The annotated work samples in Judging Standards support teachers when reporting
against the achievement standards, when giving assessment feedback and when
explaining the differences between one student’s achievement and another’s.
Grey highlighting identifies those aspects of the achievement standard addressed in
the work sample. Annotations in black text refer to the assessment pointers, while
those in coloured text highlight additional, specific qualities evident in the work.
Reporting against the Achievement Standard
Informative writing: Biography
Students were asked to choose a memorable person, living or dead, whose actions have had an impact on society and
the world in general. Then they wrote a detailed biography, including explaining the reason/s that their selected subject
could be considered memorable. Students researched both in class and at home. The final copy was completed in class
on their personal laptops.
Reading and viewing
By the end of Year 8, students understand how the selection of text structures is influenced by the selection of language
mode and how this varies for different purposes and audiences. They explain how language features, images and
vocabulary are used to represent different ideas and issues in texts. They interpret texts, questioning the reliability of
sources of ideas and information. They select evidence from the text to show how events, situations and people can be
represented from different viewpoints.
Writing and creating
Students understand how the selection of language features can be used for particular purposes and effects. They explain
the effectiveness of language choices they use to influence the audience. Through combining ideas, images and language
features from other texts students show how ideas can be expressed in new ways. They create texts for different
purposes selecting language to influence audience response. When creating and editing texts for specific effects, they
take into account intended purposes and the needs and interests of audiences. They demonstrate understanding of
grammar, select vocabulary for effect and use accurate spelling and punctuation.
Speaking and listening
Students listen for and identify different emphases in texts, using that understanding to elaborate upon discussions. They
understand how the selection of language features can be used for particular purposes and effects. They explain the
effectiveness of language choices they use to influence the audience. Through combining ideas, images and language
features from other texts students show how ideas can be expressed in new ways. They create texts for different
purposes selecting language to influence audience response. They make presentations and contribute actively to class
and group discussions, using language patterns for effect.
Informative texts, Biography
Student achievement is reported at the end of the semester or year using the letter grades
and achievement descriptors. Letter grades and achievement descriptors should not be used
to assess individual pieces of work.
2014/26698 [PDF: 2014/27848]
English: Year 8 Grade B Work Sample
1
Constructs an introduction that
addresses aspects of the topic,
e.g. provides an effective
summary of Taylor Swift’s
career to date.
Image has been removed
for copyright reasons.
Expresses ideas clearly, using
simple, compound and complex
sentences, with minor errors
that do not detract from
meaning.
2014/26698
English: Year 8 Grade B Work Sample
2
Uses most punctuation
correctly, but occasionally
makes errors, e.g. with commas
in complex sentences.
Spells most words correctly.
Image has been removed for copyright
reasons
Includes relevant evidence with
a general discussion of its
significance, e.g. refers to the
various people who have
inspired Swift.
Structures paragraphs with
topic, developing and
supporting sentences.
Makes conventional, but
effective, language choices to
communicate ideas in an essay,
e.g. ‘a warm and giving heart’,
‘this magnificent angel’,
‘amazing acts of kindness’.
2014/26698
English: Year 8 Grade B Work Sample
3
Image has been removed for copyright reasons
Constructs a conclusion with a
relevant summary of the key
points: re-emphasises Taylor
Swift’s impact on contemporary
society and relates to that
personally.
2014/26698
English: Year 8 Grade B Work Sample
4
Includes a detailed bibliography
for the text and images.
2014/26698
English: Year 8 Grade B Work Sample
5