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The Written Test

Information about the test:

The written test accounts for 50% of the final mark. The Certificate written test will be completed on a computer in May, on your University campus.
The duration of the test will be an hour and a half. There will be three tasks to complete in the written test. 

The first task will contain piece of text of around 150 words, that will contain about 22 grammatical errors. Students will be expected identify and to correct the errors by highlighting these in bold. 

  • Identifying the errors is not enough.
  • No marks will be given if the errors have not been corrected.
  • There is no need to explain the reasons for correction.
  • The piece should not be reworded, rephrased or changed.
  • Cysill will only detect some of the errors.
  • Careful – Cysill will mis-correct some things!

Task 1 marking criteria

Cysill will recognize 4 errors, and 1/2 mark each will be given for correcting these errors. 1 mark each will be awarded for correcting the additional 18 errors (possible total, 20 marks): (20% of the paper's marks)

You will need to adapt a piece of English text into Welsh for a specific purpose. Translanguaging is very different from translating because. You will need to summarize the key messages as well as changing the text into a different Language. The main key points of the piece as well as the sub-points will need to be identified and included. The translaguaged text should be about a third/quarter the length of the original. 

Task 2 marking criteria
Examiners will consider the following elements when marking the task: (40% of paper marks):

  • language accuracy,
  • range of syntax and vocabulary,
  • suitability of the content,
  • inclusion of the key points.

Applicants will be required to write text in response to a specific criteria (approximately 300 words). The question may ask applicants to consider their experiences in education/work.

  • This task is not to write a story or a creative piece.
  • All aspects of the question should be covered.
  • The accuracy and length of the written work will be taken into account when marking.

Task 3 marking criteria

Examiners will consider the following elements when marking the task: (40% of paper marks)

  • language accuracy,
  • range of syntax and vocabulary,
  • content and organization,
  • how well the answer has met the requirements of the task.
Language Skills Certificate The Oral Presentation

Further information

Language Skills Certificate main page The Oral Presentation Further resources on the Porth Resources website