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Essential Skills

CCEA Specimen Assessment Material for

LEVEL 1 CERTIFICATE INESSENTIAL SKILLS - COMMUNICATION

For first teaching from September 2016For first assessment from January 2017For first award in January 2017Subject Code: 9962

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ForewordThe awarding bodies have prepared new specifications to comply with revised Essential Skills standards. The specimen assessment materials accompanying new specifications are provided to give centres guidance on the structure and character of the planned assessment in advance of the first assessments. It is intended that the specimen assessment materials contained in this booklet will help teachers and students to understand, as fully as possible, the markers’ expectations of candidates’ responses to the types of tasks and questions set at Level 1. These specimen assessment materials should be used in conjunction with CCEA’s Level 1 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication specification.

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Level 1 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication

Specimen Assessment Materials

ContentsSpeciment Papers

Level 1 Reading and Writing 5

Mark Schemes

Level 1 Reading and Writing 21

Resources

Level 1 Resource A and B 35

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Subject Code 9962

QAN 603/0429/7

A CCEA Publication © 2016

You may download further copies of this publication from www.ccea.org.uk

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Level 1 Sample Assessment

[BC101]DAY AND DATE OF EXAMINATION

*16BC10101*

*16BC10101*

Centre Number

Candidate Number

TIME ALLOWED

1 hour 30 minutes.

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES

• Write your Centre Number and Candidate Number in the spaces provided at the top of this page.

• Write your answers in the spaces provided in the question paper.• Do not write outside the boxed area on each page or on blank pages.• Complete in black ink only. Do not write with a gel pen.• You can use a dictionary.• Complete all tasks.

INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES

• The total mark for this paper is 50.• Read each question carefully. • Spend 45 minutes on Part One and 45 minutes on Part Two.• Please read and use Resource A and B (inserts) for both parts of the paper.• Spelling, punctuation and grammar will be assessed in Part Two.

CCEA (LEVEL 1) ESSENTIAL SKILLSCERTIFICATE IN COMMUNICATION

10901

*BC101*

*BC101*

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10901

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PART ONE – ReadingYou are interested in volunteering to help in your local community.

Read both Resources A and B and complete the tasks.

Tasks 1 to 4 are about Resource A

Tasks 5 to 10 are about Resource B

Total Marks for Reading – 10 tasks – 25 marks

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PART ONE – ReadingTasks 1–4 are about Resource A

Task 1

List three advantages of working as a volunteer.

Advantage 1

[1]

Advantage 2

[1]

Advantage 3

[1]

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*16BC10104*

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Task 2

(a) Your friend James wants to attend training on ‘Keeping Adults Safe’.

(i) Where can he attend training?

[1]

(ii) What date is it being held?

[1]

(b) Your friend Michelle, who lives in Newry, wants to do some training. What courses are available to her?

Course 1

[1]

Course 2

[1]

(c) What is the main purpose of the Training Timetable? Tick 3 the box which indicates the correct response.

Is it: (i) tofindthelocalopeninghoursofthelibrary.

(ii) to give the address of Belfast Central Library.

(iii) to inform the reader of the different types of courses available.

(iv) to promote the local town hall.

[1]

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*16BC10105*

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Task 3

In your own words, explain what is meant by the following phrases as used in Resource A:

‘well-rounded people’

[2]

‘to work on your own initiative’

[2]

Task 4

List two skills you must be able to demonstrate to be a volunteer:

Skill 1

[1]

Skill 2

[1]

10

10901

*16BC10106*

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Tasks 5 to 10 are about Resource B

Task 5

Youwanttofindoutmoreinformationaboutvolunteeringatthefestival.Tick one correct answer below.

Would you:

(a) attend an information evening?

(b) drive to Lagan Docks? (c) visit the local music shop? (d) turn up on the day? [1]

Task 6

What type of person does the organiser want? Tick three correct answers below:

(a) skilledinfilmandmedia

(b) approachable (c) well organised (d) like rock music

(e) able to play a guitar [3]

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10901[Turn over

*16BC10107*

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Task 7

(a) Whatisthepurposeofthisleaflet?

[1]

(b) Whoistheleafletaimedat?

[1]

Task 8

Whyhasanimageofaguitarbeenusedintheleaflet?

[1]

Task 9

Explain twoways,whythewriterhasusedcolourintheleaflet.

[2]

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10901

*16BC10108*

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Task 10

State what impact the use of the following have on the reader:

(i) the exclamation mark

(ii) the word ‘you’

(i) Exclamation mark

[1]

(ii) ‘You’

[1]

Total Marks 25

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*16BC10109*

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PART TWO – WritingYou have two tasks to complete in this section.

• write using full sentences• use paragraphs where appropriate• take care with handwriting • spell, punctuate and use grammar accurately

Task Marks

1 9 Letter

2 6 Email

1 and 2 10 Spelling, punctuation and grammar

Task 1 (Longer Document)

Write a letter, using formal language, to Ryan Ross, 1 Clarendon Dock, BT1 2AB expressing an interest in being a volunteer. Use an appropriate layout.

In your letter you should include:1. information about the subjects you are studying2. your hobbies and interests3. any experience of work you have had4. any skills/qualities you have that may be important to work as a volunteer, and5. your reasons for applying. [9 marks]

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10901

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Planning

Use the space below to plan your answer.

30 minutes – plan (5 minutes) write (20 minutes) check (5 minutes)

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10901[Turn over

Write your letter here.

*16BC10111*

*16BC10111*

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10901

*16BC10112*

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[9]

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10901[Turn over

*16BC10113*

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Task 2 (Shorter Document)

You have recently bought a mobile phone from Jupiter Mobiles and discovered it was faulty. Write an email to the manager of Jupiter Mobiles. [6 marks]

You should include:1. Details about when you bought your mobile phone and make/model2. Inform them of the problem3. What you expect them to do about this.

Planning

Youshouldplanyourresponsebelowbeforewritingthefinalemail.

15 minutes – plan (2 minutes) write (10 minutes) check (3 minutes)

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EMAIL TASK 2

To:

Subject:

[6]

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END OF QUESTION PAPER

BLANK PAGE

DO NOT WRITE ON THIS PAGE

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Permission to reproduce all copyright material has been applied for.In some cases, efforts to contact copyright holders may have been unsuccessful and CCEAwill be happy to rectify any omissions of acknowledgement in future if notified.

DO NOT WRITE ON THIS PAGE

Examiner Number

For Examiner’suse only

Task Marks

PART ONEReading

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

PART TWOWriting

1

2

SPG

TotalMarks

*16BC10116*

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10901.01

Level 1 – Sample Assessment[BC101]

DATE TBC

MARK SCHEME

2210901.01 COMMUNICATION LEVEL 1

General Marking Instructions

IntroductionMark schemes are intended to ensure that the Essential Skills examinations are marked consistently and fairly. They also set out the criteria which they should apply in allocating marks to candidates’ responses. The mark schemes should be read in conjunction with these general marking instructions.

Quality of Candidates’ ResponsesThe quality of an individual response begins with the examiner highlighting what, within the response, is creditworthy. Then, at the conclusion of the response, the examiner will evaluate the candidate’s achievement before selecting the appropriate mark.

Types of Mark Scheme/Band ResponseTasks which require only short answers are marked on a point for point basis with marks awarded for each valid piece of information provided.

Tasks requiring candidates to respond in extended writing are marked in terms of level of response. In deciding which level of response to award, examiners should look for the ‘best fit’ bearing in mind that weakness in one area may be compensated for by strength in another. In deciding which mark with a particular band to award to any response, examiners are expected to use their professional judgement.

The following guidance is provided to assist examiners

• Threshold performance: Responses which just merit inclusion in the band should be awarded a mark at or near the bottom of the range

• Intermediate performance: Responses which clearly merit inclusion in the band should be awarded a mark at or near the middle of the range

• High performance: Responses which fully satisfy the band description should be awarded a mark at or near the top of the range

Positive MarkingExaminers are encouraged to be positive in their marking, giving appropriate credit for what candidates know, understand and can do rather than penalizing candidates for errors or omissions. Examiners should make use of the whole of the available mark range of any particular task and be prepared to award full marks for a response which is as good as might reasonably be expected for Essential Skills candidates.

Flexibility in MarkingMark schemes are not intended to be totally prescriptive. No mark scheme can cover all the responses which candidates may produce. In the event of unanticipated answers, examiners are expected to use their professional judgement to assess the validity of answers. If the answer is particularly problematic, then examiners should always seek guidance from the Supervising Examiner.


Required Annotation for MarkersEach response will be assessed and the examiner should use the following symbols:

• the underline tool to indicate creditworthy material.• the circle facility which serves two purposes:

(a) to highlight spelling mistakes with each error being circled only once – alot / happend .

(b) for indicating minor and/or occasional lapses in punctuation such as missing apostrophes, commas and full stops – run’s / ...two three or four/ ...to me it was not long after...

• Wavy underlining to denote failings in syntax. When used vertically in the margin this will indicate ongoing issues, for example, failings in grammar/lapses in sentence structure – He seen yous threw the open door

• NP – new paragraph• UC – upper case• LC– lower case

• Caret insertion mark – to add words left out


LEVEL 1 MARK SCHEME FOR PART 1 – READING The Assessment Objectives

READING

Read and understand a range of straightforward texts.

• identify the main points and ideas and how they are presented in a variety of texts;• read and understand texts in detail;• utilise information contained in texts;• identify suitable responses to texts;• in more than one type of text.

All Assessment Objectives above are being assessed.


PART 1 – READING

Tasks 1–4 are about Resource A Maximum Marks

Fixed/OpenResponse

Task 1

List three advantages of working as a volunteer.

It is rewarding.It is good for your CV.It shows you have a caring side.You can be a team player.You can get on well with others.

Credit any other valid suggestions.

1 mark for any 3 of the following – total 3 marks

Fixed Response

Task 2

(a) Your friend James wants to attend training on ‘Keeping Adults Safe’.

(i) Where can he attend training? (ii) What date is it being held?

Where: Downpatrick LibraryDate: 11 May

(b) Your friend Michelle, who lives in Newry, wants to do some training. What courses are available to her?

Course 1: Keeping Children SafeCourse 2: Manual Handling

(c) What is the main purpose of the Training Timetable? Tick 3 the box which indicates the correct response.

(i) go find the local opening hours of the library(ii) give the address of Belfast Central Library (iii) to inform the reader of the different types of courses available (iv) to promote the local town hall.

1 mark for each response – total 2 marks

1 mark for each response – total 2 marks

1 mark for (c)(iii) only. Do not credit any other answer.

Fixed Response


Maximum Marks

Fixed/OpenResponse

Task 3

In your own words, explain what is meant by the following phrases as used in Resource A:

‘well-rounded people’:• individuals who possess a wide range of skills which are

relevant for the role of volunteering.

‘to work on your own initiative’:• be able to be left to get on with the job and you don’t

need constant supervision.


1 mark for explanation and 1 mark for elaboration.

1 mark for explanation and 1 mark for elaboration.

total 4 marks

Open Response

Task 4

List two skills you must be able to demonstrate to be a volunteer:

• have a willingness to help others• have a friendly personality• are approachable• are well presented• enjoy meeting people and • have a ‘can do’ attitude• enjoy challenges• are able to work on your own initiative

1 mark each for any 2 of the following – total 2 marks

Fixed Response


Tasks 5–10 are about Resource B Maximum Marks

Fixed/OpenResponse

Task 5

You want to find out more information about volunteering at the festival. Tick one correct answer below. Would you:

(a) attend an information evening?(b) drive to Lagan Docks? (c) visit the local music shop? (d) turn up on the day?

1 mark for (5)(a) only. Do not credit any other answer.

Fixed Response

Task 6

What type of person does the organiser want? Tick three correct answers below:

(a) film and media skills(b) approachable(c) well organised(d) like rock music(e) able to play a guitar

1 mark for (6)(a), (6)(c), (6)(d). Do not credit any other answers.

Fixed Response

Task 7

(a) What is the purpose of this leaflet?

• The purpose is to seek volunteers for an upcoming music festival.• Advertise the concert.

(b) Who is the leaflet aimed at?

• It is aimed at anyone over 14 years of age who want to volunteer their services. • The type of person must like rock music and enjoy working with people.

Credit any other valid suggestion.

1 mark for any one of the following – total 1 mark


Open Response

Task 8

Why has an image of a guitar been used in the leaflet?

• A rock guitar is used by musicians in a rock concert/ festival. • The image was chosen as it reflects the link between the festival and the type of music which will be played. • The image suggests what is happening at the festival.

Credit any other valid suggestion.


Open Response


Maximum Marks

Fixed/OpenResponse

Task 9

Explain two ways the writer has used colour in the leaflet.

• Colour can stir emotions• It grabs attention of the reader• Red is an eye-catching colour and suggests energy and vitality


1 mark for any 2 of the following – total 2 marks

Open Response

Task 10

State what impact the use of the following have on the reader:

(i) ‘Exclamation mark’(ii) The word ‘you’

(i) Exclamation mark• It exaggerates the sentence, as in don’t delay – call us now/right away• It suggests a strong feeling such as excitement – no time to waste; what are you waiting for?• It is used for emphasis.

(ii) ‘you’• The use of ‘you’ personalises the leaflet. • It sends a message to the reader that they are the type of individual the organising committee wants. • It helps the reader to think that they may have the skills.



Open Response

TOTAL 25 marks 50% Open 50% Fixed


LEVEL 1 MARK SCHEME FOR PART 2 – WRITING

Spelling, punctuation and grammar will be assessed holistically across TASK 1 AND TASK 2. (10 MARKS)

The style of assessment

The exams will be marked using positive assessment; crediting what has been achieved. The mark schemes emanate from the Assessment Objectives and are designed to support this positive approach.

The Assessment Objectives

WRITING

Write a range of texts, to communicate information, ideas and opinions, using formats and styles suitable for their purpose and audience:

• write clearly and coherently including an appropriate level of detail;• present information in a logical sequence;• use language, format and structure suitable for purpose and audience;• use correct grammar, including correct and consistent use of tense;• ensure written work includes generally accurate punctuation and spelling and that meaning is

clear;• in more than one type of text.

All Assessment Objectives above are being assessed.


There are two tasks to complete.

Spelling, punctuation and grammar will be assessed in TASK 1 AND TASK 2. (10 MARKS)

• write using full sentences• use paragraphs where appropriate• take care with handwriting • spell, punctuate and use grammar accurately

TASK 1

Write a letter, using formal language, to Ryan Ross, 1 Clarendon Dock, BT1 2AB, expressing an interest in being a volunteer. Use an appropriate layout. (9 marks)

Planning

Use the space below to plan your answer30 minutes – plan (5 minutes) write (20 minutes) check (5 minutes)

Award marks for responses which are fit for purpose and develop ideas. The document type must be as specified in the question.


TASK 1 – WRITING

Band Marks Awarded

Format, communication, structure, purpose – paragraph/layout Guidance Format

0 0 Errors prevent communication throughout the response.

Ban

d 1

1–3

S

ome/

limite

d

Writes some relevant information with limited development and sequencing of ideas.Some awareness of audience/purpose but can be limited.Language, format and structure are sometimes fit for purpose.Response has limited level of appropriate detail.

• Some use of paragraphs

• Little development• May list disjointed

facts or wrong information

• A narrow range of vocabulary is used throughout

• Not all of the task is covered

Use an appropriate format for a letter which includes sender and recipient and date; with matching salutation and complimentary close.

Use an appropriate structure to add clarity to text, e.g. paragraphs.

Use formal language.

Ban

d 2

4–6

Fr

eque

ntly

/goo

d

Frequently writes relevant information with good development and sequencing of ideas.Awareness of audience/purpose is good.Language, format and structure are frequently fit for purpose.Response has good level of appropriate detail.

• Greater use of paragraphs but not always developed

• Good attempt to widen range of vocabulary

• Most of the task is covered

Ban

d 3

7–9

Gen

eral

ly/v

ery

good

Generally writes relevant information with very good development and sequencing of ideas.Awareness of audience/purpose is very good.Language, format and structure are mostly fit for purpose.Response has a very good level of appropriate detail.

Learners can only access this band if they have attempted both writing tasks.

• Well-constructed paragraphs, where appropriate

• A wide range of vocabulary is clearly demonstrated throughout

• All of the task is covered

Skill standard: Write a range of texts, to communicate information, ideas and opinions, using formats and styles suitable for their purpose and audience.


TASK 2

Produce an email, using an appropriate subject heading, to the festival organisers at Rock the Docks. Ask them for more information about the festival because you are interested in becoming a volunteer. (6 marks)

Planning

Use the space below to plan your answer15 minutes – plan (2 minutes) write (10 minutes) check (3 minutes)

Award marks for responses which are fit for purpose and develop ideas. The document type must be as specified in the question.


TASK 2 – WRITING

Band Marks Awarded

Format, communication, structure, purpose – paragraph/layout Guidance Format

0 0 Errors prevent communication throughout the response.

Ban

d 1

1–2

S

ome/

limite

d

Sometimes writes relevant information with limited development and sequencing of ideas.Some awareness of audience/purpose but can be limited.Language, format and structure are sometimes fit for purpose.Response has limited level of appropriate detail.

• Some use of paragraphs

• Little development• May list disjointed

facts or wrong information

• A narrow range of vocabulary is used

• Not all of the task is covered

Use an appropriate format for an email which includes subject and recipient and date.

Use an appropriate structure to add clarity to text, e.g. paragraphs.

Use formal language.

Ban

d 2

3–4

Fr

eque

ntly

/goo

d

Frequently writes relevant information with good development and sequencing of ideas.Awareness of audience/purpose is good.Language, format and structure are frequently fit for purpose.Response has good level of appropriate detail.

• Greater use of paragraphs but not always developed

• Good attempt to widen range of vocabulary


Ban

d 3

5–6

Gen

eral

ly/v

ery

good

Generally writes relevant information with very good development and sequencing of ideas.Awareness of audience/purpose is very good.Language, format and structure are mostly fit for purpose.Response has a very good level of appropriate detail.

Learners can only access this band if attempted both tasks.

• Well-constructed paragraphs, where appropriate

• A wide range of vocabulary is clearly demonstrated throughout


Skill standard: Write a range of texts, to communicate information, ideas and opinions, using formats and styles suitable for their purpose and audience.


Mapping to New Essential Skills Coverage and Range for Communication Level 1

Writing

Skills Standard: Write a range of texts, to communicate information, ideas and opinions, using formats and styles suitable for their purpose and audience.

Description No of marks %

Write clearly and coherently, including an appropriate level of detail.

15 60Present information in a logical sequence.

Use language, format and structure suitable for purpose and audience.Use correct grammar, including correct and consistent use of tense.

10 40Ensure written work includes generally accurate punctuation and spelling and that meaning is clear.

25 100

Spelling, punctuation and grammar is assessed over the two writing tasks.

Candidates can only access the higher marks if they have attempted both writing tasks.

Marks Awarded Grammar, tense, punctuation and spelling

1–3 Some/limited

Use of correct grammar and appropriate use of tense is limited.The spelling of commonly used words is occasionally accurate. Punctuation is sometimes accurate.Use of conjunctions is limited such as: but, and, as, if, so, while, though, since, when.

4–7 Frequently/good

Use of grammar and appropriate use of tense is frequently correct although not always sustained throughout the response. Some major grammatical or proofreading errors (subject-verb agreement, sentence fragments, word form errors etc.)Spelling of commonly used words is frequently accurate.Punctuation is frequently accurate including punctuation markers such as capital letters, full stops, question and exclamation marks, colons, dashes for the beginnings and ends of sentences.Use of conjunctions is frequently accurate.

8–10 Generally/very good

Use of grammar and appropriate use of tense is generally accurate, although there may be one-off errors.Spelling of commonly used words is generally accurate. A few mechanical difficulties – may make occasional problematic word choices or syntax errors.Punctuation is generally accurate and meaning is clearly conveyed, with very occasional or no errors.Use of conjunctions is generally accurate.

3510901.02


Level 1 – Sample Assessment

[BC101]

DATE TBC

Resources A and B


VOLUNTEERINGVolunteering is about offering up your spare time to help others. It is unpaid work. There are many ways you could help your community or people who need a little support. All it requires from you is to give up a few hours each week. You can be as young as 14 years of age - all you need is time.

You can volunteer in many charities such as NI Chest Heart and Stroke, Oxfam and Macmillan Cancer.

ADVANTAGES OF VOLUNTEERING

Being a volunteer is rewarding and good for your CV. Employers like to see that applicants and employees have a caring side. These are useful transferable skills for all organisations. Universities like to see that students applying for university places carry out some charity work. It demonstrates that new students are well-rounded people, who can get on well with other students. This makes student life easier.

TRAINING OFFERED

When you volunteer, you are offered extra training to support you in carrying out your role. The skills you gain include manual handling, keeping adults, children and yourself safe within the law. Most of these courses are free.

Skills RequiredYou must be able to demonstrate that you:

• have a willingness to help others

• have a friendly personality

• are approachable

• are well presented

• enjoy meeting people and

• have a ‘can do’ attitude

• enjoy challenges

• are able to work on your own initiative

Training Timetable

Resource A – an article in the local press promoting volunteering

TITLE DATE VENUE

Keeping Children Safe

5 May Newry Town Hall

Keeping Adults Safe

11 May Downpatrick Library

Team Building 7 June Dungannon Town Hall

Manual Handling

14 June Newry Library

Volunteer Champions

21 June Belfast Central Library


WANT TO HELP?If yes, contact Ryan Ross via:

Address: 1 Clarendon Dock, Belfast BT1 2ABWeb: www.helpyourcommunity.co.uk

Email: [email protected]: 028 19767676

FESTIVAL20 – 25 August

Have YOU got some free time to

support your local musicians?

If so, call us now!

Rock the Docks Festival is seeking young people aged 14 – 35 years to help arrange events for a rock concert for music lovers of Northern Ireland.

The type of person we want must like rock music and enjoy working with people.

Are YOU good at handling money, well organised and friendly? Do you have film and media skills?

To find out more about volunteering, an information evening will be held on 8 November at 7.00 pm.

Venue: Lagan Docks, 1 Clarendon Street, Belfast.

THE

DOCKSROCK

Resource B – a leaflet seeking volunteers


WANT TO HELP?If yes, contact Ryan Ross via:

Address: 1 Clarendon Dock, Belfast BT1 2ABWeb: www.helpyourcommunity.co.uk

Email: [email protected]: 028 19767676

FESTIVAL20 – 25 August

Have YOU got some free time to

support your local musicians?

If so, call us now!

Rock the Docks Festival is seeking young people aged 14 – 35 years to help arrange events for a rock concert for music lovers of Northern Ireland.

The type of person we want must like rock music and enjoy working with people.

Are YOU good at handling money, well organised and friendly? Do you have film and media skills?

To find out more about volunteering, an information evening will be held on 8 November at 7.00 pm.

Venue: Lagan Docks, 1 Clarendon Street, Belfast.

THE

DOCKSROCK

Resource B – a leaflet seeking volunteers

essential skills - ccea · essential skills - communication ... award full marks for a response...

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