The FCE Writing Checklist: How to Hit All the Marking Criteria

The FCE Writing exam is marked according to four criteria: Content, Communicative Achievement, Organisation, and Language. Each criterion carries equal weight in the overall assessment of the writing task.

The Content criterion assesses how well you address the task and develop your ideas. It looks at whether you have provided relevant information and supported your arguments with examples or evidence. To meet this criterion, it is important to carefully read and understand the task instructions and plan your response accordingly.

The Communicative Achievement criterion assesses how well you have communicated your ideas and engaged with the reader. It looks at whether your writing is appropriate for the intended audience and purpose. To meet this criterion, it is important to use an appropriate tone and register, as well as engage with the reader through rhetorical devices or persuasive techniques.

The Organisation criterion assesses how well you have structured your writing and linked your ideas together. It looks at whether your writing has a clear introduction, body, and conclusion, as well as whether you have used cohesive devices to connect your ideas. To meet this criterion, it is important to plan your writing and use appropriate paragraphing and linking words.

The Language criterion assesses your ability to use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures accurately. It looks at whether you have used appropriate vocabulary and register for the given task, as well as whether you have demonstrated control of grammar and sentence structures. To meet this criterion, it is important to use a variety of vocabulary and sentence structures, as well as proofread your work for errors.

To meet the Organisation criterion, it is important to structure your writing in a clear and logical manner. This involves having a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.

In the introduction, you should provide some background information on the topic and clearly state your main argument or purpose. This helps to set the tone for the rest of your writing and gives the reader an idea of what to expect.

The body of your writing should consist of several paragraphs that develop your ideas and provide supporting evidence or examples. Each paragraph should focus on a specific point or aspect of the topic and should be clearly linked to the previous and following paragraphs.

Finally, in the conclusion, you should summarize your main points and restate your main argument or purpose. This helps to bring your writing to a close and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

The Language criterion assesses your ability to use appropriate language and register for the given task. This involves using vocabulary that is relevant to the topic and level of formality required.

To meet this criterion, it is important to carefully read and understand the task instructions and consider the intended audience and purpose of your writing. For example, if you are writing a formal letter, you should use formal language and avoid contractions or slang. On the other hand, if you are writing a review, you can use more informal language and express your personal opinions.

It is also important to use vocabulary that is specific to the topic and demonstrates a range of vocabulary. This can be achieved by using synonyms or related words to avoid repetition and by learning new vocabulary through reading and studying.

To meet the Content and Language criteria, it is important to demonstrate a range of vocabulary in your writing. This involves using a variety of words and phrases to express your ideas and avoid repetition.

One way to expand your vocabulary is to read extensively in English. This can expose you to a wide range of words and phrases and help you to understand how they are used in context. You can also make use of online resources, such as dictionaries or vocabulary websites, to learn new words and their meanings.

Another way to expand your vocabulary is to practice using new words in your writing. This can help you to become more comfortable with using them and ensure that you remember them for future use.

The Communicative Achievement criterion assesses your ability to use complex sentence structures to demonstrate a higher level of language proficiency. This involves using a variety of sentence types, such as compound or complex sentences, as well as using appropriate punctuation.

To meet this criterion, it is important to vary the length and structure of your sentences. This can be achieved by using coordinating conjunctions, such as "and" or "but," to join two independent clauses or by using subordinating conjunctions, such as "although" or "because," to join an independent clause with a dependent clause.

It is also important to use appropriate punctuation, such as commas or semicolons, to separate clauses or phrases within a sentence. This helps to clarify the meaning of your writing and make it easier for the reader to follow.

The Organisation criterion assesses how well you have used cohesive devices to connect ideas and create a coherent piece of writing. This involves using linking words or phrases to show the relationship between different parts of your writing.

To meet this criterion, it is important to use a variety of cohesive devices, such as conjunctions, adverbs, or pronouns. This can help to guide the reader through your writing and make it easier for them to understand your ideas.

Some common examples of cohesive devices include "however," "therefore," "in addition," or "on the other hand." These words or phrases can be used to show contrast, cause and effect, addition, or concession.

In order to achieve success in the FCE Writing exam, it is important to avoid common errors and mistakes that can negatively impact your score. Some common errors include spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, or punctuation errors.

To avoid these errors, it is important to proofread and edit your work before submitting it. This involves checking for spelling mistakes before submitting your work, as well as reviewing your work for grammatical errors or punctuation mistakes.

It can also be helpful to ask a friend or teacher to review your work and provide feedback. They may be able to spot errors or mistakes that you may have missed and offer suggestions for improvement.

Before submitting your work, it is important to check it for accuracy and clarity. This involves reviewing your writing to ensure that it is free from errors and that your ideas are clearly expressed.

To check for accuracy, it is important to review your work for spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, or punctuation mistakes. You should also check that you have used appropriate vocabulary and register for the given task.

To check for clarity, it is important to read your work aloud or ask a friend to read it and provide feedback. This can help you to identify any areas that may be unclear or confusing and make the necessary revisions.

In addition to using the FCE Writing Checklist, there are several other tips that can help you improve your FCE Writing skills.

Firstly, it is important to practice regularly. This can involve completing practice exercises or writing tasks under timed conditions. By practicing regularly, you can become more familiar with the exam format and develop strategies for managing your time effectively.

Secondly, it is important to read extensively in English. This can expose you to a wide range of writing styles and help you to develop your own writing style. It can also help you to expand your vocabulary and improve your understanding of grammar and sentence structures.

Finally, it is important to seek feedback from others. This can involve asking a teacher or friend to review your work and provide constructive criticism. By receiving feedback, you can identify areas for improvement and make the necessary revisions.