Checklists for the CAE Speaking and Writing Tests

Checklists for the CAE Speaking and Writing Tests

 

🗣️ CAE Speaking Test Rubric (Total: 10 points)

Task: Personal questions about everyday life, studies, work, and interests.

Criterion	2 points	1 point	0 points
Fluency & Coherence	Speaks naturally, smoothly, and connects ideas clearly with appropriate linkers.	Some hesitation or repetition; ideas occasionally disconnected.	Frequent pauses; answers short or hard to follow.
Lexical Resource	Wide, accurate range of vocabulary with idiomatic expressions.	Adequate vocabulary but some gaps or repetitive use.	Very limited vocabulary; struggles to express ideas.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	Uses a variety of complex structures with very few errors.	Some control of grammar; occasional errors affect clarity.	Frequent grammatical errors; message unclear.
Pronunciation	Clear and natural; fully intelligible with appropriate stress and intonation.	Generally clear; minor first-language influence.	Hard to understand; serious pronunciation problems.
Interactive Communication	Responds confidently; develops answers and reacts naturally to examiner’s questions.	Adequate responses; some hesitation or limited interaction.	Minimal interaction; fails to respond or expand.

➡️ Total Score: /10

 

✍️ C1-level Writing Rubric (Total: 10 points)

Task: Write a formal essay (220–260 words) presenting a clear argument with supporting ideas and examples.

Criterion	2 points	1 point	0 points
Task Achievement	Fully addresses all parts of the question with clear, relevant ideas.	Partially addresses the task; some ideas underdeveloped.	Does not address the question or lacks relevance.
Organization & Cohesion	Well-structured paragraphs with logical flow and effective linking devices.	Some organization; connectors used mechanically or inconsistently.	Disorganized; ideas unclear or not linked.
Lexical Resource	Wide, precise vocabulary with natural collocations and formal tone.	Adequate vocabulary; some imprecision or informal expressions.	Limited vocabulary; frequent repetition or misuse.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	Varied sentence structures; minor errors only.	Some variety but noticeable grammatical errors.	Frequent grammatical errors that hinder understanding.
Style, Register & Mechanics	Consistently formal tone; accurate spelling and punctuation.	Mostly appropriate tone; minor errors in form or mechanics.	Inappropriate register; spelling/punctuation problems interfere with clarity.

➡️ Total Score: /10