activities do not assess Reading skills. Candidates are expected to produce an open response. Depending on the context of the activity, a candidate may support either side of an argument, or adopt any well-reasoned stance, using the Source Documents and /or their own ideas and experiences. What should be assessed is their ability to do so whilst meeting all the coverage and range criteria of the Writing Skill Standard.

Writing Activity 1Writing a letter to the Health and Safety Officer

Marks available Skill standard assessed

The candidate has written an appropriately addressed letter to Mrs Elspeth McFarlane. (Correct salutation and complimentary close required).

1Write documents to communicate information, ideas and opinions using formats and styles suitable for their purpose and audience.

The letter contains information about the chosen charity 1

The date, time and place are stated 1The expected number of participants is stated 1The focus of the letter is on health and safety 1Reference to wheelchair users/disabled 1At least two risk areas are identified 1Explanation is given as to how those risks will be minimised 1Explanation of how an emergency situation would be dealt with is given 2The candidate wrote using

language format (2 addresses and date required) structure

suitable for purpose i.e. formal / business letter

111

Using language, format and structure suitable for purpose and audience.

The candidate wrote using correct grammar and tense with generally accurate punctuation, spelling and accuracy of meaning

9(see

guidance and grid)

Use correct grammar, including correct and consistent use of tense.Ensure written work includes generally accurate punctuation and spelling and that meaning is clear.

See guidelines on page 5

Total marks available 22Total marks awarded

Writing Activity 2Writing an article for your local newspaper.

Marks available Skill standard assessed

The candidate provides brief information about when (1 mark) and where (1 mark) the sponsored walk will take place and what it is in aid of (1 mark)

3Write a range of texts to communicate information, ideas and opinions using formats and styles suitable for their purpose and audience.

The candidate gives at least three useful pieces of factual information about the ShelterBox charity 3The candidate:

appeals directly to the reader to become involved by taking part in the walk (1 mark)

stresses how much their help is needed by the victims of disasters (1 mark) emphasises that taking part will be fun etc (1 mark) gives details of how to make contact (1 mark)

4

The candidate wrote using language format (including keeping to between 250-350 words as specified plus or

minus 10%) structure – heading/paragraphs

suitable for purpose ie persuasive, informative and well structured

111

Use language, format and structure suitable for purpose and audience

The candidate wrote using correct grammar and tense with generally accurate punctuation, spelling and accuracy of meaning

9(see guidance and grid)

Use correct grammar, including correct and consistent use of tense.Ensure written work includes generally accurate punctuation and spelling and that meaning is clear.

See guidelines on page 5

Total marks available 22Total marks awarded

Marking grid for spelling, punctuation, grammar and clarity and complexity of written English commensurate with Level 1

Skills Marks

0 1 2 3 Total Markout of 9

spelling

punctuation

grammar

Marking guidance for spelling, punctuation, grammar and clarity and complexity at Level 1 Marks available

SPELLING(Judgement is related to those spellings to be expected at Level 1. Candidates should not be penalised for failing to spell correctly words usually associated with Level 2. Zero marks can be awarded if there is no progression from Entry 3)

The candidate spells: 1with at least 50% accuracy, i.e. the spelling of regular, common words is usually accuratewith at least 75% accuracy, i.e. the spelling of regular, common words is usually accurate

2

with virtual total accuracy, ie all spelling of regular, common words is accurate 3PUNCTUATION(Judgement is related to the punctuation be expected at Level 1. Candidates should not be penalised for incorrectly using commas and apostrophes usually associated with Level 2. Zero marks can be awarded if there is no progression from Entry 3)

The candidate punctuates:1with at least 50% accuracy, i.e. a range of punctuation including full stops,

capital letters, commas and question marks is used accurately most of the timewith at least 75% accuracy, ie a range of punctuation including full stops, capital letters, commas and question marks is used accurately most of the time 2with almost faultless accuracy, ie a range of punctuation including full stops, capital letters, commas and question marks is used accurately almost without exception

3

GRAMMAR

(Judgement is related to the grammar to be expected at Level 1 ie subject verb agreement and correct and consistent use of tense. Zero marks can be awarded if there is no progression from Entry 3)

The candidate uses grammar:1with at least 50% accuracy, i.e. subject-verb agreement and consistent use of

tenses and pronouns, although there may be some errorswith at least 75% accuracy, ie subject-verb agreement and consistent use of tenses and pronouns, although there may be some errors 2with almost total accuracy, ie subject-verb agreement, consistent use of tenses and pronouns - any errors stand out as untypical or “one-off” mistakes 3

Recommended pass mark: 68%