Understanding your CAE writing scores

Understanding your assessment

Written Production

CAE

Level C1

Any written assignment will be graded using this rubric. This is the Cambridge C1 rubric for advanced written English production. To help you understand what each of the criteria means, click on the slides.

Content

What does this mean?

Content refers to following the directions of the writing task. This means that you include everything that is being asked. "Target reader is fully informed" refers to how well you describe or explain what is being asked. Giving explanations and examples is how to get a higher score in Content. It is not enough to just answer the questions. When you are given a task, always read it carefully and underline everything you need to include before writing! This will help you get a higher score.

Your rubric has a scale of 1-5. To help you understand what your score means, click on the icon to the right.

Communicative Achievement

What does this mean?

Communicative achievement refers to how well you follow the expected format of the task. This means paying special attention to how many paragraphs, if you need a title, how long each section should be, and so on. In addition, the "conventions" also refers to using the correct register. This means you need to know your audience and write appropriately in formal, informal or neutral language. Finally, the mechanics of writing comes into play in maintaining the reader's attention. Avoid run-on sentences and sentence fragments. Use punctuation well and meet the word limit requirements. Paying attention to all things while writing is how to score higher in communicative achievement.

Your rubric has a scale of 1-5. To help you understand what your score means, click on the icon to the right.

Organisation

What does this mean?

This is different from following the format of the task and having the introduction and body in the right place. This criteria refers to how you organize and link your ideas while writing. This means using linking words and cohesive devices. Linking words refers to words that connect two or more ideas. Cohesive devices means that ideas remain connected through the use of conjunctions, pronouns, or even verb tense and conjugation. There are many resources to help you link and connect your ideas. It is recommended to keep a word and phrase bank while you practice to help you score higher in organisation.

Your rubric has a scale of 1-5. To help you understand what your score means, click on the icon to the right.

Language

What does this mean?

Your rubric combines grammar and vocabulary as one criteria, labeled "language". This means that to score highly, you need to demonstrate your skills in both areas. To score highly in vocabulary, you should have a wide range of everyday vocabulary as well as less common and appropriate words. Reflect on the task topic and brainstorm less common vocabulary before writing! To score highly in grammar, you should have a mix of simple and complex tenses. Mistakes are okay, but keep it at a minimum for higher marks. You want to show off the grammar you know! Find appropriate moments to use advanced grammar. Mistakes are okay, but should be limited to more complex words and structures. You should have generally accurate abilities at this level.

Your rubric has a scale of 1-5. To help you understand what your score means, click on the icon to the right.

Organisation

What does my score mean?

Language

What does my score mean?

Communicative Achievement

What does my score mean?

Content

What does my score mean?