How the Selective writing test is marked: the rubric, band by band

Content and ideas. Content is thoughtfully and confidently chosen, with inventive and imaginative details selected to create impact.

Form, structure and organisation. Material is skilfully adapted in an appropriate form, with ideas deliberately structured and developed to create a coherent whole, well-managed paragraphs or sections, and a range of cohesive devices.

Vocabulary and style. Ambitious and well-chosen vocabulary and stylistic features are consciously used, with assured shifts between different levels of formality.

Content and ideas. Content is carefully chosen, with interesting details used to create particular effects.

Form, structure and organisation. Material is effectively adapted in an appropriate form, with ideas purposefully structured and organised to create a consistent whole, clear paragraphs or sections, and ideas linked using cohesive devices.

Vocabulary and style. Precise and mostly well-selected vocabulary and stylistic features are used, with an appropriate level of formality sustained.

Content and ideas. Selection of content is sound and appropriate, with some relevant details chosen.

Form, structure and organisation. Material is securely managed, mostly in an appropriate form, with ideas clearly sequenced and organised, using paragraphs or sections, and ideas mostly linked.

Vocabulary and style. Vocabulary selected includes some use of precise or interesting words and stylistic features, and an appropriate level of formality is mostly maintained.

Content and ideas. Some relevant material, with some details included, though selection not always appropriate.

Form, structure and organisation. Management of material, partially in an appropriate form, is inconsistent, with ideas mostly but not always grouped logically, and some use of paragraphs.

Vocabulary and style. Vocabulary is mostly appropriate but is repetitive or lacks precision and ambition. There is some uncertainty in the level of formality adopted.

Content and ideas. Material not always relevant, lacking in detail or with detail that is inappropriate.

Form, structure and organisation. Material lacks clear and consistent management in an appropriate form; there is some ordering of ideas but paragraphs are inconsistent or missing.

Vocabulary and style. Vocabulary is limited in range and the level of formality is inappropriate at times.

Sentences. A well-judged range of sentence lengths, types and structures is used with secure control to create impact.

Punctuation. A range of punctuation is used very securely and sometimes for deliberate effect.

Spelling. Spelling of almost all words, including ambitious or unfamiliar words, is accurate.

Sentences. A range of sentence lengths, types and structures, mostly well controlled, is used, including some for emphasis or effect.

Punctuation. Punctuation is mostly secure, with occasional use of punctuation for effect.

Spelling. Spelling of most words, including ambitious or less common words, is accurate.

Sentences. There is some range of sentence length, type and structure used mostly accurately, though there may be inaccuracies in more ambitious constructions.

Punctuation. Punctuation of sentences is secure, with some omitted or inaccurate use of internal punctuation.

Spelling. Spelling of most commonly spelled words and irregular words is sound, but there are some mistakes in less familiar words and occasional errors in homophones.

Sentences. Sentences are limited in range, and there is a loss of control in longer or more complex constructions.

Punctuation. Straightforward punctuation is mostly secure, but there are inconsistencies, with some punctuation omitted or misused.

Spelling. Spelling of most commonly spelled words is sound, but there are errors in irregular words and in homophones.

Sentences. Sentences are simple, repetitive or lack control.

Punctuation. Punctuation is variable or insecure.

Spelling. Spelling has significant inaccuracies.