PMB Composition Exam: Section A
General
Category
CONTENT & ORGANISATION
Performance Description
ACCURACY & RANGE OF STRUCTURES & VOCAB
Marks
Performance Description
Marks
Very Poor
No response, or mere copying of words from the exam paper.
Little or no attempt to address the topic.
Brief fragments of ideas.
0-2
Not recognizable as a piece of English writing.
Fragmented sentences.
High density of grammatical, lexical and punctuation errors.
0-1
Poor
Falls significantly below the word limit.
Addresses the topic only partially.
Little or no evidence of paragraphing or sequencing of ideas.
3-5
Frequent errors in basic spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Restricted to use of simple sentences.
Repetitive use of limited vocabulary to express basic ideas.
2-3
Average
Achieves, or approaches, the required length.
Addresses topic in a basic, though possibly inconsistent, way.
Contains patches of details or elaboration of basic ideas.
Some attempts at organising ideas into paragraphs.
Some evidence of sequencing, but not sustained.
6-8
Spelling of high-frequency words mainly correct, but errors occur with
more difficult items.
Basic punctuation marks generally used correctly.
Simple words and structures used correctly, mistakes are made with
more difficult items and patterns.
Use of tenses uncertain.
4-5
Good
Achieves the required length.
Addresses the topic adequately, arousing some interest.
Contains relevant details and/or development of ideas.
Ideas are presented in well-defined paragraphs.
Some use of sequencing words and other connectors.
9 - 11
All simple vocabulary correctly spelt.
Adequate range of vocabulary for the task.
Basic punctuation marks used correctly.
Simple structures used mainly correctly, with consistent tense usage.
Attempts to use more complex structures, though with some errors.
Maybe some use of direct speech, where appropriate.
6-7
Very Good
Achieves or exceeds the required length.
Addresses the topic in a mature way.
Sustains interest with some original ideas &/or relevant details.
Ideas are well organised and arranged in coherent paragraphs.
Appropriate use of connectors.
Spelling and punctuation correct except for occasional slips.
A good range of vocabulary, correctly used.
A variety of sentence structures, mainly used correctly.
Accurate tense usage.
Competent use of direct speech, where appropriate.
8-9
Excellent
Achieves or exceeds the required length.
Addresses the topic in a mature and possibly original way.
Sustains interest throughout, with sophisticated development of
ideas and use of detail.
Clear paragraphing, with correct and appropriate use of
connectors and other cohesive devices.
12 - 14
15
Spelling & punctuation, including direct speech, virtually free of errors.
A wide range of vocabulary used to express precise meaning.
Sophisticated & accurate use of structures to create desired effect.
A wide range of tenses, accurately used.
Some awareness of style/register.
10
PMB Composition Exam: Section B
General
Category
CONTENT & ORGANISATION
Performance Description
ACCURACY & RANGE OF STRUCTURES & VOCAB
Marks
Performance Description
Marks
Very Poor
No response, or mere copying of words from the exam paper.
Unconnected fragments of ideas.
0
Not recognizable as a piece of English writing.
Fragmented sentences.
High density of grammatical, lexical and punctuation errors.
0-1
Poor
Falls significantly below the word limit.
Addresses the topic only partially.
Little or no evidence of paragraphing or sequencing of ideas.
1
Frequent errors in basic spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Restricted to use of simple sentences.
Repetitive use of limited vocabulary to express basic ideas.
2-3
Average
Achieves, or approaches, the required length.
Addresses topic in a basic, though possibly inconsistent, way.
Contains patches of details or elaboration of basic ideas.
Some attempts at organising ideas into paragraphs.
Some evidence of sequencing, but not sustained.
2
Spelling of high-frequency words mainly correct, but errors occur with
more difficult items.
Basic punctuation marks generally used correctly.
Simple words and structures used correctly, mistakes are made with
more difficult items and patterns.
Use of tenses uncertain.
4-5
Good
Achieves the required length.
Addresses the topic adequately, arousing some interest.
Contains relevant details and/or development of ideas.
Ideas are presented in well-defined paragraphs.
Some use of sequencing words and other connectors.
3
All simple vocabulary correctly spelt.
Adequate range of vocabulary for the task.
Basic punctuation marks used correctly.
Simple structures used mainly correctly, with consistent tense usage.
Attempts to use more complex structures, though with some errors.
6-7
Very Good
Achieves or exceeds the required length.
Addresses the topic in a mature way.
Sustains interest with some original ideas &/or relevant details.
Ideas are well organised and arranged in coherent paragraphs.
Appropriate use of connectors.
4
Spelling and punctuation correct except for occasional slips.
A good range of vocabulary, correctly used.
A variety of sentence structures, mainly used correctly.
Accurate tense usage.
8-9
Excellent
Achieves or exceeds the required length.
Addresses the topic in a mature and possibly original way.
Sustains interest throughout, with sophisticated development of
ideas and use of detail.
Clear paragraphing, with correct and appropriate use of
connectors and other cohesive devices.
5
Spelling & punctuation virtually free of errors.
A wide range of vocabulary used to express precise meaning.
Sophisticated & accurate use of structures to create desired effect.
A wide range of tenses, accurately used.
Some awareness of style/register.
10