Skip to main content

Table 4 A “can do” questionnaire (stage 3)

From: Exploring the adaptability of the CEFR in the construction of a writing ability scale for test for English majors

Descriptors

1

2

3

4

5

1. can express oneself with clarity and precision in writing

     

2. can express news and views effectively in writing

     

3. can express one’s ideas, emotions effectively in writing

     

4. can convey information and ideas on abstract as well as concrete topics

     

5. can check information through writing (e.g. examining general patterns of information across text types)

     

6. can ask about or explain problems by writing

     

7. can write short, simple formulaic notes relating to matters in areas of immediate need

     

8. can write personal letters and notes asking for or conveying information

     

9. can write personal letters/compositions describing experiences, feelings and events

     

10. can ask for or pass on personal details in written form

     

11. can write very simple personal letters expressing thanks and apology

     

12. can write personal letters/compositions giving news

     

13. can write letters/compositions conveying degrees of emotion

     

14. can write letters/compositions highlighting the personal significance of events and experiences

     

15. can write letters/compositions commenting on the correspondent’s news and views

     

16. can write invitation letters appropriately

     

17. can express thoughts about cultural topics such as music, films in writing

     

18. can take messages communicating enquiries

     

19. can take messages explaining problems

     

20. can provide information needed for registrations of all kinds (e.g. hotel and website registration)

     

21. can write to communicate with overseas friends through letters or E-mails

     

22. can write notices

     

23. can paraphrase the content of passages

     

24. can write a short passage based on a given topic or outline

     

25. can write summaries based on narrative and descriptive texts

     

26. can write summaries based on augmentative texts

     

27. can carry out the continuation task of writing after reading

     

28. can describe a graph, chart or table in detail

     

29. can write book reviews as required

     

30. can write term papers

     

31. can write a graduation thesis

     

32. can write research proposals applying for further education abroad

     

33. can do some academic writing (e.g. abstract, introduction, literature review, methodology, data findings and analysis, conclusion)

     

34. can proofread and give a feedback to the academic writing of students of other majors

     

35. can write speech scripts for presentations

     

36. can write reports of different genres (e.g. business report)

     

37. can write self-introductions

     

38. can write resumes

     
  1. (Please read the script and then judge to what extent the student writer is competent in performing what the descriptor says: 1 = not competent at all; 2 = less competent; 3 = competent; 4 = more competent; 5 = very competent)
  2. Thanks for your contribution!