SPM English 1119 Marking Band

Paper 1

Section B : Continuous Writing

[50 marks]

[Time suggested : One hour]

The free composition is basically assessed by 'general impression'. However, the following levels can be noted:

Excellent (A1 - A2)
41 - 50 marks

* Hardly any mistakes in grammar (including spelling and punctuation)

* Effective use of varied sentence structures

* Wide vocabulary, used expressively/precisely

* Good and relevant points

* Coherence in paragraphing

* Well-organised paragraphing

* Essay is very interesting and shows originality


Good (B3 - B4)
31 - 40 marks

* Few mistakes in grammar - mistakes arise from more unusual/complex language use

* Some variety in sentence structures

* Some width in vocabulary - can convey shades of meaning

* Relevant points

* Some coherence in paragraphing

* Points organised in paragraphs

* Essay is interesting


Satisfactory (C5 - C6)
26 - 30 marks

* Some mistakes in grammar but language use is mainly accurate. Mistakes arise from more complex language use

* Some variety in sentence structures. However, generally, repetitive sentence types are found

* Mainly basic vocabulary. Errors in use of more ambitious vocabulary

* Relevant points

* Some coherence in paragraphing

* Not very well-organised points

* Essay is slightly interesting


Passable (D7)
21 - 25 marks

* Many mistakes in grammar but the meaning is still clear. Patches of accurate language use occur

* Little variety of sentence structures

* Only basic vocabulary. Errors in use of more ambitious vocabulary

* Points are mostly relevant; some illogical/irrelevant points

* Little coherence in paragraphing

* Not very well-organised points

* Essay is not interesting


Unsatisfactory (E8)
16 - 20 marks

* Many serious mistakes in grammar but the meaning is fairly clear. A few simple structures may be correct

* Little variety in sentence structures

* Only basic vocabulary. Errors in use of more ambitious vocabulary

* Topic is not well-treated

* Disorganised points

* Little coherence in paragraphing

* Essay is not interesting


Poor (F9)
11 - 15 marks

* Many serious mistakes in grammar and the meaning is not very clear

* Only simple sentence structures

* Very basic vocabulary; many errors in use of words

* Poor treatment of topic due to poor linguistic ability

* Hardly any organisation; probably no paragraphing


6 - 10 marks

* Very frequent and serious mistakes in grammar and vocabulary, making the meaning barely comprehensible


0 - 5 marks

* Almost unrecognisable as English

* Almost no sense can be made at all