Functional Skills
English Writing – Level 1
SA
M
PL
E
Mark scheme and marking guidance
Assessment Code: FSEWL1SA
Level 1 Writing Mark scheme
General guidance
For both tasks there is a suggested word count. Candidates should not be penalised for
responses which are longer or shorter than the suggested number of words. It is the quality
not the quantity of work that affects the assessment outcome. Assessors must judge
whether candidates have met the relevant assessment criteria.
E
The maximum number of marks for each task is 15. The following marking criteria grids
should be applied separately to each task. Award marks according to the marking criteria
with reference to the indicative content for each task.
M
PL
Content and Presentation
Candidate communicates task fully, producing relevant and detailed information and ideas,
presented in a logical sequence. Writing is overall clear and coherent.
Candidate mostly communicates task, producing relevant information and ideas,
presented in a logical sequence with some detail. Writing is overall mostly clear and
coherent.
Candidate partially communicates task, producing some relevant information or ideas, with
a little detail. Sequence is not necessarily logical. Writing is not always clear or coherent.
Candidate produces very limited response to the task. Little relevant information or ideas.
Overall, writing lacks clarity and coherence.
Little or no relevant communication.
Language, format and structure
Writing is structured in paragraphs in a format suitable for purpose and audience, using
appropriate vocabulary and expressions at Level 1.
Writing includes some use of paragraphs in a format mostly suitable for purpose and
audience, using appropriate vocabulary and expressions at Level 1.
Writing lacks structure overall. Format does not sufficiently relate to purpose and
audience. Some use of appropriate vocabulary and expressions at this level.
Language, format and structure are not sufficient to meet the requirements of the task.
SA
Punctuation
Sentences are punctuated correctly so that meaning is clear.
Sentences are punctuated mostly correctly. Meaning is clear but there are errors in
punctuation.
Punctuation is often incorrect and meaning not clear.
Grammar
Sentences are complete and include complex features. Tenses are consistently accurate.
Grammatical features are used accurately so that meaning is clear .
Sentences are complete and include some complex features. Tenses are mostly accurate.
Grammatical features are mostly accurate and meaning is not impaired.
Sentences are mostly simple with few complex features. Tenses contain errors.
Grammatical errors occur, particularly when more complex features are attempted.
Meaning is at times impaired.
Sentences are simple and contain basic grammatical errors. Tenses are only occasionally
accurate. Meaning is often not clear.
The level of grammatical error means communication is not achieved.
Functional Skills – Assessor Pack – Writing Level 1
Page 2 of 3
4
3
2
1
0
3
2
1
0
2
1
0
4
3
2
1
0
Spelling
Words with regular and irregular spelling patterns are spelt correctly.
Most common and familiar words are spelt correctly. Spelling errors mostly occur in words
with irregular spelling patterns but do not impede communication.
The number of spelling errors means communication is not achieved.
2
1
0
E
Indicative content Task A:
Responses should indicate the reason for the email (applying to be a volunteer) and adopt a
formal polite tone and register with a polite/formal beginning and ending
M
PL
Answers should include:
 Relevant personal information about themselves e.g.name, age, what they do/work
as/study.
 Why they want to apply.
 The skills they have.
 Reference to past experience – work and/or voluntary.
 Reference to working with children and/or one or more of the listed activities.
Indicative content Task B:
Responses should indicate the reason for the blog and that it is a first post and adopt an
informal/friendly tone and register with an informal beginning and ending.
Answers should include:
 Introduction of themselves and the activity/interest.
 How they got interested.
 Why they recommend it.
 Advice on how to get started.
Level 1 Writing Skill Standards Coverage:
SA
Write a range of texts to communicate information, ideas and opinions, using formats
and styles suitable for their purpose and audience.
Criterion
1a
1b
1c
1d
1e
1f
Description
Write clearly and coherently, including
an appropriate level of detail
Present information in a logical
sequence
Use language, format and structure
suitable for purpose and audience
Use correct grammar, including correct
and consistent use of tense;
Coverage (Task/question)
Content and Presentation 4 marks
Ensure written work includes generally
accurate punctuation and spelling and
that meaning is clear
In more than one type of text
Spelling
Punctuation
Functional Skills – Assessor Pack – Writing Level 1
Content and Presentation 4 marks
Language, format and structure
3 marks
Grammar 4 marks
2 marks
2 marks
Task A – formal email
Task B - blog
Page 3 of 3