Criteria and Descriptors

Rating Content and Linguistic Range and

Organization Accuracy appropriateness

Relevant, sound arguments

5 Outstanding presented in a convincing and
engaging way; the writing
displays a skilful organizational
pattern of development that is
suitable for the type of text and
the levels of attainment of an
ambitious proficient user of the
language. All points raised in
the input are fully covered and
expanded

Extensive range of language

4 Accomplished appropriate to the task set; only
minor inappropriateness, probably
due to ambition, though not
obtrusive

Relevant or partially relevant Good grammatical control even

3 Developing ideas, clearly presented though when relatively complex
they may not always be well language is used.
supported; the message can be
followed most of the time
though the thread of
development may require
additional concentration

Rather limited range; plain

2 Basic expression; intrusive
inappropriateness may cause a
negative effect on the target
reader

Ideas are mostly irrelevant to Very limited control of a few Very limited use of language;
1 Beginning the task set and/ or not simple grammatical structures inappropriateness of form and
expanded; the writing has no and sentence patterns meaning intrude frequently
discernible organization; the
message can only be followed
with undue strain