HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER TRAINING WORKSHOP

Assessing WRITING skills
VINH PHUC, August 18, 2014

How often do you test your students on writing skill?
How do you test their writing skill?
Work in group
Activity 1
Group Work
Provide writing opportunities before the test
Choose writing topics suitable for the students
Not too pay attention to the handwriting
Provide a realistic time allotment (Set the Deadline)
Be clear about the expected length of the response (How many words)
Be clear about what students need to include (Give clues)
Provide feedback after the test (Remark, comment)
3
Assess the Writing Test for strengths & weaknesses
Operations: expressions of thanks, opinions, apology, etc.
Text types: description, report, postcard, narration, etc.
Addressees: acquaintances, colleagues, sales, etc.
Topic: Social interaction with Native and Non-native speakers of English, visiting places of interest, etc.
Specifying appropriate tasks


Holistic scoring: (Point for the whole writing)
Also known as “impressionistic scoring.”
Involves the assignment of a single score to a sample of writing on the basis of an overall impression.
Analytic scoring: (Point for each requirement)
Methods of scoring which require a separate score for each of a number of aspects.

Obtaining reliable scoring of writing
Ts discuss and develop a holistic scoring guide for informational writing – REPORTS

Ex: Write about one of your wishes. (100 words)
Testing writing
Activity 2
Group Work

Content: thesis statement, development of ideas, examples, consistent focus
Organization: effectiveness of introduction, logical sequence of ideas, conclusion, appropriate length
Discourse: topic sentences, paragraph unity, transitions, cohesion, fluency
Grammar: accuracy, variety, complexity
Vocabulary: appropriacy, variety, complexity
Mechanics: spelling, punctuation, appearance, correct citations
7
Analytic scoring features
Discuss with the person sitting next to you:
Differences across levels
Focus on level 5 & 6
IELTS WRITING TASK 2: BAND DESCRIPTOR
Activity 3
Pair Work
Off-task scripts
Memorized scripts
Incomplete responses
Special problems in scoring