NOCN ESOL Writing Level C2 Proficient Mark Scheme - Writing Assessment Criteria

Oct 1, 2026

NOCN ESOL Writing Level C2 Proficient mark scheme outlines two writing tasks: Task 1 (200–250 words) and Task 2 (250–300 words), to be completed in 75 minutes. Assessment covers content, format, grammar accuracy, vocabulary range, idiom and conjunction use, and spelling of basic plus academic/specialist words. Marks are given per task with banded performance descriptors, and total marks reflect criteria across 0–12 for each task, including evidence of task awareness, cohesion, punctuation, and complex structures.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Overview

Tasks, word counts, and time allowed

Mark ranges

Assessment Criteria

Content

Format

NOCN ESOL Writing Level C2 Proficient Mark Scheme The learner will be required to complete two tasks. At the C2 level the learner will be asked to write between 200 – 250 words for Task 1, between 250 – 300 words for Task 2. The learner will be assessed on content; conjunctions; idioms; communication of impressions and opinions; complex structures and abstract subjects. Time allowed is 75 minutes. Task 1: 200-250 words Task 2: 250 – 300 words Marks range from 0 – 12 each task | Focus | Answers | Marks
available | Total
marks
available | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Content | Communicating ideas on complex abstract subjects
Thorough awareness of task and content is relevant. Expandson key points. Linguistic markers used to give opinions and elaborated answers.
Some awareness of task. Key points may not be fully elaborated. Limited in depth. Arguments may not be coherently expressed. Word count may not be met. Untidy but legible.
Content not relevant to context of task. No understanding of task requirements. Incomplete task, not fully met word count. Untidy and illegible. | 2
1
0 | 2 | | Format | Understand a range of complex features of a variety of texts
Correct use of format e.g. addresses, salutations, headings, subheadings. Correct use of paragraphs, organisation of ideas and formality of language. Overall consistent style.
Some correct use of format e.g. addresses, salutations, headings, subheadings. Evidence of paragraphing, but may not show logical cohesion of ideas. Limited use of appropriate language.
No demonstration of language function or range of formats. No salutations. No evidence of paragraphing, or logical cohesion of ideas. | 2
1
0 | 2 | | Accuracy
of
Grammar | Uses appropriate tenses, word order, complex structures, subordinate clauses, a variety of tenses in active and passive forms accurately. One to two errors in sentence structures. Punctuation accurate throughout.
Occasional errors in tenses, grammatical structures, although comprehension is not impeded. Most errors occur with more complex grammatical forms. Some errors in punctuation. | 3
2 | 3 | NOCN ESOL Writing Level C2 Proficient Mark Scheme | | Errors in tense forms, word order and punctuation. Some comprehension is impeded in places. Most errors occur in more complex grammatical forms.
Does not produce a comprehensible text. Many errors in punctuation. Little or no understanding of grammatical forms and tenses inaccurate throughout. | 1
0 | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Range of
vocab | Uses a variety of vocabulary to communicate ideas, impressions, feelings and opinions clearly. Idioms used naturally throughout. Conjunctions used effectively. Academic/specialist vocabulary used effectively.
Some use of vocabulary to communicate ideas, impressions, feelings and opinions. Some use of idioms. A wide range of conjunctions used correctly. Limited use of academic/specialist vocabulary.
Limited use of appropriate vocabulary to communicate ideas, impressions, feelings and opinions. No idioms used. Limited range of conjunctions used. No use of academic/specialist vocabulary.
Incorrect use of vocabulary throughout for communicating ideas, impressions, feelings and opinions. Does not produce a legible text. Conjunctions used ineffectively or not at all. | 3
2
1
0 | 3 | | Spelling | Correct spelling of basic vocabulary with most
academic/specialised words spelt correctly.
Some errors in spelling of basic vocabulary with most errors in spelling of academic/specialised words.
Spelling is very weak with many errors in spelling throughout. | 2
1
0 | 2 | | Total
marks | | 12 | 12 | | C2 Learning Outcomes | Assessment Criteria | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | Task 1 | Task 2 | | 1. Communicate ideas,
impressions, feelings and opinions on complex abstract subjects. | 1.1 Write detailed texts on a range of topics using cogent arguments. |

FAQs

What are the word counts and time allowed for the C2 writing tasks?

Task 1 requires 200–250 words and Task 2 requires 250–300 words. The total time allowed is 75 minutes.

How is performance assessed for content and task completion?

Assessment considers how well learners communicate ideas on complex abstract subjects, awareness of task requirements, and the depth and elaboration of key points, including whether the word count is met and the content is relevant.

Which language areas are checked under accuracy and range of vocabulary?

Accuracy includes correct tense use, word order, complex structures, subordinate clauses, and punctuation. Vocabulary range focuses on effective communication, natural idiom use, appropriate conjunctions, and effective academic/specialist vocabulary.

Oct 1, 2026

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