Functional Skills ENGLISH

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Functional Skills ENGLISH"

Transcription

1 Functional Skills ENGLISH Level 2 Report on the Examination 4725 Nov 2015 Version: 1.0

2 Further copies of this Report are available from aqa.org.uk Copyright 2015 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. AQA retains the copyright on all its publications. However, registered schools/colleges for AQA are permitted to copy material from this booklet for their own internal use, with the following important exception: AQA cannot give permission to schools/colleges to photocopy any material that is acknowledged to a third party even for internal use within the centre.

3 Component 1 Reading This report covers both the OnScreen and the paper versions of this test. The theme of this series was books and reading, which is particularly relevant to this test and appeared engaging and popular for the majority of candidates. As in the previous series, some of the multiple choice questions proved to be particularly challenging for a number of candidates. Question 2 This was a simple comprehension question answered correctly by less than half the candidature. Those who failed to score were unable to realise that the correct option of one boy in four reads outside of school every day was simply another way of wording the sentence from the text which read only one boy in four reads outside of class every day. Question 3 This was particularly unsuccessful owing to the inability of most candidates to recognise the pun in the headline Frank Lampard kicks off 11 th year of Premier League Reading Stars Programme. Question 9 It is difficult to understand why almost 2/3 of candidates failed to notice that all the sub-headings in Source B were rhetorical questions, which was the correct answer to the question about the way the text helps the reader to follow its meaning. Question 13 This question is still proving problematic with almost 40% failing to gain any marks. Again, this series, a considerable number did not attempt the question or used the wrong source. Others seemed oblivious to the list of purposes included in the question and wrote completely irrelevant content. Too often, candidates identified a correct purpose but selected inappropriate text to 3 of 8

4 exemplify their chosen purpose. In the January 2016 series, candidates will be awarded a mark for the purpose and an additional mark for correct exemplification and it is hoped that this will improve performance on this question. Question 14 This was very well done overall, almost 60% of candidates scoring 4 or above. However, far too many candidates under-achieved as a result of failing to read the question correctly. In a debate about the merits of e-books versus real books, candidates were asked to identify six ways the writer felt that real books were better than e-books. Too often, candidates offered answers which were simply citing disadvantages of e-books rather than the opposite merits of the alternative. Question 15 This question asked candidates to summarise the reasons why Book Aid International is a good cause to support. Although almost 2/3 scored more than half marks, the task was clearly challenging for a number of candidates, many of whom chose to write a type of leaflet persuading people to support the organisation rather than doing the task given. Since the requirement to remove a particular form for writing in Q15, the task is simply to summarise and detect any implied meaning so these are skills which could usefully be practised. It was pleasing to see that there were very few who failed to attempt the question this series, and also that the number of overlong responses has diminished considerably, both of which are evidence of good teaching and support of students in this area. Question 16 It is very discouraging to report, series after series, the lack of understanding of what constitutes presentation. Once again this series, 17% of candidates gained no marks on this question. It is difficult to understand why this may be, particularly when the opposite trend is seen on the Level 1 paper. Explicit teaching of this element of the paper together with access to previous mark schemes is once again suggested. Encouraging candidates to move away from generic comments would also be helpful. Such comments as the picture makes it stand out ; the colour makes it attractive are fairly meaningless and the picture tells you what the text is about will not be given credit. Candidates should be taught to think about why that particular picture/colour has been chosen and what it contributes to the meaning of the text. 4 of 8

5 Overall, however, performance in this series has been pleasing which bodes well for those candidates moving on to the final series of the current GCSE. It is hoped that the benefits of reading will have been reinforced through the source texts, and that candidates will have more awareness of the problem of illiteracy in other countries where ownership of books is a luxury and how lucky they themselves are to live in a country where they are surrounded by books. Functional Skills remains a good test of reading and understanding; is a useful step to further English examinations and a benchmark for EAL learners. With the advent of the new GCSE English specification and it s much more rigorous terminal assessment, the role of Level 2 Functional Skills takes on new importance. The skills of close reading, understanding, selection, identification of bias, implication and point of view; purpose, audience and summary are all vital to success in GCSE English Language. Functional Skills therefore is an excellent vehicle in which to practise and develop these skills, possibly in Year 9 or 10, as preparation for GCSE. Those centres and teachers who are already working with such commitment on Functional Skills are very well-prepared for the use of this assessment as a stepping stone to the single entry GCSE or maybe as an alternative, credible English qualification for candidates unable to access the new GCSE. Component 2 Writing Overview This qualification continues to maintain very high standards and a pass at this level is a strong indicator of ability in writing Standard English. With a consistent approach to assessment, in terms of question style and mark schemes, the examination provides a rigorous and fair test of writing skills for candidates. It is has established itself as a strong currency in regards to educational progression and employment and for some candidates this qualification may be the only formal English qualification of value that they have achieved. Centres are increasingly confident in entering candidates who are well able to meet the demands of the Level 2 paper and consequently there are few very weak, or inappropriately entered, candidates within this cohort. This examination is excellent preparation for the GCSE English/English Language Unit 1 and with its focus on functionality it is likely to be is well suited to future specifications. It is also important to note that in 5 of 8

6 the context of recent reform, where re-sit GCSE may not be an option for candidates, the need to achieve a creditable qualification in English is paramount for some students and this is where the Level 2 qualification will have a significant role to play. Question 1 Question 1 asked candidates to write a letter to a local newspaper to put across their views about the local council s proposal to provide a free cycle scheme for people aged over 45. The stimulus material provided further information about the scheme, including how it would be funded. The question asked candidates to express their views on this scheme, whether for or against. This seemed to work well with a generally good level of response and a clear majority of candidates were able to gain a mark of 6 or more for content. The source material was well used and many candidates produced well thought out responses in the light of the funding arrangements. Most candidates voiced clear opposition to the scheme for a number of reasons: older people were working and could afford to buy bicycles of their own; the funding for the scheme was at the expense of the youth and nursery budgets; younger people also needed to keep fit; the scheme was impractical as most people over 45 would not use it; and many other reasons. The best answers were able to marshal a good number of these points and, with some analysis and exploration, were able to present a very strong case against the scheme. The candidates wrote in a style appropriate to purpose and audience and were often able to use letter form to good effect. There was use of an appropriate vocabulary, with the use of strong adjectives such as devastating and unfair to deliver a persuasive case. Although opposition was the most evident response there were good answers from those who supported the scheme and many of the best answers were able to bring their letter to a powerful conclusion through the use of a strong closing paragraph. Weaker answers fell down for a number of reasons. Firstly, there simply was not enough information or persuasion to take the mark up to 6 or more. Such candidates often expressed themselves in a rather simple manner and failed to produce a letter suitable for the task. Among this group were a number of candidates who looked at both sides of the case and supported both, without taking any position. Some simply failed to take a side and introduced their letters with something along the lines of I am for and against When asked to take one side or another, this is a weak option. It also means that the evidence is often thin as the candidates do not seem able to develop the points made. This usually meant that the candidate was unable to get beyond a 6 of 8

7 mark of 5. It should be noted that good answers which adopted a balanced approach, where both sides are considered before a position is clearly taken were not of this sort and often reached Band 3. Another weakness of some answers was that Jan Pierce, the editor of the paper to whom the letter was sent, was often taken to be the instigator of the scheme and came in for some inappropriate criticism. Weaker answers also often fell down on structure and tone. Question 2 This question took candidates into standard territory: providing information for a service. Candidates were asked to Emily at the Community Swimming Pool and Leisure Centre in order to make arrangements for a birthday party. The stimulus material, an advertisement for the pool/leisure centre, provided information and ideas that could be introduced into the answer. Overall, this question was not as well answered as Question 1 with a significant shortfall in those reaching 6 marks and above for content. This is often the case on Level 2 writing and candidates should be advised to ensure that each question is given the same amount of time. No extra marks are given for the length of an answer and a good short answer may well edge up into Band 3 to reflect the functional impact of conciseness of expression. The best answers to this question conveyed the key information: who the party is for; how many people; dates; budget; arrangements on the day for catering and entertainment. This information was then structured clearly within the to provide coherent details for Emily to use in the booking process. Many candidates provided clear instructions in regards to decoration, food and entertainment. They had put a lot of thought into these features to ensure their planned party was successful and fitting for the birthday person. Examiners pointed out that answers with highly imaginative and barely credible requirements were fewer than expected. This falls in line with advice given in previous reports where it was pointed out that responses which stretched credibility often undermined the functionality of the response. Nevertheless, there were many original approaches to arranging the party which were entirely credible and this feature lifted some answers into Band 3. Many weaker answers simply provided insufficient information in one or more of the categories mentioned above and it was often the case that answers which had omitted to mention the date/time of the planned party often omitted other key elements as well, leaving the answer with 7 of 8

8 very limited functionality, at the bottom end of band 2 or occasionally falling off into Band 1. Another key weakness was a failure to provide structure to the , charging straight into the requirements without any kind of context as well as failing to provide any appropriate form of closure. Accuracy Perhaps the most important descriptor for Band 2 achievement is meaning is clear and in this series the vast majority of candidates reached this band. However, this descriptor is likely to carry a mark of 3 unless correct grammar, punctuation and spelling are present to some significant extent. Unfortunately, many candidates are unable to produce correctly punctuated sentences, lacking closure with full stops and failing to begin with upper case. Where this is consistent, the candidate is unlikely to gain more than 3 marks, and where it is intermittent the mark is likely to be 4. Candidates who cannot sustain clear, well punctuated sentences are unlikely to achieve a Band 3 mark for accuracy (5-6), no matter how well written the response is otherwise. It is also the case that poorly constructed sentences are rarely found in answers where the mark for content is 6 or above. It is clear, therefore, that some candidates would benefit from additional support in these areas. Generally, grammar is effective. The main areas of weakness here are subject-verb agreement and the use of appropriate tense. The occasional mistake would not hold a candidate back from achieving a top band mark, but regular mistakes in grammar would generally mean a Band 2 or even a Band 1 mark. Alongside grammatical weakness, syntactic inadequacy often reflects mother tongue interference in second language speakers. Such candidates would benefit from additional support. Mark Ranges and Award of Grades Grade boundaries and cumulative percentage grades are available on the Results Statistics page of the AQA Website. Converting Marks into UMS marks Convert raw marks into Uniform Mark Scale (UMS) marks by using the link below. UMS conversion calculator 8 of 8

Functional Skills English 47202 Writing Level 1

Functional Skills English 47202 Writing Level 1 Functional Skills English 47202 Writing Level 1 Mark Scheme June 2014 Version: 1.0 Final Mark Scheme Mark schemes are prepared by the Lead Assessment Writer and considered, together with the relevant questions,

More information

A LEVEL ECONOMICS. ECON1/Unit 1 Markets and Market Failure Mark scheme. 2140 June 2014. Version 0.1 Final

A LEVEL ECONOMICS. ECON1/Unit 1 Markets and Market Failure Mark scheme. 2140 June 2014. Version 0.1 Final A LEVEL ECONOMICS ECON1/Unit 1 Markets and Market Failure Mark scheme 2140 June 2014 Version 0.1 Final Mark schemes are prepared by the Lead Assessment Writer and considered, together with the relevant

More information

GCSE SCIENCE B. SCB4P Report on the Examination. 4500 June 2013. Version: 1.0

GCSE SCIENCE B. SCB4P Report on the Examination. 4500 June 2013. Version: 1.0 GCSE SCIENCE B SCB4P Report on the Examination 4500 June 2013 Version: 1.0 Further copies of this Report are available from aqa.org.uk Copyright 2013 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. AQA retains

More information

Assessment Policy. 1 Introduction. 2 Background

Assessment Policy. 1 Introduction. 2 Background Assessment Policy 1 Introduction This document has been written by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) to provide policy makers, researchers, teacher educators and practitioners with

More information

GCSE MEDIA STUDIES. 48103 Exploring Media Industries Report on the Examination. 4810 June 2014. Version: 1.0

GCSE MEDIA STUDIES. 48103 Exploring Media Industries Report on the Examination. 4810 June 2014. Version: 1.0 GCSE MEDIA STUDIES 48103 Exploring Media Industries Report on the Examination 4810 June 2014 Version: 1.0 Further copies of this Report are available from aqa.org.uk Copyright 2014 AQA and its licensors.

More information

Mark Scheme. Spanish 46951F. (Specification 4695) Unit 1: Listening (Foundation) General Certificate of Secondary Education January 2013

Mark Scheme. Spanish 46951F. (Specification 4695) Unit 1: Listening (Foundation) General Certificate of Secondary Education January 2013 Version.0: 03 General Certificate of Secondary Education January 203 Spanish 4695F (Specification 4695) Unit : Listening (Foundation) Mark Scheme Mark schemes are prepared by the Principal Examiner and

More information

Literacy across learning Principles and practice

Literacy across learning Principles and practice Literacy across learning Principles and practice Language and literacy are of personal, social and economic importance. Our ability to use language lies at the centre of the development and expression

More information

9 The Difficulties Of Secondary Students In Written English

9 The Difficulties Of Secondary Students In Written English 9 The Difficulties Of Secondary Students In Written English Abdullah Mohammed Al-Abri Senior English Teacher, Dakhiliya Region 1 INTRODUCTION Writing is frequently accepted as being the last language skill

More information

Assessing children s writing at the end of Key Stage 2. 6 th December 2013

Assessing children s writing at the end of Key Stage 2. 6 th December 2013 Assessing children s writing at the end of Key Stage 2 6 th December 2013 Aims of this morning: To outline the statutory requirements of KS2 writing assessment in 2014. To summarise Gloucestershire s KS2

More information

A Guide to Cambridge English: Preliminary

A Guide to Cambridge English: Preliminary Cambridge English: Preliminary, also known as the Preliminary English Test (PET), is part of a comprehensive range of exams developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment. Cambridge English exams have

More information

Final. Mark Scheme. French 46551F. (Specification 4655) Unit 1: Listening (Foundation) General Certificate of Secondary Education June 2013

Final. Mark Scheme. French 46551F. (Specification 4655) Unit 1: Listening (Foundation) General Certificate of Secondary Education June 2013 Version 1.0: 0613 General Certificate of Secondary Education June 2013 French 46551F (Specification 4655) Unit 1: Listening (Foundation) Final Mark Scheme Mark schemes are prepared by the Principal Examiner

More information

GCSE English Language

GCSE English Language SPECIMEN MATERIAL 1 GCSE English Language Paper 2 Writers viewpoints and perspectives Mark Scheme 8700 Version 2.1 2 MARK SCHEME GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE PAPER 2 Mark schemes are prepared by the Lead Assessment

More information

The. Languages Ladder. Steps to Success. The

The. Languages Ladder. Steps to Success. The The Languages Ladder Steps to Success The What is it? The development of a national recognition scheme for languages the Languages Ladder is one of three overarching aims of the National Languages Strategy.

More information

GCSE Performing Arts. 48802 Showcase Performance Report on the Examination. 4880 June 2013. Version: 1.0

GCSE Performing Arts. 48802 Showcase Performance Report on the Examination. 4880 June 2013. Version: 1.0 GCSE Performing Arts 48802 Showcase Performance Report on the Examination 4880 June 2013 Version: 1.0 Further copies of this Report are available from aqa.org.uk Copyright 2013 AQA and its licensors. All

More information

IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 Activity teacher s notes

IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 Activity teacher s notes IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 Activity teacher s notes Description An activity to introduce Academic Writing task 2, involving task analysis, idea generation, essay planning and language activation. Students

More information

GCSE SOCIOLOGY. Unit 1 Mark scheme. 41901 June 2014. Version: 1.0 Final

GCSE SOCIOLOGY. Unit 1 Mark scheme. 41901 June 2014. Version: 1.0 Final GCSE SOCIOLOGY Unit 1 Mark scheme 41901 June 2014 Version: 1.0 Final Mark schemes are prepared by the Lead Assessment Writer and considered, together with the relevant questions, by a panel of subject

More information

The English Department Guide. To doing well in your. English GCSE Exams

The English Department Guide. To doing well in your. English GCSE Exams The English Department Guide To doing well in your English GCSE Exams 1 WJEC English/English Language The date of your exams Tuesday 10 th January Unit 1 (Reading) 9am Unit 2 (Writing) 10am 2 Unit 1 Reading

More information

Final. Mark Scheme. Spanish 46951F. (Specification 4695) Unit 1: Listening (Foundation) General Certificate of Secondary Education June 2013

Final. Mark Scheme. Spanish 46951F. (Specification 4695) Unit 1: Listening (Foundation) General Certificate of Secondary Education June 2013 Version.0: 063 General Certificate of Secondary Education June 203 Spanish 4695F (Specification 4695) Unit : Listening (Foundation) Final Mark Scheme Mark schemes are prepared by the Principal Examiner

More information

GCSE Speaking Support Meetings. GCSE Polish Speaking. Introduction 2. Guidance 3. Assessment Criteria 4-5. Student 1 - Speaking Commentary 6-7

GCSE Speaking Support Meetings. GCSE Polish Speaking. Introduction 2. Guidance 3. Assessment Criteria 4-5. Student 1 - Speaking Commentary 6-7 hij GCSE Speaking Support Meetings GCSE Polish Speaking Pages Introduction 2 Guidance 3 Assessment Criteria 4-5 Student 1 - Speaking Commentary 6-7 Student 2 - Speaking Commentary 8-9 BOOKLET 1 Spring

More information

Writing an essay. This seems obvious - but it is surprising how many people don't really do this.

Writing an essay. This seems obvious - but it is surprising how many people don't really do this. Writing an essay Look back If this is not your first essay, take a look at your previous one. Did your tutor make any suggestions that you need to bear in mind for this essay? Did you learn anything else

More information

SYLLABUS. Cambridge O Level English Language. Cambridge Secondary 2

SYLLABUS. Cambridge O Level English Language. Cambridge Secondary 2 SYLLABUS Cambridge O Level English Language 1123 For examination in June and November 2015 Cambridge Secondary 2 Changes to syllabus for 2015 This syllabus has been updated, but there are no significant

More information

Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College

Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College Re-inspection monitoring visit report Unique reference number: 130408 Name of lead inspector: Jo Parkman, HMI Last day of inspection: 14 January 2016 Type of

More information

General Certificate of Education (A-level) January 2013 ICT INFO3 (Specification 2520) Unit 3: The Use of ICT in the Digital World Final Mark Scheme

General Certificate of Education (A-level) January 2013 ICT INFO3 (Specification 2520) Unit 3: The Use of ICT in the Digital World Final Mark Scheme Final General Certificate of Education (A-level) January 2013 ICT INFO3 (Specification 2520) Unit 3: The Use of ICT in the Digital World Final Mark Scheme Mark schemes are prepared by the Principal Examiner

More information

SYLLABUS 0500 0522* Cambridge IGCSE First Language English. For examination in June and November 2015. Cambridge Secondary 2

SYLLABUS 0500 0522* Cambridge IGCSE First Language English. For examination in June and November 2015. Cambridge Secondary 2 SYLLABUS Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500 0522* For examination in June and November 2015 *This syllabus is approved for use in England, Wales and Northern Ireland as a Cambridge International

More information

GCSE SOCIOLOGY. 41902 Crime and Deviance; Mass Media; Power; Social Inequality Report on the Examination. (4190 Specification) June 2013. Version: 1.

GCSE SOCIOLOGY. 41902 Crime and Deviance; Mass Media; Power; Social Inequality Report on the Examination. (4190 Specification) June 2013. Version: 1. GCSE SOCIOLOGY 41902 Crime and Deviance; Mass Media; Power; Social Inequality Report on the Examination (4190 Specification) June 2013 Version: 1.0 Further copies of this Report are available from aqa.org.uk

More information

FUNCTIONAL SKILLS ENGLISH - WRITING LEVEL 2

FUNCTIONAL SKILLS ENGLISH - WRITING LEVEL 2 FUNCTIONAL SKILLS ENGLISH - WRITING LEVEL 2 MARK SCHEME Instructions to marker There are 30 marks available for each of the three tasks, which should be marked separately, resulting in a total of 90 marks.

More information

0510 ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE

0510 ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL EXAMINATIONS International General Certificate of Secondary Education MARK SCHEME for the May/June 2014 series 0510 ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE 0510/22 Paper 2 (Reading and Writing

More information

Cambridge International Examinations Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education

Cambridge International Examinations Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education Cambridge International Examinations Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education FIRST LANGUAGE ENGLISH 0522/03 Paper 3 Directed Writing and Composition For Examination from 2015

More information

What is your name? Do you think it reveals something about your identity and where you come from? If so, what does it reveal?

What is your name? Do you think it reveals something about your identity and where you come from? If so, what does it reveal? Red Dog Identity Regardless of who we are, or where we come from, we all have our own identity. Your name, the school you go to, the suburb you live in, the country in which you were raised in are just

More information

GCSE Biology. BL3HP Report on the Examination. 4401 June 2014. Version: 1.0

GCSE Biology. BL3HP Report on the Examination. 4401 June 2014. Version: 1.0 GCSE Biology BL3HP Report on the Examination 4401 June 2014 Version: 1.0 Further copies of this Report are available from aqa.org.uk Copyright 2014 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. AQA retains

More information

A-level Applied Business

A-level Applied Business A-level Applied Business BS03 Financial Planning and Monitoring Report on the Examination 8610 June 2014 Version: 1.0 Further copies of this Report are available from aqa.org.uk Copyright 2014 AQA and

More information

A-level Art and Design

A-level Art and Design A-level Art and Design ARTF1 & ARTF2 Photography: lens and light-based media Report on the Examination 2200 June 2013 Version: 1.0 Further copies of this Report are available from aqa.org.uk Copyright

More information

Assessing Writing Performance Level B1

Assessing Writing Performance Level B1 Assessing Writing Performance Level B1 Writing assessment by examiners in the Cambridge English: Preliminary (PET), Preliminary (PET) for Schools and Business Preliminary exams (BEC) Cambridge English

More information

Business School Writing an Essay

Business School Writing an Essay Business School Writing an Essay What is an essay? An essay is usually written in response to a question or series of questions. The writer's purpose is to convince the reader that his or her way of analysing,

More information

Non-exam Assessment Tasks

Non-exam Assessment Tasks SPECIMEN MATERIAL ENTRY LEVEL CERTIFICATE STEP UP TO ENGLISH Silver Step 5972/1 Component 1 Literacy Topics Planning the Prom Non-exam Assessment Task and Teachers Notes Specimen 2015 Time allowed: 1 hour

More information

CELC Benchmark Essays Set 3 Prompt:

CELC Benchmark Essays Set 3 Prompt: CELC Benchmark Essays Set 3 Prompt: Recently, one of your friends fell behind in several of his/her homework assignments and asked you for help. You agreed, but then you found out that your friend was

More information

GCSE English Language

GCSE English Language SPECIMEN MATERIAL 1 GCSE English Language Paper 1 Explorations in creative reading and writing Mark Scheme 8700 Version 2.0 Mark schemes are prepared by the Lead Assessment Writer. 2 MARK SCHEME GCSE ENGLISH

More information

Geography 2030 - AQA GCE Mark Scheme 2011 January series. Version 1.0. klm. General Certificate of Education January 2011. Unit 2.

Geography 2030 - AQA GCE Mark Scheme 2011 January series. Version 1.0. klm. General Certificate of Education January 2011. Unit 2. Version 1.0 klm General Certificate of Education January 2011 Geography A Unit 2 GEOG2 Post-Stand Mark Scheme 3 Mark schemes are prepared by the Principal Examiner and considered, together with the relevant

More information

Rubrics for Assessing Student Writing, Listening, and Speaking High School

Rubrics for Assessing Student Writing, Listening, and Speaking High School Rubrics for Assessing Student Writing, Listening, and Speaking High School Copyright by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to reproduce the material contained herein

More information

GCSE MATHEMATICS. 43602H Unit 2: Number and Algebra (Higher) Report on the Examination. Specification 4360 November 2014. Version: 1.

GCSE MATHEMATICS. 43602H Unit 2: Number and Algebra (Higher) Report on the Examination. Specification 4360 November 2014. Version: 1. GCSE MATHEMATICS 43602H Unit 2: Number and Algebra (Higher) Report on the Examination Specification 4360 November 2014 Version: 1.0 Further copies of this Report are available from aqa.org.uk Copyright

More information

National curriculum tests. Key stage 2. English reading test framework. National curriculum tests from 2016. For test developers

National curriculum tests. Key stage 2. English reading test framework. National curriculum tests from 2016. For test developers National curriculum tests Key stage 2 English reading test framework National curriculum tests from 2016 For test developers Crown copyright 2015 2016 key stage 2 English reading test framework: national

More information

Writing a Job Application Letter

Writing a Job Application Letter TASK 1 In a group, discuss the information you are likely to need to include on a letter when you are applying for a job. Write your list here. Dec 2013. Kindly contributed by Colleen Craggs, Hartlepool

More information

0510 (speaking endorsement) 0511* (count-in speaking)

0510 (speaking endorsement) 0511* (count-in speaking) Learner Guide Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language 0510 (speaking endorsement) 0511* (count-in speaking) *This syllabus is approved for use in England, Wales and Northern Ireland as a Cambridge

More information

Cambridge English: Preliminary (PET) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Cambridge English: Preliminary (PET) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Cambridge English: Preliminary (PET) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Is there a wordlist for Cambridge English: Preliminary exams? Yes. There is a Cambridge English: Preliminary (PET) vocabulary list

More information

GCSE PHYSICAL EDUCATION

GCSE PHYSICAL EDUCATION GCSE PHYSICAL EDUCATION 48901: Knowledge and Understanding for the Active Participant (Short Course) Mark scheme June 2014 Version: 1.0 Final Mark schemes are prepared by the Lead Assessment Writer and

More information

0510 ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ORAL ENDORSEMENT)

0510 ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ORAL ENDORSEMENT) CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL EXAMINATIONS International General Certificate of Secondary Education MARK SCHEME for the October/November 2013 series 0510 ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ORAL ENDORSEMENT) 0510/11

More information

Language Arts Literacy Areas of Focus: Grade 6

Language Arts Literacy Areas of Focus: Grade 6 Language Arts Literacy : Grade 6 Mission: Learning to read, write, speak, listen, and view critically, strategically and creatively enables students to discover personal and shared meaning throughout their

More information

Making Foreign Languages compulsory at Key Stage 2 Consultation Report: Overview

Making Foreign Languages compulsory at Key Stage 2 Consultation Report: Overview Making Foreign Languages compulsory at Key Stage 2 Consultation Report: Overview Introduction This report summarises the responses to the consultation on the Government s proposal to introduce foreign

More information

National Quali cations SPECIMEN ONLY

National Quali cations SPECIMEN ONLY N5 SQ40/N5/02 FOR OFFICIAL USE National Quali cations SPECIMEN ONLY Mark Urdu Writing Date Not applicable Duration 1 hour and 30 minutes *SQ40N502* Fill in these boxes and read what is printed below. Full

More information

KET for Schools Reading and Writing Part 9 teacher s notes

KET for Schools Reading and Writing Part 9 teacher s notes KET for Schools Reading and Writing Part 9 teacher s notes Description This is a guided discovery activity to find out what candidates need to do in KET for Schools Reading and Writing Part 9. Students

More information

GCSE English Literature

GCSE English Literature GCSE English Literature Unit 2: Poetry Across Time Report on the Examination 47102H June 2013 Version: V1.0 Further copies of this Report are available from aqa.org.uk Copyright 20yy AQA and its licensors.

More information

Get Ready for IELTS Writing. About Get Ready for IELTS Writing. Part 1: Language development. Part 2: Skills development. Part 3: Exam practice

Get Ready for IELTS Writing. About Get Ready for IELTS Writing. Part 1: Language development. Part 2: Skills development. Part 3: Exam practice About Collins Get Ready for IELTS series has been designed to help learners at a pre-intermediate level (equivalent to band 3 or 4) to acquire the skills they need to achieve a higher score. It is easy

More information

GCSE. English Language Specification. April 2014. OCR GCSE in English Language. OCR 2014 GCSE English Language QN: 601/3167/6

GCSE. English Language Specification. April 2014. OCR GCSE in English Language. OCR 2014 GCSE English Language QN: 601/3167/6 GCSE English Language Specification OCR GCSE in English Language J355 April 2014 OCR 2014 QN: 601/3167/6 1 Introduction to 4 1.1 Overview of 4 1.2 Overview of texts 5 1.3 Guided learning hours 5 1.4 Aims

More information

Virginia English Standards of Learning Grade 8

Virginia English Standards of Learning Grade 8 A Correlation of Prentice Hall Writing Coach 2012 To the Virginia English Standards of Learning A Correlation of, 2012, Introduction This document demonstrates how, 2012, meets the objectives of the. Correlation

More information

Language Arts Literacy Areas of Focus: Grade 5

Language Arts Literacy Areas of Focus: Grade 5 Language Arts Literacy : Grade 5 Mission: Learning to read, write, speak, listen, and view critically, strategically and creatively enables students to discover personal and shared meaning throughout their

More information

Improve your English and increase your employability with EN Campaigns

Improve your English and increase your employability with EN Campaigns Improve your English and increase your employability with EN Campaigns Being able to communicate in English is becoming increasingly important in today's global economy. We provie a high quality and accessible

More information

GCSE MEDIA STUDIES. 48104/Unit 4 Responding to a Media Brief Report on the Examination. 4810 June 2014. Version: 1.0

GCSE MEDIA STUDIES. 48104/Unit 4 Responding to a Media Brief Report on the Examination. 4810 June 2014. Version: 1.0 GCSE MEDIA STUDIES 48104/Unit 4 Responding to a Media Brief Report on the Examination 4810 June 2014 Version: 1.0 Further copies of this Report are available from aqa.org.uk Copyright 2014 AQA and its

More information

ASSESSMENT, RECORDING AND REPORTING(ARR) POLICY.

ASSESSMENT, RECORDING AND REPORTING(ARR) POLICY. ASSESSMENT, RECORDING AND REPORTING(ARR) POLICY. Introduction The ARR Policy is closely linked to other key school policies (in particular: Teaching and Learning and Gifted and Talented) to ensure whole

More information

Cambridge English: First (FCE) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Cambridge English: First (FCE) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Cambridge English: First (FCE) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Is there a wordlist for Cambridge English: First exams? No. Examinations that are at CEFR Level B2 (independent user), or above such as

More information

Final. Mark Scheme ICT INFO3. (Specification 2520) Unit 3: The Use of ICT in the Digital World. General Certificate of Education (A-level) June 2012

Final. Mark Scheme ICT INFO3. (Specification 2520) Unit 3: The Use of ICT in the Digital World. General Certificate of Education (A-level) June 2012 Version 1.0 General Certificate of Education (A-level) June 2012 ICT INFO3 (Specification 2520) Unit 3: The Use of ICT in the Digital World Final Mark Scheme Mark schemes are prepared by the Principal

More information

A Guide to Cover Letter Writing

A Guide to Cover Letter Writing A Guide to Cover Letter Writing Contents What is a Cover Letter?... 2 Before you get started - Do your Research... 3 Formatting the letter... 4 Cover letter content... 5 Section 1 - Opening... 5 Section

More information

English assessments in Key Stage 3 Notes and guidance

English assessments in Key Stage 3 Notes and guidance English assessments in Key Stage 3 Notes and guidance Introduction We are keen to support progress checking and tracking in Key Stage 3 and have created a complementary choice of options to provide flexible

More information

Summary of assessment and checklist for the new GCE Health and Social Care Unit HSC08 (optional)

Summary of assessment and checklist for the new GCE Health and Social Care Unit HSC08 (optional) Summary of assessment and checklist for the new GCE Health and Social Care Unit HSC08 (optional) The summary should be used in conjunction with the new specification available for teaching from September

More information

How to become a successful language learner

How to become a successful language learner How to become a successful language learner By Alison Fenner English and German Co-ordinator, Institution Wide Language Programme Introduction Your success in learning a language depends on you! You may

More information

Published on www.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/nationalstrategies

Published on www.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/nationalstrategies Published on www.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/nationalstrategies 16-Dec-2010 Year 3 Narrative Unit 3 Adventure and mystery Adventure and mystery (4 weeks) This is the third in a block of four narrative units

More information

GCSE. English. Mark Scheme for June 2013. General Certificate of Secondary Education Unit A680/02: Information and Ideas (Higher Tier)

GCSE. English. Mark Scheme for June 2013. General Certificate of Secondary Education Unit A680/02: Information and Ideas (Higher Tier) GCSE English General Certificate of Secondary Education Unit A680/02: Information and Ideas (Higher Tier) Mark Scheme for June 2013 Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations OCR (Oxford Cambridge and RSA)

More information

Language Skills in a Multilingual Society Syed Mohamed Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board

Language Skills in a Multilingual Society Syed Mohamed Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board Language Skills in a Multilingual Society Syed Mohamed Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board Abstract Singapore is a multilingual and multicultural society where English Language is predominantly

More information

Montgomery County Public Schools English 9B Exam Review

Montgomery County Public Schools English 9B Exam Review Montgomery County Public Schools English 9B Exam Review June 2013 FORMAT Five Readings an excerpt from a Shakespeare play (not Romeo and Juliet) two poems a narrative a nonfiction article related to the

More information

National curriculum tests. Key stage 1. English reading test framework. National curriculum tests from 2016. For test developers

National curriculum tests. Key stage 1. English reading test framework. National curriculum tests from 2016. For test developers National curriculum tests Key stage 1 English reading test framework National curriculum tests from 2016 For test developers Crown copyright 2015 2016 key stage 1 English reading test framework: national

More information

Integrated Skills in English (ISE) Guide for Students ISE III (C1) Reading & Writing Speaking & Listening

Integrated Skills in English (ISE) Guide for Students ISE III (C1) Reading & Writing Speaking & Listening Integrated Skills in English (ISE) Guide for Students ISE III (C1) Reading & Writing Speaking & Listening Trinity College London www.trinitycollege.com Charity number 1014792 Patron HRH The Duke of Kent

More information

Final. Mark Scheme. Physical Education. (Specification 4891) Unit 1: Knowledge and Understanding for the Active Participant (Short Course)

Final. Mark Scheme. Physical Education. (Specification 4891) Unit 1: Knowledge and Understanding for the Active Participant (Short Course) Version 2 General Certificate of Secondary Education (Short Course) June 203 Physical Education 4890 (Specification 489) Unit : Knowledge and Understanding for the Active Participant (Short Course) Final

More information

Final. Mark Scheme ICT INFO2. (Specification 2520) Unit 2: Living in the digital world. General Certificate of Education (A-level) June 2013

Final. Mark Scheme ICT INFO2. (Specification 2520) Unit 2: Living in the digital world. General Certificate of Education (A-level) June 2013 Version 1.0 General Certificate of Education (A-level) June 2013 ICT INFO2 (Specification 2520) Unit 2: Living in the digital world Final Mark Scheme Mark schemes are prepared by the Principal Examiner

More information

Final. Mark Scheme ICT INFO1. (Specification 2520) General Certificate of Education (A-level) June 2013

Final. Mark Scheme ICT INFO1. (Specification 2520) General Certificate of Education (A-level) June 2013 Version 1.0 General Certificate of Education (A-level) June 2013 ICT INFO1 (Specification 2520) Unit 1: Practical Problem Solving in the Digital World Final Mark Scheme Mark schemes are prepared by the

More information

Final. Mark Scheme. Physics A PHYA1. (Specification 2450) Unit 1: Particles, quantum phenomena and electricity

Final. Mark Scheme. Physics A PHYA1. (Specification 2450) Unit 1: Particles, quantum phenomena and electricity Version.0 General Certificate of Education (A-level) June 0 Physics A PHYA (Specification 450) Unit : Particles, quantum phenomena and electricity Final Mark Scheme Mark schemes are prepared by the Principal

More information

Cambridge English: Advanced Speaking Sample test with examiner s comments

Cambridge English: Advanced Speaking Sample test with examiner s comments Speaking Sample test with examiner s comments This document will help you familiarise yourself with the Speaking test for Cambridge English: Advanced, also known as Certificate in Advanced English (CAE).

More information

Alignment of the National Standards for Learning Languages with the Common Core State Standards

Alignment of the National Standards for Learning Languages with the Common Core State Standards Alignment of the National with the Common Core State Standards Performance Expectations The Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts (ELA) and Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science,

More information

LEVEL 2 FUNCTIONAL SKILLS ENGLISH 09499/03

LEVEL 2 FUNCTIONAL SKILLS ENGLISH 09499/03 OXFORD CAMBRIDGE AND RSA EXAMINATIONS LEVEL FUNCTIONAL SKILLS ENGLISH 09499/03 PRACTICE PAPER BW04 WRITING TASK AND ANSWER BOOKLET Your surname or family name TIME: 55 MINUTES Your first forename (if any)

More information

Year 1 reading expectations (New Curriculum) Year 1 writing expectations (New Curriculum)

Year 1 reading expectations (New Curriculum) Year 1 writing expectations (New Curriculum) Year 1 reading expectations Year 1 writing expectations Responds speedily with the correct sound to graphemes (letters or groups of letters) for all 40+ phonemes, including, where applicable, alternative

More information

TELT March 2014 Exa miners Report

TELT March 2014 Exa miners Report TELT March 2014 Exa miners Report 1. Introduction 101 candidates sat for the TELT March 2014 examination session. 53 candidates were awarded Pass grades or higher. This is the equivalent to 52.5 % pass

More information

AS-LEVEL German. Unit 2 Speaking Test Mark scheme. 1661 June 2015. Version 1.0 Final Mark Scheme

AS-LEVEL German. Unit 2 Speaking Test Mark scheme. 1661 June 2015. Version 1.0 Final Mark Scheme AS-LEVEL German Unit 2 Speaking Test scheme 1661 June 2015 Version 1.0 Final Scheme schemes are prepared by the Lead Assessment Writer and considered, together with the relevant questions, by a panel of

More information

Final. Mark Scheme. French 46552F. (Specification 4655) FR2FS. Unit 2: Reading (Foundation) General Certificate of Secondary Education June 2013

Final. Mark Scheme. French 46552F. (Specification 4655) FR2FS. Unit 2: Reading (Foundation) General Certificate of Secondary Education June 2013 Version.0: 063 General Certificate of Secondary Education June 203 French (Specification 4655) 46552F FR2FS Unit 2: Reading (Foundation) Final Mark Scheme Mark schemes are prepared by the Principal Examiner

More information

AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION 2013 SCORING GUIDELINES

AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION 2013 SCORING GUIDELINES AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION 2013 SCORING GUIDELINES Question 2 The score should reflect the essay s quality as a whole. Remember that students had only 40 minutes to read and write; the paper,

More information

Final. General Certificate of Education (A-level) January 2013 ICT INFO2. (Specification 2520) Unit 2: Living in the Digital World. Final.

Final. General Certificate of Education (A-level) January 2013 ICT INFO2. (Specification 2520) Unit 2: Living in the Digital World. Final. Final General Certificate of Education (A-level) January 2013 ICT INFO2 (Specification 2520) Unit 2: Living in the Digital World Final Mark Scheme Mark schemes are prepared by the Principal Examiner and

More information

Step 1 Self-assessment (Who am I? What do I have to offer?)

Step 1 Self-assessment (Who am I? What do I have to offer?) Your Job Search Your job search is a process which begins during your studies, when you start thinking about life after you ve completed your studies. It is an ongoing process, from your first job you

More information

D055/2. FIRST CERTIFICATE IN ENGLISH for Schools. Sample Paper. 1 hour 20 minutes

D055/2. FIRST CERTIFICATE IN ENGLISH for Schools. Sample Paper. 1 hour 20 minutes *D0552* FIRST CERTIFICATE IN ENGLISH for Schools D055/2 PAPER 2 Writing Sample Paper Time 1 hour 20 minutes Candidates answer on the question paper. No additional materials are required. Candidate Name

More information

Integrated Skills in English (ISE) Guide for Students ISE II (B2) Reading & Writing Speaking & Listening

Integrated Skills in English (ISE) Guide for Students ISE II (B2) Reading & Writing Speaking & Listening Integrated Skills in English (ISE) Guide for Students ISE II (B2) Reading & Writing Speaking & Listening Trinity College London www.trinitycollege.com Charity number 1014792 Patron HRH The Duke of Kent

More information

Academic Standards for Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening

Academic Standards for Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening Academic Standards for Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening Pre-K - 3 REVISED May 18, 2010 Pennsylvania Department of Education These standards are offered as a voluntary resource for Pennsylvania

More information

Final. Mark Scheme. Physics A PHYA1. (Specification 2450) Unit 1: Particles, quantum phenomena and electricity

Final. Mark Scheme. Physics A PHYA1. (Specification 2450) Unit 1: Particles, quantum phenomena and electricity Version.0 General Certificate of Education (A-level) June 0 Physics A PHYA (Specification 450) Unit : Particles, quantum phenomena and electricity Final Mark Scheme Mark schemes are prepared by the Principal

More information

Writing for work documents

Writing for work documents Writing for work documents Written communications in the work environment are often compiled using existing templates that guide you through most of the information that is required. Nonetheless, there

More information

Bilingual Education Assessment Urdu (034) NY-SG-FLD034-01

Bilingual Education Assessment Urdu (034) NY-SG-FLD034-01 Bilingual Education Assessment Urdu (034) NY-SG-FLD034-01 The State Education Department does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, religion, creed, disability, marital status, veteran status, national

More information

GCSE. English L anguage. Specification. For exams J une 2014 onwards For certification June 2014 onwards

GCSE. English L anguage. Specification. For exams J une 2014 onwards For certification June 2014 onwards GCSE G Specification English L anguage For exams J une 2014 onwards For certification June 2014 onwards GCSE Specification English Language 4705 Our specification is published on our website (http://www.aqa.org.uk).

More information

Final. Mark Scheme. Additional Science / Physics (Specification 4408 / 4403) PH2FP. Unit: Physics 2

Final. Mark Scheme. Additional Science / Physics (Specification 4408 / 4403) PH2FP. Unit: Physics 2 Version.0 General Certificate of Secondary Education January 203 Additional Science / Physics (Specification 4408 / 4403) Unit: Physics 2 Final Mark Scheme Mark schemes are prepared by the Principal Examiner

More information

Evaluating teaching. 6.1 What is teacher evaluation and why is it important?

Evaluating teaching. 6.1 What is teacher evaluation and why is it important? 6 Evaluating Just as assessment that supports is critical for student, teacher evaluation that focuses on providing accurate evidence of practice and supports improvement is central for teachers. Having

More information

Writing and Presenting a Persuasive Paper Grade Nine

Writing and Presenting a Persuasive Paper Grade Nine Ohio Standards Connection Writing Applications Benchmark E Write a persuasive piece that states a clear position, includes relevant information and offers compelling in the form of facts and details. Indicator

More information

Preparing for the new GCSE English specifications

Preparing for the new GCSE English specifications Preparing for the new GCSE English specifications How Let s Think in English can help 1 Laurie Smith April 2014 Summary All GCSE specifications are to be made more demanding to improve education in England,

More information

GCSE Environmental Science

GCSE Environmental Science GCSE Environmental Science 44401/F Report on the Examination 4440 June 2014 Version: 1.0 Further copies of this Report are available from aqa.org.uk Copyright 2014 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved.

More information

This document has been produced to support the development of effective questioning and dialogue between teacher and pupils.

This document has been produced to support the development of effective questioning and dialogue between teacher and pupils. QUESTIONING Assessing and Developing Children s Understanding and Thinking in Literacy through Effective Introduction This document has been produced to support the development of effective questioning

More information

Report on the Examination

Report on the Examination Version 1 General Certificate of Education (A-level) June 2012 Psychology A PSYA1 (Specification 2180) Unit 1: Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Research Methods Report on the Examination

More information

Aim To help students prepare for the Academic Reading component of the IELTS exam.

Aim To help students prepare for the Academic Reading component of the IELTS exam. IELTS Reading Test 1 Teacher s notes Written by Sam McCarter Aim To help students prepare for the Academic Reading component of the IELTS exam. Objectives To help students to: Practise doing an academic

More information

Integrated Skills in English (ISE) Guide for Students ISE II (B2) Reading & Writing Speaking & Listening

Integrated Skills in English (ISE) Guide for Students ISE II (B2) Reading & Writing Speaking & Listening Integrated Skills in English (ISE) Guide for Students ISE II (B2) Reading & Writing Speaking & Listening Trinity College London www.trinitycollege.com Charity number 1014792 Patron HRH The Duke of Kent

More information