Writing Sample Evaluation

The Writing Sample Evaluation (WSE) assesses candidates’ written English skills and evaluates the real-world written communication capabilities of participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Writing Sample Evaluation (WSE)?

The Writing Sample Evaluation (WSE) assesses candidates’ written English skills, assigning scores from 0 to 6 (to one decimal place, e.g., 4.3, 2.2). It evaluates the real-world written communication capabilities of participants. After the Vericant interview process, submitting WSE scores helps schools assess an applicant’s English writing skills. These materials allow admissions officers to quickly evaluate an applicant’s written proficiency, facilitating the identification of candidates who meet their admission criteria. For applicants, the WSE score acts as a clear indicator of their performance, highlighting their written communication skills to various schools and programs.

What's the WSE Assesment Criteria?

The WSE score reflects the following four aspects of English written usage, namely:

Range of Vocabulary (breadth of vocabulary, including its accurate application in context and understanding of definitions)
Grammar Control (the ability to form sentences using standard grammatical rules)
Coherence (the ability to organize content effectively, particularly through smooth transitions, appropriate paragraphing, and the use of cohesive devices)
Task fulfillment (degree of understanding of the given prompt and the capability to respond with relevant, detailed, and illustrative explanations.

How is the WSE score divided?

The WSE score is divided into six levels. For specific details, please refer to the “WSE Grade and Scoring Explanation Table” below. For more questions about the WSE, click on Frequently Asked Questions to view or email customer service at Schedule@vericant.com.

Proficient

6: Demonstrates an exceptional understanding and articulation of ideas, mirroring the proficiency of a native speaker. This level signifies a robust mastery over all facets of written language, showcasing an ability to navigate complex linguistic landscapes with precision and ease.
5: Exhibits a high level of competency in communicating both complex and straightforward subjects with clarity and sophistication. Arguments are well-supported and presented in a coherent structure, showcasing fluency despite minor imperfections.
4: Possesses the ability to discuss a wide array of topics with competent control over language, producing texts that are coherent, albeit with some errors. The writing is generally clear, making it accessible to the audience.

Intermediate

3: Able to write about familiar subjects with a limited degree of fluency, using straightforward language. However, challenges in vocabulary, grammar, and the organization of thoughts are evident, impacting the overall clarity and flow of ideas.

Beginner

2: Restricted to simple written discourse on only familiar topics, relying heavily on basic vocabulary and incomplete sentence structures. Significant support is needed due to substantial difficulties with grammar, structure, and task comprehension.
1: Displays minimal proficiency in written communication, with substantial struggles in conveying even the most basic of information.

What are the key features of the WSE?

WSE Scores: In the WSE assessment report, each applicant’s WSE score is the average of the scores from the four sections outlined in the “WSE Assessment Standards.”
WSE Assessment Report: All applicants who participate in a Vericant interview receive a Vericant-issued WSE assessment report after the writing sample has been processed. The report includes the applicant’s WSE score and explanations for different scoring levels (i.e., Beginner, Intermediate, and Proficient levels). This score reflects the applicant’s composite score in four aspects of their writing ability. Applicants can see a detailed explanation of the level corresponding to their score, providing them with a clear judgment of their language proficiency level.
The basis for WSE evaluation is to see what applicants “can do.” Vericant scores correspond to three levels: Beginner level (1-2 points), Intermediate level (3 points), and Proficient level (4-6 points). For example, if an applicant’s WSE score is 3.8, it means that he or she possesses all the abilities described at the intermediate level.

Who rates the WSE?

The WSE scores are independently determined by at least two raters. These raters are native English speakers with a bachelor’s degree and teaching experience, all having undergone rigorous training. The final score for each applicant is calculated as the average of two separate scores derived from evaluating the applicant’s English proficiency as demonstrated on their Vericant writing sample.

What's the rescoring policy for the WSE?

Applicants can request a score reassessment within one month from the date the interview results were sent.
The fee for applying for a rescoring is USD. Once Vericant confirms receipt of the payment proof sent by the student via email, the rescoring process will begin.
Vericant is required to complete the rescoring within 15 working days from the day the applicant’s request is made and after Vericant confirms receipt of the payment proof sent by the student.
If the rescoring results in a score change greater than 0.4 points (excluding 0.4) either higher or lower than the original score, Vericant will adjust the applicant’s original score to the newly assessed score and will formally notify both the applicant and the schools. In this case, the entire rescoring fee will be refunded.
If the score change is less than or equal to 0.4 points, the original score will remain unchanged, and the rescoring fee will not be refunded.
The score obtained after the rescoring and adjustment becomes the final score, regardless of whether it has increased or decreased from the original score. Applicants do not have the right to request another rescoring.

Institutions

Admissions officers and representatives of academic institutions and schools can contact our support team via e-mail: