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Skills that use Connectives and syntax

1. Writing words, phrases and sentences about yourself

   Assessed: In coursework (non-examination assessment, NEA)

   Learners respond in writing with individual words at Entry 1, short phrases at Entry 2 and basic set sentences at Entry 3. At Level 1 they use and adapt set phrases to write facts about personal information, and at Level 2 they use routine language to produce written material, such as a profile or short email. This is required by the learning outcome 2 assessment criteria at every level.

   Literacy: Vocabulary, spelling, grammar, Connectives and syntax

   Getting pupils ready

   Year 7

   Pupils label a picture of themselves with single words in the language for name, age, town and a hobby.

   Year 8

   Pupils use a sentence builder to write five sentences about where they live, their school and their family.

   Year 9

   Pupils write a short profile of about 60 words for an exchange website, adapting set phrases so every sentence is true for them.

   Show the specification wording and the LNF statements

   Where it is in the specification: Entry Level, learning outcome 2, assessment criteria E1 2.1, E2 2.1 and E3 2.1, page 5; Level 1 and Level 2, learning outcome 2, assessment criteria 2.1, page 6

   “Use routine language to produce written material about personal information”

   Progression step 3

   • I can use varied, appropriate and precise vocabulary including area of learning and experience/discipline-specific words for different purposes.

   • I can use language appropriate to writing, including standard forms, e.g. nouns, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, connectives and verb tenses.

   • I can use simple, compound and complex sentence structures for emphasis and effect.

   Progression step 4

   • I can make informed choices about vocabulary, idiomatic and figurative language, and syntax in order to express myself with fluency, accuracy and clarity.

   • I can select and use a variety of different sentence structures (simple, compound and complex sentences) with grammatical accuracy in my writing.

2. Giving written opinions

   Assessed: In coursework (non-examination assessment, NEA)

   At Level 1 learners give simple written opinions about personal information, and at Level 2 they express written opinions, for example what they think of their job, studies or hobbies and why. Entry Level learners are taught likes and dislikes and, from Entry 3, short reasons with an adjective. The written opinions are required by the Level 1 and Level 2 assessment criteria.

   Literacy: Planning and organising for different purposes, audiences and context, Connectives and syntax, Purpose

   Getting pupils ready

   Year 7

   Pupils write I like or I do not like next to pictures of five hobbies in the language.

   Year 8

   Pupils write an opinion with a reason for three school subjects, using because and an adjective such as interesting or boring.

   Year 9

   Pupils write a short review of a film or hobby giving their opinion, a reason and one thing they would change, using very, quite or sometimes.

   Show the specification wording and the LNF statements

   Where it is in the specification: Level 1 and Level 2, learning outcome 2, assessment criteria 2.2, page 6; Amplification, pages 9 and 10

   “Express written opinions about personal information”

   Progression step 3

   • I can write about my thoughts, feelings and opinions, showing empathy and respect.

   • I can use an increasing range of connectives to organise my ideas in sentences, paragraphs and whole texts.

   Progression step 4

   • I can share, talk and write about my thoughts, feelings and opinions showing empathy and respect.

3. Writing in past, present and future time frames

   Assessed: Taught, but not assessed

   All learners are taught present tense verbs in the first and third person, and Level 1 and Level 2 learners are taught past, present and future time frames, with Level 2 describing past events and future plans. Suggested activities have learners convert a text into a different time frame. This is amplification content rather than a named assessment criterion.

   Literacy: Vocabulary, spelling, grammar, Connectives and syntax

   Getting pupils ready

   Year 7

   Pupils write what they play and what their friend plays, changing the verb from I to he or she.

   Year 8

   Pupils write about a normal weekend in the present tense and then rewrite two sentences about last weekend in the past.

   Year 9

   Pupils rewrite a short paragraph about a holiday from the past into the future, changing every verb and time phrase, then check it with a partner.

   Show the specification wording and the LNF statements

   Where it is in the specification: Amplification, learning outcomes 1 and 2, pages 8 to 10; Suggested activities, Development Activities, page 13

   “Learners could also convert the text into a different time frame”

   Progression step 3

   • I can use the standard form of a variety of words, e.g. present, past and negative forms.

   Progression step 4

   • I can select and use a variety of different sentence structures (simple, compound and complex sentences) with grammatical accuracy in my writing.

Source: WJEC International language (written) - communicating personal information unit delivery and assessment pack, read with the WJEC Entry 1 to Level 2 Skills for Life and Skills for Work specification, approved by Qualifications Wales, teaching from September 2027 (© WJEC CBAC Ltd 2026).