Functional Skills Qualification in English
at Level 1
SAMPLE ASSESSMENT MATERIALS
The scheme code for these qualifications is:
OCR Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 1
09498
ALL THESE MATERIALS MAY BE PHOTOCOPIED. Any photocopying will be
done under the terms of the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 solely for
the purposes of assessment
© OCR 2011
Sample Assessment Materials
OCR Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 1
OXFORD CAMBRIDGE AND RSA EXAMINATIONS
FUNCTIONAL SKILLS ASSESSMENT
LEVEL 1 FUNCTIONAL SKILLS ENGLISH
READING TASK
SAMPLE ASSESSMENT MATERIALS
TIME: 50 MINUTES
YOU NEED

This task and the resource document booklet for Reading.

An answer booklet.

A pen with black ink OR access to a computer and printer to print out your responses which
should be firmly attached to your answer booklet.
You may use a dictionary and spell/grammar check facility but you must not ask anyone to
help you.
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES

Do NOT open this task booklet until you are told to do so by the supervisor.

Make sure your personal details are entered correctly in the answer booklet.
YOU HAVE 50 MINUTES TO READ THE RESOURCE DOCUMENTS BOOKLET AND
COMPLETE THE READING TASKS

Read the resource documents booklet and the questions inside this question paper carefully
before starting the task.

Write your answers in the answer booklet provided or attach your print outs to your answer
booklet before handing them in.

If you use extra paper, make sure that it has your name and candidate number on it and is
securely attached to your answer booklet.

When you have finished, hand your answer booklet to the supervisor.
This document consists of 2 printed pages
© OCR 2011
Registered Company Number: 3484466
[Turn over
READING TASK (25 marks)
Scenario
You are a volunteer at a local charity, CareCo. You have been asked to help organise a winter
outing for residents of a local care home, as described in Document 1. To prepare for this, and to
make the best choice for the residents, you must read the information from Document 1 and
Document 2.
You have 50 minutes to read the documents and answer the questions below.
You should spend about 10 minutes reading the documents.
Answer all the questions.
You do not need to write in sentences.
1
Give two reasons why it is important for this outing to take place.
2
How much can CareCo spend on the meal for each person attending?
3
a)
4
(2 marks)
(1 mark)
As well as cost, what two other things do you need to consider when
deciding on a venue for the outing?
(2 marks)
b)
Give reasons for your answer.
(2 marks)
a)
What are the two most important things which everyone agrees the
chosen venue must provide?
(2 marks)
Explain why these are so important.
(2 marks)
b)
5
What does Jo Wilkinson say you could do if you need to find out anything else about
the outing?
(2 marks)
6
a)
Which venue would be best for the outing?
b)
Explain the reasons for your choice.
7
8
9
(1 mark)
(2 marks)
What does Jo Wilkinson want you to do when you have made your choice
for the outing?
(2 marks)
What layout features are used in Document 2? Explain whether these help
the reader or not.
(4 marks)
In Document 1, how does Jo Wilkinson encourage you to help organise the
winter outing?
(3 marks)
OCR Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 1
3
OXFORD CAMBRIDGE AND RSA EXAMINATIONS
OCR FUNCTIONAL SKILLS
QUALIFICATION IN ENGLISH AT LEVEL 1
READING TASK RESPONSE
Write the
question number
in this column
DO NOT write
in this margin
1
Longest running and most popular. Mix with other people.
2
CareCo can pay a maximum of £15 per person for the outing
and traditional meal. We will pay for any transport costs.
3a
Transport
Can only go on 5th Dec or 14th Dec
They can’t go when there isn’t transport as they can’t get
there by themselves and 1 person is in a wheelchair.
They might not like the food their.
b
4a
b
Atmosphere
Traditional
Old people like to talk about their childhood and what life
was like a long time ago. They like to go to places that have
things that they had when they were young so they can
remember what they used to do.
5
Phone Jo or e-mail Elena
6a
6b
Brunt Hotel
Brunt Hotel is best because it is the best known hotel in
Purton and has been going for over 100 years. It has good
season value. It costs £14.95 so they can afford it.
7
Write a report and a letter
8
The ads use lots of bright colours and images and some use
bold font. The names are written in different fonts. Some use
the punctuation mark! The Westshire hotel uses capital letters
for some words. I like this one best. The bold font in TM’s
OCR Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 1
5
Write the
question number
in this column
DO NOT write
in this margin
makes the bargain and the Karaoke stand out so the reader
thinks it’s good value.
9
Jo helps me to organise the outing. She uses ‘you’ to make it
sound like she’s talking to me and not just anyone. This makes
me feel important so I’ll want to work for her. Words like ‘be
very grateful’ show she’s not telling me I’ve got to do it, but
she’d like me to do it so I’m more likely to say yes. Also, if I
was anxious about what to do, she’s very helpful saying she’ll
help and give me what information I need. She thanks me at
the end and uses words like ‘please’ and makes the outing seem
important ‘only have’ so I want to help Jo.
6
OCR Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 1
Level 1 Reading Task Commentary
Question
1
Maximum
Mark
Comment
mark
awarded
2
2
Standards:1R2 Read and understand texts in detail
Mark commentary: The candidate has included three
correct points, but only 2 marks are available.
Learning tips: candidates include more facts or points
than are required. The number of marks available should
be used as a guideline to the length of the answer.
2
1
1
Standards: 1R1 Identify main points and how they are
presented in a variety of texts.
Mark commentary: The correct amount of money
CareCo can pay was selected, so the mark was
awarded. The mark would also be awarded if the
candidate had simply stated ‘£15’.
Learning tips: candidates include too much information
for the mark available, or copy too much information
from the question paper rather than being selective.
3 [a]
2
1
3 [b]
2
1
[max 4]
Standards: [a] 1R2 Read and understand texts in detail
[b] 1R3 Utilise information contained in texts
Mark commentary: [a] 1 mark was given for stating
‘transport’ although the answer is imprecise as it does
not state that the issue with transport is that it is only
available on two dates. No mark was awarded for the
second reason given as this is the same point as the
other reason given.
[b] 1 mark was given as the response gives a reason
why transport is a consideration, linking the comment to
3[a]. The second comment was not given a mark as it
did not use information in the source documents and
was not linked to the response to 3[a].
Learning tip: candidates miss out part of the question.
Answers are implicit, or imprecise or do not make use of
information in the source documents. The same point is
repeated.
Spelling, punctuation and grammar errors are not taken
into account in Reading Task answers.
OCR Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 1
7
Question
4 [a]
4 [b]
Maximum
mark
2
2
[max 4]
Mark
Comment
awarded
Standards: [a] 1R1 Identify the main points and ideas
1
and how they are presented in a variety of texts [b] 1R4
Identify suitable responses to texts.
1
Mark Commentary: No mark was awarded for
‘atmosphere’ as it needs to specify ‘friendly’ atmosphere.
1 mark was awarded for ‘traditional’.
The response clearly suggests that they like to
‘reminisce’. One mark was awarded.
Learning tip: responses that require explanation or
justification of answers need to be clearly linked to the
response in part [a].
5
2
0
Standards: 1R4 Identify suitable responses to texts.
Mark commentary: 0 marks were given as the answer
did not state the telephone number or e-mail address.
Learning tip: sufficient information needs to be given to
make the response functional.
6a
1
1
6b
2
[max 3]
1
Standards:
[a] 1R2 Read and understand texts in detail
[b] 1R3 Utilise information contained in texts.
Mark commentary: [a] one of the two possible choices
of venue was given, so the mark was awarded [b] Lots of
information is given, but only one point, the cost, is
relevant, so 1 mark was awarded.
Learning tips: information given needs to be relevant to
the question.
7
1
1
0
[max 2]
Standards: 1R1 Identify the main points and ideas and
how they are presented in a variety of texts.
No marks were awarded, even though the candidate
correctly stated that a letter and a report were asked for,
as the recipients were not given.
Learning tip: all relevant information needs to be given.
8
4
3
Standards: 1R4 Identify suitable responses to texts.
Mark commentary: several appropriate features have
been identified, and one comment, that the bold font
makes it stand out, explains how TM’s helps the reader.
Learning tip: distinguish between descriptive responses
or those that identify features or facts, and those that
explain or give reasons for the answers given.
8
OCR Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 1
Question
9
Maximum
mark
3
Mark
Comment
awarded
3
Standards: 1R3 Utilise information contained in texts.
Mark commentary: this response gained full marks. It
identified examples, such as the personal pronoun ‘you’
and explains reasons clearly, such as ‘This makes me
feel important so I’ll want to work there.’ Separate points
are clearly identifiable. It contained enough relevant
points to gain the 3 marks.
Learning tips: weaker responses identify features but
do not explain why they are effective, or use vague
explanation and terms such as ’good word’, ‘well written
words’, ‘posh words’.
Overall
The candidate demonstrated that he/she had read and understood the texts, both overall and
in detail, although some information was incomplete or lacked sufficient reference to the
source documents. The candidate gained a total of 15 marks out of a possible 25 for the
reading assessment, which indicates a pass in this component.
OCR Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 1
9
OXFORD CAMBRIDGE AND RSA EXAMINATIONS
FUNCTIONAL SKILLS ASSESSMENT
LEVEL 1 FUNCTIONAL SKILLS ENGLISH
WRITING TASKS
SAMPLE ASSESSMENT MATERIALS
TIME: 50 MINUTES
YOU NEED

These tasks.

An answer booklet.

A pen with black ink OR access to a computer and printer to print out your responses which
should be firmly attached to your answer booklet.
You may use a spell/grammar check facility. You may use a dictionary but you must not ask
anyone to help you.
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES

Do NOT open this task booklet until you are told to do so by the supervisor.

Make sure your personal details are entered correctly in the answer booklet.
YOU HAVE 50 MINUTES TO COMPLETE THE WRITING TASKS

Write your answers in the answer booklet provided or attach your print outs to your answer
booklet before handing them in.

If you use extra paper, make sure that it has your name and candidate number on it and is
securely attached to your answer booklet.

When you have finished, hand your answer booklet to the supervisor.
This document consists of 2 printed pages
© OCR 2011
Registered Company Number: 3484466
[Turn over
WRITING TASKS (34 marks)
You have 50 minutes to do tasks A and B below.
For both tasks, remember to write in sentences, using accurate spelling, punctuation and
grammar. Allow time to check your work.
Writing Task A (21 marks)
Scenario
In your spare time you help out at Somerville Care Home. You have been asked by the Manager,
Jo Wilkinson, to write a formal report for her on where to take the elderly residents for their annual
winter outing and meal.
A colleague, Jon, has done some preparation for the outing but has now gone on holiday. To help
you write your report, the Manager has sent you the notes Jon made (see below).
This year’s Winter Outing – notes








For 21 elderly residents – aged 69-93, Six staff going + two volunteers,
so 29 people going in total
We will pay max £15 per person
Transport available Sat 5th December & Mon 14th December only
One lady has guide dog, two people use wheelchairs
Visited 6 places – narrowed down to three
Westshire Hotel – only available at weekends, traditional meal
£12.95 per head, max 33 people, free presents, resident violinist
Hawthorn Hotel – £15.95 per head, can cater for up to 80 people,
local primary school children carol singing
Brunt Hotel & Spa – up to 50 people, £14.95 per head (discounts for
parties over 20), old fashioned sing-a-long, old building, lots of
stairs, no lift.
Jon
Ps just found out Hawthorn Hotel only available from 16th Dec onwards
Write the report. Remember to

include a suitable title

explain what you have been asked to do and where you have got your information from
(Introduction)

consider briefly the advantages and disadvantages of each of the hotels (Findings)

explain which place is most suitable to meet the requirements of the Care Home (Conclusion).
You should spend approximately 30 minutes writing this report.
Remember to write in sentences, using accurate spelling, punctuation and grammar.
OCR Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 1
11
Writing Task B (13 marks)
Scenario
You are a volunteer at Somerville, a local care home for the elderly. The residents are going on a
theatre trip next week. You have been asked to email a local coach company to check availability
and the cost of hiring a suitable coach for the evening. You have been given notes by your
manager which details the requirements.
Theatre visit – urgent.
Coach required, from Somerville to the
Grand Theatre, Kirton.
Trip next Tuesday – so we need response
quickly. 28 people.
The play starts at 7.30pm but we’ll need at
least 30mins to get all the residents seated.
Two of our ladies use wheelchairs and a few
others have mobility problems.
Thanks
PS - I know it’s short notice so be nice to the
coach people - we don’t have a lot of money
spare, so I hope it’s not going to be too
expensive!
Discount??
Idea Try contacting Jim Meadows at County
Coaches
([email protected])
Write the email to Jim Meadows as requested by your manager.
You should spend no more than 20 minutes writing this email.
Remember to write in sentences, using accurate spelling, punctuation and grammar.
12
OCR Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 1
Level 1 Writing Response Task A
Somerville care home outing report
I have been asked to write a report for Jo Wilkinson about where to take
the elderly residents for their annual winter outing and meal.
They’re is a choice of 3 places.
Disadvantages
The hawthorn hotel is a good place because it has carole-singing it costs
too much it isn’t avalable for the dates.
The weshire hotel isn’t avalable on Mon 14th December
Brunt hotel and spa cost more. it doesnt have a lift this isnt no good for
people in wheelchairs. The old bulding might be cold so it is not a good
place to go
Advantages
The westshire hotel is avalable on Sat 5th December
Free presants are a good idea. the elderley residents will like the violinist
it is a good place to go
Brunt hotel and spa has enough room for everyone. I think the best place
for the residents to go to is westshire hotel because it has room for
everyone. It is available on one of the days theres transport It costs less
than £15. And theres free presents.
Written by Miriam Kent.
OCR Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 1
13
Level 1 Writing Response Task B
To: [email protected] My manager wants me to organise getting a coach.
I work at Somerville, a locale care home for the elderly. The residents are going
on a theater trip next week. Can you do the trip? We need to know how much it
will cost. Can you send us some info. Can you do us a cheap rate because they is
elderley people and we don’t have much money to spend. If it is too expensive we
cant go so they will be disappointed
We want to go to the Grand theatre, kirton next Tuesday. Two of our lady’s use
wheelchairs and others have mobility problems. Is there a coach they could fit
there wheelchairs into? We need to get there by 7.oopm.
I hope to hear from you soon. Please contact me at [email protected].
14
OCR Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 1
Level 1 Writing Task A Commentary
Mark
Maximum
Mark
Scheme
Comment
Mark
awarded
Reference
1W1
4
2
Standards: write clearly and coherently, including an
appropriate level of detail.
Mark commentary: There is some attempt at
coherence, but the report lacks both detail and
coherence, such as in the first section.
Learning tip: failure to include sufficient relevant detail;
the inclusion of unnecessary detail; the lack structure
and/or coherence
1W2
3
2
Standards: use spelling accurately.
Mark commentary: Most simple words are spelt
correctly, but there are some errors from the source
documents. Errors include elderly, carol, westshire,
building, presents, there.
Learning tip: the incorrect spelling of words in the
source documents. Common errors include alot, untill,
writting, recieve.
1W3
3
1
Standards: use punctuation accurately.
Mark commentary: There are several errors in the use
of capital letters for proper nouns and at the start of
sentences. Several full stops are omitted.
OCR Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 1
15
Learning tip: the use of commas instead of full-stops;
use of lower case ‘i’; use of lower case for proper
nouns. Accurate use of the apostrophe is not a Level 1
requirement.
1W4
3
3
Standards: use grammar correctly.
Mark commentary: There are some errors, such as
cost and isn’t no but these are not typical of the report
as a whole.
Learning tip: the inconsistent use of tense; lack of
subject/object- verb agreement; words omitted;
incorrect choice of words. Common errors include:
should of/should have; they was/they were;
their/there/they’re; to/too; which/witch; weather/whether;
where/were.
1W5
4
4
Standards: use the appropriate formal format.
Mark commentary: The report contains an appropriate
heading and two appropriate sub-headings, although
‘advantages’ is not underlined.
Learning points: no headings and/or side headings in
a report; incorrect use of addresses, the date, salutation
and close in letters; omitting of sender and recipient
and/or subject in an e-mail.
1W6
4
3
Standards: present information in a logical sequence
Mark commentary:
The report contains a clear beginning, middle. There is
a conclusion, but it is not organised in a way that helps
the reader.
Learning points: not following the sequencing
suggested in the question guidance; the omitting of
important information or not meeting the needs of the
audience; lacking clarity.
Overall
The candidate showed competence for the level in Writing Task A, achieving 15 marks out of
21, which indicates that it is likely to be in the pass range.
16
OCR Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 1
Level 1 Writing Task B Commentary
Mark
Maximum
Mark
Scheme
Comment
Mark
Awarded
Reference
1W1
3
3
Standards: write clearly and coherently, including an
appropriate level of detail.
Mark commentary: The opening and close give the
response an appropriate structure. Some important
details are omitted, but it contains sufficient detail to be
suitable for audience and purpose.
Learning tips: paragraphs are not required at level 1.
There needs to be sufficient clarity for the letter to be
functional.
1W2
2
1
Standards: use spelling accurately.
Mark commentary: There are some errors from the
source documents, including local, elderly, theatre,
ladies, their. My manager wants me to organise getting
a coach.
Learning tips: check the use of words from the source
document, together with common errors such as too/to;
their/there; writing/written; a lot and words ending in ‘ly’.
1W3
2
1
Standards: use punctuation accurately.
Mark commentary: Some question marks and capitals
for proper nouns have been omitted. There are lapses
in the use of full stops. Whilst these errors do not affect
the meaning, they are more than ‘one-off’ slips.
Learning tips: some candidates demonstrate accurate
use of Level 3 skills, such as the apostrophe, but
misuse Entry Level skills such as capital letters and
question marks. Candidates need to have knowledge
of the skills needed at each level. Use if ‘i’ instead if ‘I’
is common as is the use of commas to replace full
stops.
OCR Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 1
17
Mark
Maximum
Mark
Comment
Scheme
Mark
Awarded
Reference
Barely legible handwriting causes problems especially
where it is not clear if a letter is written in upper or
lower case. ‘P’, ‘S’ and ‘J’ are commonly written as
capitals in the middle of sentences and in the middle of
words.
1W4
2
2
Standards: use grammar correctly.
Mark commentary: Grammar is mostly accurate. The
use of they is is considered to be a ‘one-off’ slip which
does not affect meaning.
Learning tips: common errors tend to be with
verb/subject agreement such as ‘we was’, ‘’your’
instead of ‘you are’ and the use of ‘should of’.
1W5
2
1
Standards: use the appropriate formal format
Mark commentary: The response is awarded one
mark as it clearly states who the email is being sent to.
It does not contain who it is from, the subject or the
date.
Learning tips: many candidates lose marks for format,
especially in formal letters. Although there is some
discretion allowed in the mark scheme for the location
on the page of addresses and dates, all the necessary
details to make a letter functional are needed. Many
include most of the details, but leave out one, such as
the date. Candidates need to be able to distinguish
between various formats, such as between a letter and
a report.
1W6
2
1
Standards: present information in a logical sequence
Mark commentary: There is some attempt at
sequencing relevant material, but the response is not
always easy to follow and, so, does not flow logical.
Learning tips: candidates need to ensure that the
letter is suitable for the purpose and audience indicated
in the question. Some candidates omit significant
information or use an inappropriate style for the task.
The candidate has demonstrated sufficient competence to be awarded 9 marks out of 13,
which indicates that it is likely to be within the pass range.
18
OCR Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 1
OXFORD CAMBRIDGE AND RSA EXAMINATIONS
FUNCTIONAL SKILLS ASSESSMENT
LEVEL 1 FUNCTIONAL SKILLS ENGLISH
09498RB
RESOURCE DOCUMENTS BOOKLET FOR READING
SAMPLE ASSESSMENT MATERIALS
The documents in this booklet are for Level 1 Reading.
You will need the documents in this booklet to help you answer the Reading task.
Spend about 10 minutes reading the documents carefully.
Then turn to the Task Booklet.
[Turn over
DOCUMENT 1
20
OCR Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 1
DOCUMENT 2
OCR Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 1
21
OXFORD CAMBRIDGE AND RSA EXAMINATIONS
OCR FUNCTIONAL SKILLS
QUALIFICATION IN ENGLISH AT LEVEL 1
Specimen Mark Scheme
The maximum mark for the Reading paper is [25].
The maximum mark for the Writing paper is [34].
This document consists of 5 printed pages.
SP (...) V12345
© OCR 2011 [500/9111/6] OCR is an exempt Charity
[Turn over
Functional Skills English L1 SAMs Mark Scheme – Reading Task (25 marks)
Reading
Q
M/S Ref
1
1R2
2
1R1
3
1R2
1R3
Accepted Response
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
the only time all residents go out together
mix with other people
share their memories
highlight of the residents’ year
long running activity for CareCo
most popular activity for CareCo
(Maximum of) £15 per person.
a)
wheelchair access
b)
guide dog
c)
dates (when transport is available)
d)
time of day
e)
availability of live music
f)
traditional experience
Reasons include requirements of CareCo,
needs and wishes of the residents, what is on
offer from venues.
Type of
Response
Closed
Closed
Closed
Marks
1
1
1
1
1
1
(Max 2)
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
(Max 2)
Open
(Max 2)
4
1R1
4
1R4
Identify what is agreed as being important:
a)
traditional experience
b)
friendly atmosphere
c)
lively surroundings
Explain why
d)
only time they are all together
e)
helps them to reminisce
f)
opportunity to mix
a)
b)
phone Elena Markova/phone 0214 147566
email Jo Wilkinson/email [email protected].
5
1R4
6
1R2
Candidate has explained that Westshire or Brunt is
the most suitable venue
1R3
Explains that it fulfils all the requirements eg less than
£15 per head, accessible, traditional meal, big
enough etc.
Closed
1
1
1
(Max 2)
Open
1
1
1
(Max 2)
1
1
(Max 2)
1
Closed
Closed
Open
1
2
One valid reason explained
More than one valid reason explained
7
1R1
a) write a report for Jo Wilkinson
b) write to the chosen venue
OCR Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 1
Closed
1
1
(Max 2)
23
Q
M/S Ref
Accepted Response
Type of
Response
8
1R4
Candidate is aware of layout features used in Doc 2
(eg use of colour, bold titles/type, different fonts,
seasonal images), and
commented on their effectiveness (attractiveness,
setting scene, ease/difficulty of reading etc)
Marks
Open
One correct feature identified but no comment
Two or more features identified but no comment
One feature with a comment on its effectiveness
More than one feature with detailed commentary
1
2
3
4
9
1R3
Candidate aware of how Jo uses language and
persuasion within Doc 1 for a purpose, eg:





Open
Use of personal letter/made to feel important
Request not instruction
All necessary information provided
Offer of support
Use of persuasive language (v.hard to say ‘no’)
Only one aspect considered, limited explanation
More than one aspect, but limited explanation
More than one aspect and detailed explanation
Total available for reading
1
2
3
25
Note to markers: Where a candidate does not meet the minimum required for the award of 1
mark, 0 marks should be awarded. This applies to all mark scheme references.
24
OCR Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 1
Functional Skills English L1 SAMs Mark Scheme – Writing Tasks (34 marks)
Writing – Task A (21 Marks)
M/S Indicative Response
Ref
1W1 Candidate has written clearly and coherently with an appropriate level of
detail, including relevant material. Response is suitable for purpose and
audience:

some relevant information/ideas but lacks detail and clarity.

generally relevant, some attempt at coherence, but lacks detail or
clarity.

mostly relevant and coherent, some detail and clarity.

fully relevant, coherent and clear, with appropriate detail.
1W2 Candidate has used spelling accurately:

some attempt at spelling simple everyday words accurately.

most simple words and words occurring in the source documents
and question paper are spelt correctly.

virtually all simple words and words occurring in the source
documents and question paper are spelt correctly. Any errors
stand out as atypical or ‘one-off’ slips.
1W3 Candidate has used punctuation accurately:

some attempt at using capital letters (at the beginning of sentences
and/or for proper nouns), full stops and question marks (where
required), although errors at times affect meaning.

most capital letters, full stops and question marks (where required)
are used accurately. Errors do not significantly affect meaning.

virtually all capital letters (including personal pronoun), full stops
and question marks are used accurately. Any errors stand out as
atypical or ‘one-off’ slips and do not affect meaning.
1W4 Candidate has used grammar accurately:

some attempt at accurate subject/verb agreement, although errors
at times affect meaning.

subject/verb agreement mostly accurate but some confusion of
pronouns, inconsistency of tense.

virtually all grammar is accurate. Any errors stand out as untypical
or ‘one-off’ slips and do not affect meaning.
1W5 Candidate has used an appropriate formal report format, to include:

some attempt at a heading (may not be appropriate).

an appropriate heading.

an appropriate heading and some attempt at a sub-heading (may
not be appropriate).

an appropriate heading and appropriate sub headings or an.
appropriate heading and one appropriate sub heading with bullet
points.
1W6 Candidate has presented relevant material in a logical sequence:

limited organisation; sometimes difficult to follow.

some evidence of helpful organisation, but may lack introduction or
conclusion.

mostly effective organisation of material. Clear beginning, middle
and end.

flows logically and organisation actively helps the reader.
Total available for Writing Task A
OCR Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 1
Marks
Total
marks
1
2
3
4
4
1
2
3
3
1
2
3
3
1
2
3
3
1
2
3
4
4
1
2
3
4
4
21
25
Writing – Task B (13 Marks)
M/S
Ref
1W1
1W2
1W3
1W4
1W5
1W6
Indicative Response
Marks
Candidate has written clearly and coherently with an appropriate level of
detail, including relevant material, and response is suitable for purpose
and audience:

some relevant material, but lacks detail and clarity.

reasonable clarity but lacking in either detail or clarity.

writing is clear and detailed throughout. Fully relevant, coherent
and clear with appropriate detail.
Candidate has used spelling accurately:

spelling of everyday words is usually accurate. Words occurring in
the source documents and question paper are mostly spelt
correctly.

virtually all spelling of everyday words, and words from the source
documents, and question paper is correct throughout. Any errors
stand out as untypical or ‘one-off’ slips and do not affect meaning.
Candidate has used punctuation accurately:

capital letters (at the beginning of sentences and for proper
nouns), full stops and question marks are used correctly with only
minor lapses.

capital letters, full stops and question marks are used accurately
throughout. Any errors stand out as untypical or ‘one-off’ slips and
do not affect meaning.
Candidate has used grammar accurately:

overall accurate, but with some errors in subject/verb agreement
and/or some inconsistency of tense.

mostly grammatically accurate with accurate subject/verb
agreement, accurate and consistent use of tense. Any errors
stand out as untypical or ‘one-off’ slips and do not affect meaning.
Candidate has used an appropriate email format, to include:

who the email is to.

who the email is to and from, or who it is to and the subject or date.
Candidate has presented information in a logical sequence:

some attempt at sequencing relevant information, although not
consistent. Some attempt at meeting the purpose of the
document. Document may not always be easy to follow and does
not fully meet needs of audience.

material flows logically. It is suitable for purpose and audience. It
has a clear beginning, middle and end.
Total available for writing task B
Total
marks
1
2
3
3
1
2
2
1
2
2
1
2
2
1
2
2
1
2
13
2
13
Note to markers: Where a candidate does not meet the minimum required for the award of 1
mark, 0 marks should be awarded. This applies to all mark scheme references. Maximum marks
for M/S reference are shown in bold.
26
OCR Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 1
FUNCTIONAL SKILLS ENGLISH
LEVEL 1 SPEAKING, LISTENING & COMMUNICATION ASSESSMENT
CONTRIBUTING TO A DISCUSSION/EXCHANGE
ASSESSOR’S OBSERVATION RECORD
Centre name
Candidate name
No. in discussion group
Centre no.
Candidate no.
Subject of discussion
Subject*:
Familiar or Unfamiliar
*Circle as appropriate
Discussion or exchange*
FS
ref
GOOD PASS
The candidate has:
PASS
The candidate has:
NEAR MISS
The candidate has:
FAIL
The candidate has:
1.S.1
 made a range of relevant and
extended contributions
 played a full part in discussion
 responded appropriately to others
 made relevant and extended
contributions
 responded appropriately to
others

made some relevant and
extended contributions
responded appropriately to others
most of the time

made some contributions,
although not always relevant or
clear
1.S.2
 fully/well prepared to contribute to
discussion of ideas and opinion
 appropriately prepared to
contribute to formal discussion of
ideas and opinions

prepared to contribute to
discussion of ideas and opinion

not fully prepared to contribute to
discussion of ideas and opinions
1.S.3
 been flexible but purposeful in
discussion
 made a range of different types of
contribution
 made different kinds of
contributions

made some different types of
contribution

made a limited type of
contribution
1.S.4
 presented a variety of information
and points of view clearly
 used appropriate language
 presented information and points
of view clearly
 used appropriate language

on the whole presented
information and points of view
clearly
used appropriate language

at times made contributions that
lack clarity and/or
used language that was not
always appropriate
RESULT
GOOD PASS
PASS
NEAR MISS
FAIL




Evidence/comment:
Assessor’s name
OCR Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 1
Signature
Date
27
OCR Functional Skills English ASSESSMENT GRID
READING AND WRITING LEVEL 1
Reading
FS Ref.
Descriptor – Candidate has:
M/S Ref
Marks
1.2.1
Identified main points and ideas and how they are
presented in a variety of texts
1R1
5
1.2.2
Understood texts in detail
1R2
5
1.2.3
Used information from texts for a purpose
1R3
7
1.2.4
Identified suitable responses
1R4
8
Total
25
M/S Ref
Marks
Writing
FS Ref.
Descriptor – Candidate has:
1.3.1
Written clearly and coherently, including an appropriate
level of detail
1W1
5
1.3.5
Used spelling accurately – everyday words
1W6
4
1.3.5
Used punctuation accurately – full stops, capital letters and
question marks
1W5
4
1.3.4
Used grammar accurately – consistent use of tense and
sentence structure, subject/verb agreement
1W4
4
1.3.3
Used a format (eg letters, short reports, memos, articles,
essays etc) structure and language suitable for purpose
and audience
1W3
3
1.3.2
Presented information in a logical sequence
1W2
5
Total
25
28
OCR Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 1