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Goethe-Institut Sample Test Tasks
The CEFR Grids for Writing,
developed by ALTE members
Report on analysis of Start Deutsch 1 (Writing)
Target language of this test German
Target level (CEFR) of this test A1
Task number/name Paper 2, Writing Part 2
3 Number of tasks in the writing paper 2 writing tasks
4 Integration of skills Writing (with written input)
5 Total test time 45 minutes inc. reading section
6 Target performance level A1
7 Channel Handwritten
8 Purpose General proficiency
General Information about the writing component *
* The numbers in the left hand column of the tables refer to the categories in the ALTE CEFR Writing Grid
Background to the Examination
The examination Start Deutsch 1 is a general German qualification which was developed
in co-operation with the Weiterbildungs-Testsysteme GmbH (WBT) and which is part of
the Main-suite Examinations of the Goethe-Institut since spring 2004. Set at level A1
of the CEFR, Start Deutsch 1 recognises the ability to cope with everyday written and
spoken communication at a basic level. Start Deutsch 1 is designed for learners who
have basic German skills of the kind needed when travelling in a foreign country.
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Candidature
Start Deutsch 1 has been offered since spring 2004. 863 candidates have so far taken
this examination.
Structure of the Test
Start Deutsch 1 tests the skills of Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking – with each
skill equally weighted at 25%. It is administered in three separate papers; Paper 1:
Listening, Paper 2: Reading and Writing and Paper 3: Speaking. There are five possible
grades in Start Deutsch 1: four pass grades (very good, good, satisfactory, pass) and
one fail grade. Results are based on the candidate’s aggregate scores across the four
skills. In order to pass, candidates must achieve at least 60% of the total marks.
Start Deutsch 1 Reading and Writing Paper
The paper has a fixed format, with Parts 1-3 testing reading skills through a variety of
texts (simple short letters and short notices). Part 1 and 2 of the Writing Paper test
writing skills in two formats: filling in a form and writing a short letter. In the writing
section, candidates are assessed on their ability to produce written German at word,
sentence and text level. They are expected to complete short gaps in simple texts, and
to ask for information in a short letter, showing reasonable control of structure,
vocabulary, spelling and punctuation.
Writing Paper, Part 2
In this task, candidates are given the opportunity to show that they can communicate
a written message (25-35 words) of an authentic type, for example a short letter to a
tourist information office. The instructions indicate the type of message required, who
it is for and what kind of information should be included. Candidates must respond to
the prompts in all three bullet points. All points must be addressed in order to
complete the task fully.
Mark distribution
There are 3 marks given for each of the 3 bullet points and 1 mark overall for
communicative appropriateness (altogether 10 marks maximum). Candidates at this
level are not expected to produce faultless German, but, to achieve the maximum
marks, a candidate should write a clear message which successfully communicates all
three elements of the required information, with only minor grammatical and spelling
errors. A great variety of acceptable answers is possible.
Task Rating
The rating scale takes the form of a set of two band descriptors from 0 – 3 (task
fulfilment) and from 0 – 1 (communicative appropriateness). The exam is marked by
two trained raters. Grammatical form, spelling, structural correctness is considered
along with task fulfilment when rating.
Effective Level
All Start Deutsch 1 Writing tasks are constructed on the basis of expert judgement
(experienced teachers of German as a Foreign Language and staff of the headquarter
of the Goethe-Institut) and according to the Start Deutsch 1 specifications, which
relate to the Breakthrough Level of the Council of Europe. Several meetings take place
with the Team Leaders and the item writers to decide on the most appropriate task for
the final version of the examination.
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Sample task:
Sie wollen nach Berlin fahren.
Schreiben Sie an die Touristeninformation in Berlin. Hier finden Sie drei Punkte für
Ihren Brief:
1. Sie kommen vom 14. – 21. August nach Berlin.
2. Bitten Sie um Informationen über Film, Theater, Museen (Kulturprogramm).
3. Bitten Sie um Hoteladressen.
Schreiben Sie zu jedem Punkt ein bis zwei Sätze auf den Antwortbogen.
An das
Tourist Info Center
Brandenburger Tor
Pariser Platz
10117 Berlin Mitte
08. März 2005
Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,
Mit freundlichen Grüßen
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9 Rubrics and instructions are in… German
10 Language level of rubric A1
11 Time for this task Not specified
12 Control/guidance High (controlled)
13 Content Yes – specified
14 Discourse mode Letter – personal
15 Audience Tourist information office
16 Type of prompt Textual
17 Topic Travel, leisure
18 Integration of skills Reading
i) Task input/prompt
19 Number of words expected 25-35
20 Rhetorical function(s) Asking for information
21 Register Neutral
22 Domain Personal
23 Grammar Simple structures
24 Vocabulary Only frequent vocabulary
25 Cohesion Extremely limited use of cohesive devices
26 Authenticity: situational Medium
27 Authenticity: interactional Medium
28 Cognitive processing Low
29 Content knowledge Personal, daily life, common general
30 Task purpose Referential (telling)
ii) Response (description of written response elicited by the prompt(s)/input)
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iii) Rating of Task
iv) Feedback to candidates
31 Known criteria Grading criteria are not available to the candidate on the
paper, but can be viewed in the handbook
32 Task rating method Rating scale: scale: 3, 1.5, 0 marks for task fulfilment (for
each guiding point) and 1, 0.5 and 0 marks overall for
communicative appropriateness
33 Assessment criteria Analytic
34 Number of raters 2
35 Quantitative feedback 1 of 5 grades (very good, good, satisfactory, pass,
fail)
36 Qualitative feedback None. Provided when required
Example answer
Ich komme vom 14. – 21. August nach Berlin. Ich möchte
Informationen über Film, Theater, Museen bekommen. Bitte
geben Sie mir auch Hoteladressen. Bitte informieren zu
meine Adresse: Sonnenstr.21, München.
Vielen Dank.
Commentary
This is a good attempt, requiring little effort by the reader. However, although all three
parts of the message are clearly communicated, and the writer goes even beyond the
task by saying where the material should be send to, there are some errors, (e.g.
“bekommen”, and “informieren zu”), which interfere with communication.
Score allocated
9 marks for task fulfilment (maximum score - 3 marks for each bullet point) and 0.5
marks for communicative appropriateness (maximum score is 1 mark).
* The numbers in the left hand column of the tables refer to the categories in the ALTE CEFR Writing Grid
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Background to the Examination
The examination Start Deutsch 2 is a general German qualification which was
developed in co-operation with the Weiterbildungs-Testsysteme GmbH (WBT) and
which is part of the Main-suite Examinations of the Goethe-Institut since spring 2004.
Set at level A2 of the CEF, Start Deutsch 2 recognises the ability to cope with everyday
written and spoken communication at a basic level. Start Deutsch 2 is designed for
learners who have basic German skills of the kind needed when travelling in a foreign
country.
Goethe-Institut Sample Test Tasks
The CEFR Grids for Writing,
developed by ALTE members
Report on analysis of Start Deutsch 2 (Writing)
Target language of this test German
Target level (CEFR) of this test A2
Task number/name Paper 2, Writing Part 2
3 Number of tasks in the writing paper 2 writing tasks
4 Integration of skills Writing (with written input)
5 Total test time 50 minutes inc. reading section
6 Target performance level A2
7 Channel Handwritten
8 Purpose General proficiency
General Information about the writing component *
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Candidature
Start Deutsch 2 has been offered since spring 2004. 476 candidates have so far taken
this examination.
Structure of the Test
Start Deutsch 2 tests the skills of Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking – with each
skill equally weighted at 25%. It is administered in three separate papers; Paper 1:
Listening, Paper 2: Reading and Writing and Paper 3: Speaking. There are five possible
grades in Start Deutsch 2: four pass grades (very good, good, satisfactory, pass) and
one fail grade. Results are based on the candidate’s aggregate scores across the four
skills. In order to pass, candidates must achieve at least 60% of the total marks.
Start Deutsch 2 Reading and Writing Paper
The paper has a fixed format, with Parts 1-3 testing reading skills through a variety of
texts ranging from short notices to a longer text. Part 1 and 2 of the Writing Paper test
writing skills in two formats: filling in a form and writing a short letter. In the writing
section, candidates are assessed on their ability to produce written German at word,
sentence and text level. They are expected to complete short gaps in simple texts, and
to write a letter to a friend, showing reasonable control of structure, vocabulary,
spelling and punctuation.
Writing Paper, Part 2
In this task, candidates are given the opportunity to show that they can communicate
a written message (approx. 60 words) of an authentic type, for example a letter to a
friend. The instructions indicate the type of message required, who it is for and what
kind of information should be included. Candidates must respond to the prompts in
the three bullet points. All bullet points must be addressed in order to complete the
task fully.
Mark distribution
There are 3 marks given for each of the 3 bullet points and 1 mark overall for
communicative appropriateness (altogether 10 marks maximum). Candidates at this
level are not expected to produce faultless German, but, to achieve the maximum
marks, a candidate should write a clear message which successfully communicates all
three elements of the required information, with only minor grammatical and spelling
errors. A great variety of acceptable answers is possible.
Task Rating
The rating scale takes the form of a set of two band descriptors from 0 – 3 (task
fulfilment) and from 0 – 1 (communicative appropriateness). The exam is marked by
two trained raters. Grammatical form, spelling, structural correctness is considered
along with task fulfilment when rating.
Effective Level
All Start Deutsch 2 Writing tasks are constructed on the basis of expert judgement
(experienced teachers of German as a Foreign Language and staff of the headquarter
of the Goethe-Institut) and according to the Start Deutsch 2 specifications, which
relate to the A2 Level specifications of the CEFR. Several meetings take place with the
Team Leaders and the item writers to decide on the most appropriate task for the final
version of the examination.
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Sample task:
Sie bekommen einen Brief von Paola. Sie kennen Paola aus dem Deutschkurs.
Paola schreibt, dass sie am 20. November in Berlin heiraten wird. Paola lädt Sie ein
und fragt, ob Sie kommen.
Antworten Sie. Hier finden Sie drei Punkte für Ihren Brief:
1. Jemanden mitbringen
2. Geschenk
3. Übernachtung in Berlin
Schreiben Sie zu jedem Punkt ein bis zwei Sätze auf die nächste Seite.
i) Task input/prompt
9 Rubrics and instructions are in… German
10 Language level of rubric A2
11 Time for this task Not specified
12 Control/guidance High (controlled)
13 Content Yes – specified
14 Discourse mode Letter (personal)
15 Audience Friend
16 Type of input Textual
17 Topic Daily life
18 Integration of skills Reading
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19 Number of words expected Approx. 60 words
20 Rhetorical function(s) Answering and asking for information
21 Register Informal
22 Domain Personal
23 Grammar Simple structures
24 Vocabulary Only frequent vocabulary
25 Cohesion Limited use of cohesive devices
26 Authenticity: situational High
27 Authenticity: interactional High
28 Cognitive processing Low
29 Content knowledge Personal, daily life, common general
30 Task purpose Referential (telling), emotive (reacting)
ii) Response (description of written response elicited by the prompt(s)/input)
iii) Rating of Task
31 Known criteria grading criteria are not available to the candidate
on the paper, but can be viewed in the handbook
32 Task rating method rating scales: scale: 3, 1.5, 0 marks for task
fulfilment (for each guiding point) and 1, 0.5, 0
marks overall for communicative appropriateness
33 Assessment criteria analytic - all criteria are considered
34 Number of raters 2
iv) Feedback to candidates
35 Quantitative feedback 1 of 5 grades (very good, good, satisfactory, pass,
fail)
36 Qualitative feedback None. However, if candidates require more
information, the Goethe-Institut can provide
qualitative feedback according to the mark scheme
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Example answer
Liebe Paola,
zuerst gratuliere ich dir zur Hochzeit. Natürlich möchte
ich gern an deine Hochzeit teilnehmen. Aber ich habe
zwei kleine Kinder. Ich möchte wissen, ob jemand seine
Kinder mitbringen kann.
Ich will ein schönes Geschenk einkaufen. Ich möchte auch
wissen, was du gern hast.
Wir wollen in ein Hotel in Berlin übernachten. Welches
Hotel empfiehlst du mir?
Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Y.Y.
Commentary
This is a good attempt, requiring no effort by the reader. The writer uses the correct
letter format with appropriate opening and close and early reference to the reason for
writing: zuerst gratuliere ich dir zur Hochzeit. However, although all three parts of the
message are clearly communicated, there are some errors (an, in + Dative, einkaufen
instead of “kaufen” or jemand instead of “man”) which might interfere slightly with
communication.
Score allocated
9 marks for task fulfilment (maximum score – 3 marks for each bullet point) and 0,5
marks for communicative appropriateness (maximum score is 1 mark).
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Goethe-Institut Sample Test Tasks
The CEFR Grids for Writing,
developed by ALTE members
Report on analysis of Neue Prüfung auf B2 (Writing)
Target language of this test German
Target level (CEFR) of this test B2
Task number/name Paper 3, Writing, Part 1
3 Number of tasks in the writing paper 2 writing tasks
4 Integration of skills Writing (with written input)
5 Total test time 90 minutes
6 Target performance level B2
7 Channel Handwritten
8 Purpose General proficiency
General Information about the writing component *
Background to the Examination
This new examination at B2 is under development and a first sample test will be
published in summer 2006. The examination will be offered one year later and will be
part of the Main-suite Examinations of the Goethe-Institut. The examination recognizes
the ability to understand complex written and spoken texts with a large degree of
independence and to interact in writing or orally with a degree of fluency and
spontaneity that makes interaction with native speakers possible without imposing
strain on either party.
* The numbers in the left hand column of the tables refer to the categories in the ALTE CEFR Writing Grid
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Candidature
The examination will be offered in 2007.
Structure of the Test
The examination tests the skills of Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking. All four
skills are equally weighted at 25%. Results are based on the candidate’s aggregate
scores across the four skills. In order to pass, candidates must achieve at least 60%
of the total marks. There are five possible grades, four pass grades (very good, good,
satisfactory, pass) and one fail grade.
Writing Paper
The Writing Paper consists of two tasks: writing a personal letter to a friend or a semi-
formal letter to a newspaper (Part 1) and filling in gaps in a text (the text is a formal
letter).
Writing Paper, Part 1
In Part 1 candidates are assessed on their ability to write clear, well-structured texts
on a variety of subjects related to their fields of interest (approx. 200 words). The
instructions indicate the type of message required, who it is for and what kind of
information should be included. Candidates must respond to the prompts in the six
guiding points. All guiding points must be addressed in order to complete the task
fully.
Mark distribution
There are 20 marks for Paper 3 Writing, Part 1. Candidates at this level are expected to
produce a clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and to explain a viewpoint
on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options,
demonstrating a range of language appropriate to the task.
Task Rating
Four criteria are taken into account when marking the written production: task
realisation, organisation of text, range of language and accuracy (syntax, morphology,
orthography).
The rating scale takes the form of a set of band descriptors from 0 – 5 for each of the
four criteria (task realisation, organisation of text, range of language and accuracy).
The examination is marked by two trained raters.
Effective Level
All Writing tasks of this new examination are constructed on the basis of expert
judgement (experienced teachers of German as a Foreign Language and staff of the
headquarter of the Goethe-Institut) and according to the specifications of this new
examination, which relate to the B2 Level specifications of the CEFR. Several meetings
take place with the Team Leaders and the item writers to decide on the most
appropriate task for the final version of the examination.
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Sample task:
Ihre deutsche Brieffreundin hat Ihnen den Brief unten geschrieben. Antworten Sie ihr
auf diesen Brief und sagen Sie Ihre Meinung zum Thema „Elternzeit“, d.h. die
vorübergehende Freistellung vom Beruf, um kleine Kinder zu betreuen.
Bonn, den 15. März 2005
Liebe / r ….,
vielen Dank für deine netten Zeilen. Ich bin im Moment
total im Stress. Nur noch vier Wochen bis zu den
Abschlussprüfungen und ausgerechnet jetzt fällt unser
Englischlehrer aus! Stell dir vor, seine Frau hat gerade
ein Baby bekommen und nun nimmt er Elternzeit und
bleibt für die nächsten zwei Jahre zu Hause, um sich um
das Baby zu kümmern. Seine Frau will weiter arbeiten –
kannst du das verstehen?
Mit lieben Grüßen
Silvia
Antworten Sie Silvia auf diesen Brief und sagen Sie Ihre Meinung zum Thema
„Elternzeit“. Schreiben Sie dabei etwas zu folgenden Punkten:
• Bedanken Sie sich für den Brief und schreiben Sie etwas über Ihre
momentane Situation.
• Sagen Sie, wie Sie das Verhalten des Lehrers finden.
• Diskutieren Sie die Vorteile der Elternzeit für die Familie.
• Diskutieren Sie die Nachteile der Elternzeit.
• Sagen Sie, wie Sie sich Ihre eigene Familie vorstellen.
• Schließen Sie mit einem Wunsch an Ihre Brieffreundin.
Schreiben Sie Ihren Brief auf die nächste Seite. Schreiben Sie etwa 200 Wörter.
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Example answer
i) Task input/prompt
ii) Response (description of written response elicited by the prompt(s)/input)
9 Rubrics and instructions are in… German
10 Language level of rubric B2
11 Time for this task Suggested time: 70 minutes
12 Control/guidance Semi-controlled
13 Content Yes – specified
14 Discourse mode Letter – personal
15 Audience Friend
16 Type of input Textual – letter and instructions
17 Topic Work
18 Integration of skills Reading
19 Number of words expected About 200
20 Rhetorical function(s) Comment, argue
21 Register Informal
22 Domain Personal
23 Grammar Range of complex structures
24 Vocabulary Mainly frequent vocabulary
25 Cohesion Use of cohesive devices
26 Authenticity: situational High
27 Authenticity: interactional High
28 Cognitive processing Knowledge transformation
29 Content knowledge Work, family, common general
30 Task purpose Referential, emotive, conative
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Example answer
München, den 15. April 2005
Liebe Silvia,
ich bedanke mich für deinen Brief. Mir geht es gut,
obwohl ich auch viel zu tun habe. Ich besuche einen
Deutschkurs vormittags und nachmittags muss ich
weitermachen mit meinem normalen Programm.
Grundsätzlich denke ich, dass das Verhalten des Lehrers
korrekt ist. Ein Vater hat auch das Recht, zu Hause zu
bleiben, um auf sein Baby aufzupassen. Es ist klar, dass
es für deine Schule nicht der beste Moment ist, aber
wenn er eine Frau wäre, würdet ihr euch keine Gedanken
machen.
Selbstverständlich ist, dass ein Kind Betreuung braucht.
Es gibt hier in Deutschland sehr wenige
Kinderkrippenplätze, und die Omas sind nicht in der
Lage, die Eltern zu vertreten. Die Elternzeit ist
tatsächlich eine große Vorteile für die Familie. Im
Gegensatz ist es meistens eine Nachteile für den
Arbeitnehmer und für die Kollegen, wie bei euch jetzt.
Man braucht viel Organisation und Sozialbewusstsein,
damit alles funktionieren kann.
iii) Rating of Task
iv) Feedback to candidates
31 Known criteria Grading criteria are not available to the candidate on the
paper, but can be viewed in the handbook
32 Task rating method Rating scales: scale 0-5 for 4 criteria (task realisation,
organisation, range, accuracy)
33 Assessment criteria Analytic
34 Number of raters 2
35 Quantitative feedback 1 of 5 grades (very good, good, satisfactory, pass,
fail)
36 Qualitative feedback None. However, if candidates require more
information, the Goethe-Institut can provide
qualitative feedback according to the mark scheme
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In meiner eigenen Familie hat mein Mann immer voll
gearbeitet, und ich immer halbtags. Babysitter und Oma
haben auf meine kleine Kinder aufgepasst. Für uns war
das ideal, und ich kann mir schwer vorstellen, dass ich
den ganzen Tag arbeiten müsste.
Ich wünsche dir, dass wenn du in die selbe Situation
eures Englischlehrer kommst, dir die gleiche Chance zur
Verfügung steht.
Mit lieben Grüßen P.
Commentary
This is a very good attempt, requiring no effort by the reader. The writer is confident,
ambitious and well organised, for example “Grundsätzlich denke ich, dass …”. All six
parts of the message are clearly communicated, with only a few errors in lexis (e.g. die
gleiche Chance zur Verfügung steht) and morphology (e.g. eine große Vorteile), which
do not disturb communication.
Score allocated
Task realisation: 5 marks (maximum), Organisation of text: 5 marks (maximum), Range
of Language: 4 marks, Accuracy: 4 marks.
Total: 18 marks out of 20.
* The numbers in the left hand column of the tables refer to the categories in the ALTE CEFR Writing Grid
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Background to the Examination
The Zentrale Mittelstufenprüfung (ZMP) is an examination on C1 and is part of the
Main-suite Examinations of the Goethe-Institut. The examination is under revision and
a first sample test will be published in summer 2006. The examination recognizes the
ability to understand a wide range of complex written and spoken texts and to interact
fluently and spontaneously in writing and orally.
Goethe-Institut Sample Test Tasks
The CEFR Grids for Writing,
developed by ALTE members
Report on analysis of Zentrale Mittelstufenprüfung (Writing)
Target language of this test German
Target level (CEFR) of this test C1
Task number/name Paper 3, Writing, Part 1
3 Number of tasks in the writing paper 2 writing tasks
4 Integration of skills Writing (with written input)
5 Total test time 90 minutes
6 Target performance level C1
7 Channel Handwritten
8 Purpose General proficiency
General Information about the writing component *
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Candidature
In 2004, the Zentrale Mittelstufenprüfung was taken by 23,902 candidates in more
than 300 Goethe-Institutes and licensed examination centres worldwide.
Structure of the Test
The examination tests the skills of Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking. All four
skills are equally weighted at 25%. Results are based on the candidate’s aggregate
scores across the four skills. In order to pass, candidates must achieve at least 60% of
the total points. There are five possible grades, four pass grades (very good, good,
satisfactory, pass) and one fail grade.
Writing Paper
The Writing Paper has two tasks. Part 1 consists of writing an argumentative text (there
is a choice of 3 topics). The task in Part 2 consists of transforming a personal letter
into a formal letter.
Writing Paper, Part 1
In Part 1 candidates are assessed on their ability to write clear, well-structured texts on
a variety of subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors
and cohesive devices. The instructions indicate the topical issue and the information
that should be included in the answer.
Mark Distribution
There are 20 marks for Paper 3 Writing, Part 1. Candidates at this level are expected to
produce a clear, well-structured, detailed text on a complex subject, showing a wide
range of language and controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and
cohesive devices.
Task Rating
Four criteria are taken into account when marking the written production: task
realisation, organisation of text, range of language and accuracy (syntax, morphology,
orthography).
The rating scale takes the form of a set of band descriptors from 0 – 5 for each of the
four criteria (task realisation, organisation of text, range of language and accuracy).
The examination is marked by two trained raters.
Effective Level
All Writing tasks are constructed on the basis of expert judgement (experienced
teachers of German as a Foreign Language and staff of the headquarter of the Goethe-
Institut) and according to the specifications for the ZMP, which relate to the C1 Level
specifications of the CEFR. Several meetings take place with the Team Leaders and the
item writers to decide on the most appropriate task for the final version of the
examination.
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Sample task:
Bitte wählen Sie ein Thema aus, über das Sie schreiben möchten. Schreiben Sie ca.
300 Wörter auf die nächsten Seiten.
Thema 3
Wie kann ein langer Aufenthalt im Ausland das Verhältnis
zur eigenen Heimat im positiven wie auch im negativen
Sinn verändern? Nehmen Sie Stellung und begründen Sie
Ihre Meinung.
i) Task input/prompt
9 Rubrics and instructions are in… German
10 Language level of rubric C1
11 Time for this task Approx. 70 minutes
12 Control/guidance Low
13 Content Open
14 Discourse mode Argumentative
15 Audience Not specified
16 Type of input Textual – a topic and instructions
17 Topic Living/working in a foreign country
18 Integration of skills Reading
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ii) Response (description of written response elicited by the prompt(s)/input)
19 Number of words expected About 300
20 Rhetorical function(s) Comment, argue
21 Register Neutral
22 Domain Personal
23 Grammar Wide range of complex structures
24 Vocabulary Extended vocabulary
25 Cohesion Good use of cohesive devices
26 Authenticity: situational Medium
27 Authenticity: interactional Medium
28 Cognitive processing Knowledge transformation
29 Content knowledge Common general
30 Task purpose Referential, conative
iii) Rating of Task
31 Known criteria Grading criteria are not available to the candidate on the
paper, but can be viewed in the handbook
32 Task rating method Rating scales: scale 0-5 for 4 criteria (task realisation,
organisation, range, accuracy)
33 Assessment criteria Analytic
34 Number of raters 2
iv) Feedback to candidates
35 Quantitative feedback 1 of 5 grades (very good, good, satisfactory, pass,
fail)
36 Qualitative feedback None. However, if candidates require more
information, the Goethe-Institut can provide
qualitative feedback according to the mark scheme
Example answer
Ein längerer Aufenthalt in einem fremden Land hat sowohl
positive als auch negative Wirkungen auf die Person
selbst sowie auf deren Verhältnis zu ihrer Heimatland.
Wenn man eine längere Zeit in einem fremden Land
verbringt, dann kann man viele Dinge in verschiedenen
Bereichen lernen und kann dann auch die Erfahrungen, die
man gesammelt hat, an den Landsleuten weitergeben und
damit einen Beitrag zum wirtschaftlichen sowie
wissenschaftlichen Fortschritt des Heimatlandes leisten.
Wenn man in einem der großen Industrieländern arbeitet,
dann kann man z.B. Ideen aus der Wirtschaft im
Heimatland in die Tat umsetzen, was zu einer
Verbesserung der Wirtschaftslage im Heimatland führen
kann. Oder man kann das Bildungssystem im Heimatland
verbessern, indem man die Bildungsmethoden des fremden
Landes im eigenen Land weiterführt. Außerdem wird man
einen weiteren Horizont haben, wenn man für eine längere
Zeit mit Leuten lebt, die anders denken und sich anders
verhalten. Man lernt, andere Meinungen zu akzeptieren,
die der eigenen Meinung oft widersprechen. Wenn z.B.
zwei Länder die Studenten austauschen, dann lernen diese
Studenten andere Kulturen kennen. Man baut die
Vorurteile ab, die man hat und damit kann eine neue
Generation entstehen, die tolerant, zivilisiert und
offen für andere Meinungen ist, was meiner Meinung nach
wichtig für den Fortschritt eines Landes ist.
Bei manchen Leuten bringt aber ein längerer Aufenthalt
in einem fremden Land mehr negative als positive Folgen.
Besonders die Leute, die aus armen Ländern kommen und in
einem entwickelten Land leben, werden manchmal negativ
beeinflusst. Man sieht, dass das Leben in einem
entwickelten Land viel bequemer und mit höherem
Lebensstandard verbunden ist und viele wollen deswegen
nie wieder in ihr Heimatland zurückkehren statt daran zu
denken, ihre im Ausland gesammelten Erfahrungen im
Heimatland weiterzuführen. Außerdem verändert man sich
langsam, wenn man sich für lange Zeit in einem fremden
Land aufhält. Man gibt manchmal seine Traditionen auf,
um sich in die neue Gesellschaft einleben zu können. Man
verliert manchmal seine eigene Identität, weil man
fühlt, dass man zwei verschiedenen Kulturen, Sprachen
manchmal auch zwei Religionen angehört.
Zusammenfassend kann man sagen, dass ein längerer
Aufenthalt in einem fremden Land positive und negative
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Folgen auf das Verhältnis zum Heimatland hat. Meiner
Meinung nach sollte man sich nicht negativ beeinflussen
lassen und so gut wie möglich seinen Aufenthalt im
fremden Land nutzen, damit das Heimatland und dessen
Gesellschaft von den eigenen Erfahrungen profitieren
können
Commentary
This is a very good attempt. The writer produces a clear, well-structured and mostly
accurate text, underlining the relevant issues, supporting points of view, and rounding
off with an appropriate conclusion. He/she consistently maintains a high degree of
grammatical accuracy with only a few minor errors (ihrer Heimatland, an den
Landsleuten). The vocabulary range is adequate, with only a few minor lexical errors
(Bildungsmethoden … weiterführt, die Studenten austauschen, bringt … Folgen,
Erfahrungen …. weiterzuführen).
Score allocated
• Task realisation (Content): 5 marks (maximum)
• Organisation of text: 5 marks (maximum)
• Range of vocabulary: 4 marks (maximum: 5 marks)
• Accuracy (morphology, syntax, orthography): 5 marks (maximum)
Total: 19 marks out of 20.
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Goethe-Institut Sample Test Tasks
The CEFR Grids for Writing,
developed by ALTE members
Report on analysis of Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung (Writing)
Target language of this test German
Target level (CEFR) of this test C2
Task number/name Paper 4, Writing, Part 2
3 Number of tasks in the writing paper 2 writing tasks (of which candidate
chooses one)
4 Integration of skills Writing (with written input)
5 Total test time 90 minutes
6 Target performance level C2
7 Channel Handwritten
8 Purpose General proficiency
General Information about the writing component *
Background to the Examination
The Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung (ZOP) is an examination on C2 of the CEFR and is part
of the Main-suite Examinations of the Goethe-Institut. The ZOP recognizes the ability
to understand with ease virtually everything heard or read and to interact fluently and
precisely in writing or orally, differentiating finer shades of meaning.
Candidature
In 2004, the Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung was taken by 3,496 candidates in more than
300 Goethe-Institutes and licensed examination centres worldwide.
* The numbers in the left hand column of the tables refer to the categories in the ALTE CEFR Writing Grid
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Structure of the Test
The examination tests the skills of Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking, and there
is a paper on Use of Language (grammar/vocabulary). Reading has 50 marks
maximum, Use of Language 70 marks, Listening 40 marks, Writing 70 marks and
Speaking 80 marks. Results are based on the candidate’s aggregate scores. In order to
pass, candidates must achieve at least 60% of the total marks. There are four possible
grades, three pass grades (very good, good, satisfactory) and one fail grade.
Writing Paper
The Writing Paper consists of two tasks: answering a question on one of the set books
(Part 1) or writing an argumentative text (there is a choice of 3 topics). The candidate
can choose between a task from Part 1 or Part 2.
Writing Paper, Part 2
In Part 2 candidates are assessed on their ability to write clear, well-structured and
detailed texts on a variety of complex subjects, showing a wide range of language and
controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices (approx.
300 words). The instructions indicate the topical issue and the information that
should be included in the answer.
Mark distribution
There are 70 marks for Paper 4 Writing, Part 2. Candidates at this level are expected to
write a longer text on a complex subject, using a wide range of language and complex
structures and to develop arguments with appropriate highlighting of significant
points and relevant supporting detail.
Task Rating
Two criteria are taken into account when marking the written production: task
realisation (content, length, and organisation of text) and range of language/accuracy
(range, cohesion, syntax, morphology, and orthography). Task realisation carries 24
marks maximum, range of language/accuracy 46 marks maximum.
Effective Level
All Writing tasks are constructed on the basis of expert judgement (experienced
teachers of German as a Foreign Language and staff of the headquarter of the Goethe-
Institut) and according to the specifications of the ZOP, which relate to the C2 Level
specifications of the CEFR. Several meetings take place with the Team Leaders and the
item writers to decide on the most appropriate task for the final version of the
examination.
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Sample task:
Bitte wählen Sie ein Thema aus, über das Sie schreiben möchten. Schreiben Sie ca.
300 Wörter auf die nächsten Seiten.
Trotz moderner Methoden der Verbrechensbekämpfung wächst
in den Industrieländern die Kriminalität, auch unter
Jugendlichen.
• Wo sehen Sie die Ursachen für diese Entwicklung?
• Welche Rolle spielen politische Motive?
• Welchen Einfluss hat die Darstellung von Gewalt in
den Medien?
Begründen Sie Ihre Meinung.
9 Rubrics and instructions are in… German
10 Language level of rubric C2
11 Time for this task 90 minutes
12 Control/guidance Low
13 Content Open
14 Discourse mode Argumentative
15 Audience Not specified
16 Type of prompt Textual – a topic and instructions
17 Topic Society
18 Integration of skills Reading
i) Task input/prompt
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ii) Response (description of written response elicited by the prompt(s)/input)
19 Number of words expected Approx. 300 words
20 Rhetorical function(s) Comment, argue, evaluate
21 Register Neutral
22 Domain Public
23 Grammar Wide range of complex structures
24 Vocabulary Extended vocabulary
25 Cohesion Very good use of cohesive devices
26 Authenticity: situational Medium
27 Authenticity: interactional Medium
28 Cognitive processing Knowledge transformation
29 Content knowledge Wide range of knowledge areas
30 Task purpose Referential, conative
iii) Rating of Task
31 Known criteria Grading criteria are not available to the candidate on the
paper, but can be viewed in the handbook
32 Task rating method Rating scale: marks awarded for task realisation (content
max. 8 marks, length max. 8 marks, organisation of text
max. 8 marks) and range of language/accuracy
(vocabulary max. 15 marks, cohesion max. 8 marks,
accuracy max. 15 marks, orthography max. 8 marks)
33 Assessment criteria Analytic
34 Number of raters 2
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iv) Feedback to candidates
35 Quantitative feedback One of four grades (very good, good, satisfactory,
fail)
36 Qualitative feedback None. However, if candidates require more
information, the Goethe-Institut can provide
qualitative feedback according to the mark scheme
Example answer
Die Kriminalität nimmt nicht nur in den Industrieländern
sondern weltweit stetig zu, und die Motiven und Ursachen
sind meistens von Region zu Region unterschiedlich, aber
auch zum Teil identisch. Die Gründe dafür könnten unter
anderem sein: Not, der Wunsch Macht auszuüben,
Langeweile oder auch politische Motive.
Kriminalität aus Not: Es wird aus blanker Not kriminell
gehandelt, wenn keine soziale Bindungen mehr vorhanden
sind, es keine Arbeit gibt, und für das tägliche
Überleben gekämpft wird. Das ist natürlich keine
Entschuldigung, aber die Not treibt einen Menschen zu
Taten, die er unter normalen Bedingungen niemals machen
würde. Die physische Not, wenn man z.B. Tage lang nichts
gegessen hat, die finanzielle Not, wenn man keinen
Ausweg mehr sieht und deshalb eine Bank ausraubt, sind
nur zwei Beispiele, um das zu verdeutlichen.
Kriminalität, um Macht auszuüben: Mittlerweile herrschen
fast weltweit, vor allem in USA und Lateinamerika, die
so genannten Bandenkriege in den Ghettos. Das eigene
Revier wird mit allen erdenklichen Waffen verteidigt und
Drogen und Waffen werden unter das Volk gebracht. Man
beweist sich täglich, wer das Sagen und die Macht hat.
Das schnelle Geld und die Anerkennung in der Bande sind
die wichtigsten Faktoren für diese Art von Kriminalität.
Kriminalität aus Langeweile: In Filmen und
Computerspielen wird den Jugendlichen gezeigt, was
„cool“ und „in“ ist und wie man sich die Zeit vertreiben
kann. Fehlendes Sozialverhalten und der Wunsch, Macht
auszuüben, waren unter anderem die Gründe dafür, dass in
Schulen mit Waffen geschossen wurde. Minderjährige
brachten unschuldige Menschen in ihre Gewalt und im
schlimmsten Fall gab es Tote. Die Lehrer, Eltern und die
Gesellschaft haben mit Ratlosigkeit reagiert.
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Kriminalität aus politischen Motiven: Mit einer
gewalttätigen Handlung für seine politische Gruppe oder
auch für sein Land etwas Bestimmtes zu erreichen bzw. zu
erzwingen, ist eine andere Form von Kriminalität.
Seitdem die Menschheit existiert, werden Kriege geführt
und durch Gewalt und Unterdrückung politische Ziele
verfolgt. Seit ein paar Jahren gibt es eine neue Form,
Kriege zu führen – den Terrorismus. Unschuldige Menschen
werden geopfert, um die Verwundbarkeit eines Landes zu
demonstrieren und um Macht zu beweisen.
Kriminelle Gewalt erzeugt Gegengewalt – ein Teufelkreis,
der nur mit Aussprache, Akzeptanz und Konfliktlösungen
zu stoppen ist.
Commentary
This is a very good attempt. The writer produces a clear, smoothly flowing text in an
appropriate and effective style and a logical structure which helps the reader to find
significant points. He/she possesses a wide range of language to formulate thoughts
clearly and precisely and shows no signs of having to restrict what he/she wants to
say. He/she also shows a good command of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms.
There are only a few minor errors (die Motiven, keine soziale Bindungen, Taten …
machen).
Score allocated
Task realisation:
• content: 8 marks (maximum)
• length: 8 marks (maximum)
• organisation of text: 8 marks (maximum)
Range of language / accuracy
• vocabulary: 15 marks (maximum)
• cohesion: 8 marks (maximum)
• accuracy: 14 marks (out of 15)
• orthography: 8 marks (maximum)
Total: 69 marks out of 70.
