CEF Writing B1 Specifications

Purpose
General:

To determine whether the testtaker is at level B1

Specific:

Can write straightforward connected texts in order to:

give a description
narrate a story
report
give his/her opinion
convey information and ideas
check information
ask about or explain problems
give news
express thoughts

Test takers
characteristics
Type of input1

Graduates from intermediate courses working for the military (officers, NCOs,
enlisted and civilian personnel)
productive:
statements
bulleted prompts2
interactive:
letter
e-mail
notes
messages
reports
ads
Length of input for productive tasks: no more than 60 words (scenario + bullets)
for interactive tasks:
- task (prompt): no more than 60 words (scenario + bullets)
- texts: 49 to 100 words
Input
straightforward instructions3 with high frequency complex sentences patterns
characteristics in case of authentic input advertisements simplified/edited
Type of output formal and informal correspondence (letters)
work related correspondence (reports, letters, e-mails)
Length of
150 170 words
output
Style/register
informal/formal appropriate for the occasion
(Addressee)
Lexical range
appropriate for high frequency topics with some circumlocutions
Grammatical
range
Number of
tasks

simple high frequency structures - typically controlled

Two:

the test taker should have a reason for writing in English

always provide 3 bullets for all task types and all levels
3
provide enough set-up without spoon feeding the test taker
2

B1, WTG Specs, draft 1, March06

1 productive:
statements
bulleted prompts

Time allowed
Criteria of
assessment

TOPICS
a) general

b) military

1 interactive:
letter
e-mail
notes
messages
reports
ads

20-25 minutes per task

task fulfillment
lexical control
grammar
mechanics
organization
personal, public, educational; personal identification*: family*, friends*,
enemies, religion, social status (celebrities, personalities), marital status, work;
house and home*, environment: accomodation*, homeless people, animals and
pets; daily life*: at home, social matters (i/emmigration, death, businesses, natural
resources); free time, entertainment: leisure activities*, plans and intentions*,
travelling* (by plane, train, etc.), sports* & fitness, holidays, events, media,
television, radio, cinema, news; travel: transportation by plane, train, car, etc.,
relations with other people: relationships, correspondence, dating & love stories,
crimes, emotions; health and body care: health, first aid, symptoms and illnesses,
stress, happiness, longevity, mind power; shopping*: presents, clothes, toys,
businesses, money; food and drink: types of food and drinks, habits of eating out;
services: post, telephone, car components and services, technology, tools,
electronic goods, housing, construction materials; places*: towns and cities,
countries; language: abilities, weather: environment, climate; education: history,
science, space, aliens & UFOs.
military services*, firearms, weapons*, military institutions*, military units*,
locations*, military basic training*, military daily routines, field routines, orders
and requests,* rules and regulations, staff organisation*, rules of engagement*,
military recruitment, uniforms and equipment*, instructions, procedures,
coordination measures, wounds and injuries*, ranks and hierarchy*, military
technology (naval vessels, helicopters, vehicles), military exercises*, operations,
battles, operational tasks*, peacekeeping tasks*, infantry and artillery general
issues, career*, abilitites*, responsibilities*, patrooling*, casualty evacuation,
range safety, security policies*, conflicts, experiences, retirement.

B1, WTG Specs, draft 1, March06