GUIDELINES FOR

MARKING

WRITING 014
 MARKING SYMBOLS
WAVY LINES
To highlight minor errors such as
A) Punctuation
B) Inappropriate word/vocabulary
C) Wrong word order
D) Compound words written separately
E) Two words written as one word
F) Repetition of words/phrases
G) Redundancy (Repetition of ideas)
H) Spelling (whether or not the meaning has change)
I) Word not needed
J) Not indented
STRAIGHT LINE ____
To show major errors related to language forms/functions such as
a) Grammatical errors
b) Multiple words/structural errors
c) Unclear meaning

TICK
a) Tick To show correct sentences/statements
b) DOUBLE TICKS
-To show good sentences, interesting expressions or new words correctly/
impressively used

OMISSION
To show a missing word in a phrase/sentence
BRACKETS ( )
To show correct and meaningful chunks of words (the strong part) in a
sentence.

SQUARE BRACKETS [ ]
To show irrelevancy or correct general statement at the word/ sentence level

DOUBLE STROKES //
To show blatant irrelevancy or distorted ideas
SECTION B (II)

LIMITED (LT)[1-2]
SATISFACTORY (ST)[3-4]
GOOD (GD)[5-7]
EXCELLENT (EX) [8-10]
DISTINGUISHED (DS) [11-12]
LIMITED (LT)[1-2]
Reason is given basic information
Sentences have meaning
Sentences are sometimes demarcated by capital
letters and full stops.
Attempts are made to use vocabulary in a very
limited range.
Some elements of text type can be seen.
Ideas are grouped together although paragraphs
may not be shown.
SATISFACTORY (ST)[3-4]

Some attempts to sequence ideas

logically
Use of simple sentences but with some
errors.
Punctuation is mostly accurate
Simple vocabulary is used
GOOD (GD)[5-7]
Paragraphs are sometimes used to
sequence ideas.
Use of a variety of sentence structures
with some errors.
Most sentences are correctly
demarcated.
Vocabulary is used.
EXCELLENT (EX) [8-10]
Paragraphs are used to link the text.
Useof a variety of sentence structures with
minimal errors.
Rangeof punctuation is used almost
correctly.
Vocabularyis used almost effectively to
convey purpose/opinion.
 DISTINGUISHED (DS) [11-12]
Wellcrafted paragraphs contribute to
control of text, e.g. clear, logical links
between paragraphs.
Useof a variety of sentence structures with
hardly any errors.
Range of punctuation is used accurately to
give clarity.
Vocabularyis used effectively to convey
purpose/ opinion
 SECTION C
The question carries 25 marks.
The answer script must be read as a whole for marks to be awarded.
Examiners must consider the coherence of each sentence before awarding the
marks.
Candidates are expected to show their ability to construct a variety of
sentences given in the recommended sentence patterns in the syllabus.
Candidates are required to write their answers in a paragraph or paragraphs.
Candidates are also expected to add new and interesting expressions correctly
in context.
All given words may or may not be used. Candidates should not be penalized if
they change the order of the words given as long as meaning is clear
throughout.
Candidates are encouraged not to change the tense used in the question as
the change may cause a major distortion in the overall idea/meaning.
Well-organized ideas are considered as strength whereas repetition of ideas
are considered as weakness.
 SECTION C
LIMITED (LT)[1-4]
SATISFACTORY (ST)[5-9]
GOOD (GD)[10-15]
EXCELLENT (EX) [16-21]
DISTINGUISHED (DS) [22-25]
LIMITED (LT)[1-4]
Paragraphing is shown.
Sentences are sometimes demarcated by
capital letters and full stops.
Heavy frequency of serious errors/
structural error, impeding the reading in
many places.
Correct spelling of high frequency words is
used.
Chunking of ideas.
SATISFACTORY (ST)[5-9]
Meaning is clear but with frequent errors in
simple sentences.
Some attempts are made to sequence the ideas
logically.
Some attempts are made to put the text in
paragraphs.
Some punctuation used are accurate.
Attempts are made to use vocabulary in a very
limited range.
Correct spelling of high frequency words is used.
GOOD (GD)[10-15]
The language is sufficiently accurate with some
simple sentences.
Ideas are generally well planned to sustain the
interest of the reader.
Paragraphs are generally used to help the
structure the text with some evidence of
appropriate links between paragraphs
Range of punctuation used is generally accurate.
Some evidence of accurate choice of vocabulary is
used.
Spelling is generally accurate.
EXCELLENT (EX) [16-21]
The language is accurate with sentences showing
some variations.
Ideas are almost well planned to sustain the
interest of the reader.
Paragraphs are used to help structure the text
with some evidence of appropriate links between
paragraphs.
Range of punctuation used is almost always
accurate.
Vocabulary is used almost effectively to create a
strong image.
Spelling is mostly accurate.
DISTINGUISHED (DS) [22-25]
The language is accurate with varied and
sophisticated sentence structures.
Ideas are well planned to sustain the interest of
the reader.
Well-crafted paragraphs contributing to control of
text. e.g clear, logical links between paragraphs.
Range of punctuation used is entirely accurate.
Vocabulary is used effectively to create a strong
image.
Spelling is accurate.