There are five levels of difficulty. Level 1 is the least complex, and Level 5 is the most complex. At each new level, individuals need to demonstrate more competency than they do at the previous levels. For example, Level 3 builds upon the skills used at Levels 1 and 2. With the increased skill required at each level, the writing that individuals produce communicates messages more clearly as they move to Level 5.
In all cases, examinees listen to audio messages and then write down the information they have heard in order to convey it to someone else. Examinees with extremely limited listening skills may be unable to produce a response that is sufficiently on topic to receive a valid Writing score.
| Level |
Characteristics of Responses |
1
View sample item |
- Messages are very difficult to understand because of numerous errors
- The majority of the sentence structures are incorrect
- Major mechanical, grammatical, and word usage errors are numerous
- Rude or overly casual language not consistent with standard business English is used
- No organization is evident
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| Level |
Characteristics of Responses |
2
View sample item |
- Messages are generally understandable
- Some correct sentence structures are used, although some sentences may require further clarification
- Writing has enough correct mechanics, word usage, and grammar to convey an idea, although many errors may interfere with comprehension
- Casual language or slang may be used rather than standard business English
- Although topical information is used, writing lacks connections that would make it flow easily
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| Level |
Characteristics of Responses |
3
View sample item |
- Messages are clear
- The majority of the sentences are complete
- Writing has few mechanical, grammatical, and word usage errors so the message is adequately conveyed
- The language may be more casual than standard business English but never contains slang or is rude
- Some organization is evident, but the writing may have inappropriate transitions and/or some information out of logical order
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| Level |
Characteristics of Responses |
4
View sample item |
- Messages are clear, with almost no errors
- All sentences are complete
- There are very few mechanical, grammatical, and/or word usage errors
- The tone is professional and consistent with standard business English most of the time
- The writing style is adequate but may be somewhat choppy
- Good organization is demonstrated with only minor transition or logical order problems
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| Level |
Characteristics of Responses |
5
View sample item |
- Messages are clear, precise, and free of errors
- Correct, complete sentences are used and are varied, smooth, and polished
- There are no mechanical, grammatical, or word usage errors
- A businesslike, courteous, and professional tone is maintained with language that is highly consistent with standard business English
- The writing style flows smoothly
- The information is presented in a logical order; for example, the writer may rearrange the information so that the important part comes first
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