Clarification details
Updated December 2019. This document has been updated in its entirety for version 3 of this standard and addresses issues that have arisen from moderation.
Demonstrating independent competence (Guidance Information 6)
Guidance Information 6 indicates that learners should have developed sufficient skills to write a simple text for a practical purpose independently. Assessor guidance must not compromise authenticity. Assessors may offer appropriate general guidance on aspects of writing which require further work. Assessors should not correct errors, make detailed written annotations, or provide verbal feedback identifying and commenting on individual errors in pieces of writing.
Dictionaries and electronic devices (Guidance Information 8)
Learners may use bilingual and/or monolingual English dictionaries. Monolingual dictionaries should be those designed for English language learners at level 2. Spelling and grammar checkers can be used in word processing. Other grammar check programmes and electronic devices, such as translators and translator apps on cell phones, are not permitted because these may compromise the learner’s ability to demonstrate independent competence.
Text types (Outcome 1 Range statement)
Assessors can select from a range of texts for practical purposes, e.g. instructions, recipes, letters, emails, simple curriculum vitae. However, other text types can also be assessed. The text chosen should predominantly use the conventions of that text type. Texts not written for practical purposes should be assessed against level 2 English Language Unit Standard 27999.
Text structure (Performance criterion 1.2)
Text structure must include the correct use of paragraphs, if these are appropriate to the text type.
Complete sentences (Performance criterion 1.3 Range statement)
Complete simple, compound and complex sentences require a correctly placed full-stop. Run-on and comma splice sentences are not complete.
Vocabulary (Performance criterion 1.4)
Writing may contain errors and inaccuracies in vocabulary use, but these must not obscure meaning.