HAST Exam English writing Evaluation Criteria

HAST English writing exam is all about being fair and thorough in assessing each student's writing skills. We break down the criteria into three main categories: Content, Structure, and Language. Each category is assigned specific percentage points to make the evaluation comprehensive. This structured approach helps us pinpoint students' strengths and areas for improvement, giving a well-rounded and accurate view of their writing abilities.

The HAST writing test is all about how well you can express your thoughts and feelings in written English. It looks at both the quality of your ideas and the way you use language. This assessment measures your ability to think creatively and come up with new ideas, as well as how proficient you are in English.

Schools have two options to choose from for the writing tasks. Each option is designed for different purposes and audiences. The first option, Written Expression 1, is a task where you discuss a specific issue or topic. You'll usually have some kind of verbal prompt to help get you started. The second option, Written Expression 2, is a more creative task. It asks you to write a narrative or personal piece, often inspired by a visual prompt.

Content (40%)

• Clear and focused opinion: The student clearly states their opinion on whether girls and boys should play on the same team (10%)

• Relevant arguments: The student provides multiple reasons to support their opinion, directly addressing the prompt (15%)

• Well-developed ideas: The student elaborates on their reasons, providing examples or evidence to strengthen their arguments (15%)

Structure (30%)

• Introduction: The student begins with an engaging introduction that grabs the reader's attention and clearly outlines their stance (10%)

• Body paragraphs: The student organises their arguments into well-structured paragraphs, each with a clear main idea and supporting details (15%)

• Conclusion: The student summarises their main points and restates their opinion in a concluding paragraph (5%)

Language (30%)

• Vocabulary: The student uses a wide range of vocabulary, including appropriate and sophisticated word choices (10%)

• Grammar and punctuation: The student demonstrates strong control of grammar and punctuation, with few or no errors (10%)

• Sentence structure: The student uses varied sentence structures, creating a fluent and engaging writing style (10%)

Additional Considerations

• Originality: Does the student's response offer unique perspectives or insights beyond common arguments?

• Voice: Does the student's writing have a strong and distinct voice that reflects their personality and engagement with the topic?

By adhering to these detailed criteria and percentage points, we provide a clear and transparent evaluation process for the HAST writing exam. This approach not only maintains high academic standards but also encourages students to develop their writing skills comprehensively. Understanding the evaluation criteria helps students focus their efforts effectively, ultimately enhancing their performance and readiness for academic challenges.