Criterion/
Significance

A: Content

B: Organisation

C: Style and language usage

Level 0

The student does not reach a standard described by any of the descriptors given below.

Grade 1-2

Very limited understanding of topic or theme. Work lacks creativity, detail and development. In literature, unaware of the author’s intention and technique.

Work is generally disorganized and confusing to read. Paragraphs do not flow easily.

Limited use of vocabulary. Very frequent errors in pronunciation, spelling, grammar and/or punctuation. Language is not suited to the subject matter and audience.

Grade 3-4

Limited understanding of topic or theme. Work shows insufficient creativity, details and/or development. Vaguely aware of the author’s intention and technique.

Work shows an attempt at organization but it still lacks order. Paragraphs are weak.

Sometimes inappropriate or limited use of vocabulary. Regular errors in pronunciation, spelling, grammar and/or punctuation. Some attempt at language which is suitable.

Grade 5-6

Sufficient understanding of topic of theme. Work shows adequate creativity, detail and/or development. Aware of the author’s intention and technique.

Work is basically organised and easy to read. Paragraphs connect and show that ideas are developed.

Usually appropriate vocabulary and generally varied. Some errors in pronunciation, spelling, grammar and/or punctuation. Often uses language that is suitable to the subject.

Grade 7-8

Good understanding of topic or theme. Work shows substantial detail, creativity and/or development. Good appreciation of the author’s intention and technique.

Work is usually well organised and can be read with ease.

Use of vocabulary is appropriate and varied. Occasional errors in pronunciation, spelling, grammar and/or punctuation. Consistently uses language that is suitable to the subject.

Grade 9-10

Perceptive understanding of topic or theme. Work shows illustrative detail and development. High degree of imagination and creativity. Sophisticated analysis of intention and technique.

Work is consistently well organized, clear and coherent. Paragraphs develop the ideas being expressed in a sophisticated manner.

Use of vocabulary is always appropriate and greatly varied. Infrequent errors in pronunciation, spelling, grammar and/or punctuation. Has mastered the use of language that is suitable to the subject.