Writing Skills in English
Multiple-Choice Test
(WSE-MCT)

Proficiency Levels 1, 2 and 3
Candidate Handbook

November 2006. Test number: B300

• Description of the test
• Tips on preparing for the test
• Tips for the day of the test
• Tips when taking the test
• After the test
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Sample test questions
  • Subtest 1: Basic spelling
  • Subtest 2: Capitalization and punctuation
  • Subtest 3: Grammar
  • Subtest 4: Sentence sequencing
  • Subtest 5: Vocabulary
• Answer Key

Note:

For simplicity, the masculine gender is generally used to represent males and females throughout this document.

Description of the test

This standardized assessment tool was developed to assess the technical competency, "Writing Skills in English." This technical competency is defined in the Canada Revenue Agency's (CRA) competency catalogue as follows:

The CRA uses a proficiency scale for all its technical competencies, including Writing Skills in English. This proficiency scale ranges from level 1 (basic knowledge) to level 5 (expert capability). The Writing Skills in English - Multiple-Choice Test (WSE-MCT) is designed to assess levels 1, 2 and 3 (levels 4 and 5 are assessed via other assessment tools). The following is a description of each level:

• Level 1: Basic skills in spelling (must be able to spell commonly misspelled words), capitalization and punctuation.
  
  
• Level 2: Basic skills in spelling, capitalization, punctuation, vocabulary, grammar (e.g., pronoun-subject agreement, knowledge of basic verb tenses), and sentence construction.
  
  
• Level 3: Ability to write while respecting the mechanical principles of writing (i.e., grammar, spelling, punctuation and capitalization, and vocabulary).

The job competency profile determines whether Writing Skills in English is a required competency for that job and the required level.

The test is divided into five subtests and assesses the following:

Subtest 1: Basic Spelling
This subtest is divided into two sections. In the first section, you must indicate whether there are any spelling errors in the sentences presented; this section consists of 14 questions. In the second section, you must choose the word that is incorrectly spelled from a list of four words; this section consists of 12 questions.

Subtest 2: Capitalization and punctuation
This subtest consists of 24 questions. You are given sentences that may contain errors in punctuation and/or use of capitals. You must identify the error(s). In some cases there may be a number of errors, and in other cases there may be no errors. Possible errors include incorrect usage, absence of punctuation, or absence of capital(s).

Subtest 3: Grammar
This subtest is divided into two sections. The first section asks you to identify the sentence that is grammatically correct; this section consists of 12 questions. The second section asks you to identify the word or group of words that contain a grammatical error; this section consists of 5 questions.

Subtest 4: Sentence sequencing
This 18-question subtest asks you to identify the most logical sequence of sentences to make the meaning of the paragraph clear.

Subtest 5: Vocabulary
This subtest is divided into two sections. The first section, which consists of 12 questions, asks that you select the word or expression that best defines the word highlighted in bold. The second section, which consists of 15 questions, asks you to identify the word that means the opposite of the term highlighted in bold.

The time allotted for this test is ninety minutes (1.5 hours). It consists of 112 multiple-choice questions. For each question there are 4 or 5 possible answers; you are to choose the answer that you think is correct. Each correct answer is worth 1 point. No points are deducted for incorrect answers.

The following table depicts results and associated levels.

Your scores are valid for an indefinite period of time provided that the test standards do not change.

The retest period for this test is 180 days.

Tips on preparing for the test

• If you have a disability that could affect your test performance you must inform the responsible Human Resources Advisor, as soon as possible, so appropriate accommodations can be made.
  
  
• Determine the exact location, date, and time of the test.
  
  
• You may find it useful to review textbooks on grammar, sentence structure, and writing techniques. Try the following references: The Canadian Style: A Guide to Writing and Editing (Dundurn Press Limited in co-operation with Public Works and Government Services Canada Translation Bureau 1997).
  
  
• Use memory aids to help with spelling (e.g., use "i" before "e" except after "c").
  
  
• Practice doing crossword puzzles to enhance your vocabulary and spelling.
  
  
• Practice answering the sample test questions under time limits to become more accustomed to time pressures.
  
  
• Practice by having a friend dictate sentences to you, and then check your spelling.
  
  
• Seek coaching on writing skills from someone who has strong writing skills. Ask this individual to review a sample of your writing and give feedback on its style, organization, mechanics, and ideas.

Tips for the day of the test

• If you do not feel well on the day of the test and find that this will impact on your test results, inform the responsible Human Resources Advisor to make alternate arrangements if possible.
  
  
• Arrive in plenty of time so that you do not feel rushed or overly stressed. You will not be admitted to the testing room once the testing session is in progress.
  
  
• Bring a photo ID card, your PRI (for CRA employees only) or applicant number (for non-CRA candidates) with you at the testing session.

Tips when taking the test

• Read the instructions thoroughly and completely before you begin.
  
  
• Calculate how much time you can spend on each question in order that you do not run out of time.
  
  
• Read each question carefully. Make sure you understand the question before answering.
  
  
• Try to determine an answer before you look at the choices, but make sure you read all of the choices before identifying a final answer. If you are not sure of the answer, eliminate the responses that you think are incorrect and then choose one from those remaining.
  
  
• Do not spend too much time on any one question, as doing so may prevent you from having sufficient time to complete the test. If after carefully reviewing the responses you are uncertain which one is correct, move on to the next question. When you have come to the end of the test, return to the question(s) that you skipped.
  
  
• Some questions have four possible choices and other questions have five possible choices so make sure to record your answer correctly on the answer sheet.
  
  
• Record only one response per question using the pencil provided. A question with more than one response will be recorded as incorrect. Responses recorded in ink cannot be "read" by the scanner.
  
  
• If you finish the exercise before time is up, review your work. This is time well spent.
  
  
• If you are not finished and the test time is almost up, use what time is left to quickly complete the answer sheet, even if you did not fully read all the questions. Again, there is no penalty for incorrect answers.

After the test

When the test is over, the test and answer sheets are returned to Resourcing Standards and Assessment Services in Ottawa for scoring. The answer sheet, on which you have entered all your answers, is fed through an optical reader. Your answers are electronically compared to the answer key, and a report of your results is then produced by the human resources office and forwarded to you.

Since the Writing Skills in English is a standardized assessment tool, you are not allowed to discuss or share its content. Failure to comply with this regulation and/or engaging in a fraudulent practice will result in disciplinary action.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q1. Can I view my test and answer sheet to see where I made mistakes?

  A1. You cannot view or obtain a copy of the test booklet because this standardized assessment tool is protected by the Access to Information Act. Section 22 of this act stipulates that:

  "The head of a government institution may refuse to disclose any record requested under this Act that contains information relating to testing or auditing procedures or techniques or details of specific tests to be given or audits to be conducted if the disclosure would prejudice the use or results of particular tests or audits."

  You are, however, allowed to view your answer sheet in the presence of a Human Resources Advisor but not the answer key.

  
  
  

• Q2. Why is the result of my vocabulary subtest so low?

  A2. This subtest is divided into two sections: the first deals with synonyms, and the second deals with antonyms. We have noted that a number of candidates mistakenly select synonyms rather than antonyms in the second section. In doing so, the candidate loses 15 out of 27 points. It is critical that you read the instructions carefully for each section of the test.

  
  
  

• Q3. What recourse rights do I have?

  A3. You may exercise your right to recourse if you feel you have been treated arbitrarily.

  To request Individual Feedback (IF), you must send a Request for Individual Feedback - Resourcing Decision form (RC136) to the Human Resources (HR) office within seven (7) calendar days from the date of notification of the results. In your request, you must provide detailed information as to why you are requesting IF.

  Following the IF, if you feel your concerns have not been answered you may send a Decision Review (DR) request form (RC135 ) and send it to the HR office within seven (7) calendar days from the date of receiving the IF.

  Rescores are no longer part of the recourse process. Therefore, to request a rescore, you must fax your test result sheet with the accompanying letter and a note requesting a rescore to the RSAS Section at (613) 952-0925 within seven (7) calendar days from the date of notification of your results. The result of the rescore will be sent to you by e-mail or by fax usually within ten (10) calendar days.

  There is no formal recourse nor will requests for a rescore be accepted for external selection processes. Managers are encouraged however to respond to the concerns of the candidate.

  
  
  

• Q4. I think I made a mistake when filling out my answer sheet. Can you verify this for me?

  A4. No. The RSAS Section can only assess the answers as they are provided on the answer sheet. The RSAS Section will not verify the test booklets to see whether answers were recorded in it as it is forbidden to write in the booklets.

  
  
  

• Q5. Is it possible that an error occurred during the correction of my answer sheet?

  A5. It is highly unlikely that an error occurred, given the stringent correction process in place. Only 0.1% of the multiple-choice test results have to be adjusted after being scored manually. When a score does change, it is usually because 1) the candidate did not completely darken the circle as instructed and/or 2) the candidate changed an answer but neglected to completely erase the original answer.

  
  
  

• Q6. What is the retest and validity period for this test?

  A6. You must wait until after the re-test period of 180 days has elapsed before you can take the test again. Your test result will remain valid indefinitely unless you rewrite the test, at which time the score you obtain will then become your most recent and valid score.

  The 180 day retest period for the Writing Skills in English does not impact on the retest period for the Writing Skills in French test (Aptitudes à écrire en français).

  
  
  

• Q7. Are the English and the French Writing Skills - Multiple-Choice Tests a direct translation of one another?

  A7. Although equivalent, the English and French versions are not direct translations of the other. As the principles of grammar are different between the two languages, it would not be appropriate to create the test in one language and then create a direct translation for the other language.

  
  
  

• Q8. Why are there different pass marks for the Writing Skills in English and Writing Skills in French?

  A8. Pass marks for the tests are set using a specific process. Experts from various sections of the CRA were chosen to carry out this process. One group assessed the English test. Another group assessed the French test. The two groups of experts estimated the percentage of people, for instance, performing at level 1 who would pass each question on the test. The groups of experts in writing did this exercise separately for the French questions and the English questions. Therefore, to obtain the same percentage of candidates passing each level in the English and French tests, the pass marks had to be set as follows.

  Writing Skills in English		Writing Skills in French
  Level 1	21 to 54	Level 1	67 to 75
  Level 2	55 to 88	Level 2	76 to 82
  Level 3	89 to 112	Level 3	83 to 112

  
  
  

• Q9. If I am not successful on the Writing Skills in English test, can I write the Writing Skills in French test (Aptitudes à écrire en français) for the same selection process?

  A9. You may write the Writing Skills Test in the official language of your choice only if the selection process will be used to staff bilingual positions. To do so, you must confirm, prior to taking the test in either language, whether it is your intent to write both the Writing Skills in English test (B300) and the Writing Skills in French test (Aptitudes à écrire en français) (B303) and avail yourself of your best result at the assessment phase or placement phase.

Sample test questions

General instructions and practice questions have been provided for each of the subtests. Read the instructions carefully for each section and try the test - then compare your answers with the answer key at the end.

Subtest 1: Basic spelling

Section I

This section consists of sentences that may contain spelling errors. Each sentence is split into four segments preceded by the letter (a), (b), (c), or (d). At the end of each sentence, the choice "(e) no error"also appears. Your task is to determine which one of the sentence segments (if any) contains a word that is spelled incorrectly. Indicate your response by selecting (a), (b), (c), or (d). Choose (e) only if you believe the sentence does not contain a spelling error.

Section II

Choose which of the four words shown is spelled incorrectly. Each word is identified as answer choice (a), (b), (c), or (d). The choice "(e) no error" appears at the end of each line. Indicate your answer by selecting (a), (b), (c), (d), or (e).

Subtest 2: Capitalization and punctuation

The questions in this subtest consist of a sentence that may contain incorrect use of punctuation or capitalization. Read the sentences carefully and identify the error(s). Errors may include incorrect use of or missing punctuation and capitalization. Some sentences may contain more than one error, and others may contain none. Whatever the case, you should choose only one answer. Indicate your response by selecting (a), (b), (c), (d), or (e). Below are the names given to the various forms of punctuation:

Subtest 3: Grammar

Section I

Each question in this section presents four sentences. Identify which sentence is grammatically correct. Indicate your response by selecting (a), (b), (c), or (d).

Section II

This section consists of a sentence in which words or groups of words are highlighted in bold. Read each sentence carefully, and then choose which of the highlighted word(s) represents an error in grammar. Each word or group of words is preceded by the letter (a), (b), or (c). If none of the highlighted word(s) is grammatically incorrect, then choose answer (d) "no error." Indicate your response by selecting (a), (b), (c), or (d).

Subtest 4: Sentence sequencing

This subtest consists of paragraphs that each contains four sentences. Read each paragraph carefully, and then choose the most logical sequence for the sentences. Indicate your response by selecting (a), (b), (c), or (d).

Subtest 5: Vocabulary

Section I

Select the word or phrase among the various options that best defines the word in bold. Indicate your response by selecting (a), (b), (c), or (d).

Section II

Select the word or phrase among the various options that is the opposite of the bolded word. Indicate your response by selecting (a), (b), (c), or (d).

Answer Key:

Subtest 1 - Basic Spelling

Section I

Section II

Subtest 2: Capitalization and punctuation

Subtest 3: Grammar

Section 1

Section II

Subtest 4: Sentence sequencing

Subtest 5: Vocabulary

Section I

Section II