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CLB based CELBAN Writing and Reading Score Cards
Explore how the CLB-based CELBAN Writing and Reading Score Cards assess critical writing and reading skills such as textual coherence, effective word choice, grammatical accuracy, strategic writing techniques, and contextual understanding for Canadian language proficiency.
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Understanding Writing Levels in CELBAN and CLB: A Guide for Learners
Writing in English, especially in a professional or academic setting, requires a certain level of skill and ability that varies depending on your goals. The CELBAN and CLB are tools used to assess these levels, particularly for those in healthcare professions. Understanding the difference between writing levels can help you target your learning and improve your skills more effectively.
CELBAN and CLB Writing Levels Explained
The CELBAN and CLB levels range from basic to advanced, with each level representing a step up in textual knowledge, grammatical knowledge, and strategic competence.
. Here’s a brief overview of what to expect at different levels:
Level 0-4 (Basic Proficiency): At this stage, your writing will focus on simple sentence structures, basic vocabulary, and limited ability to express complex ideas. Writing at this level might include brief descriptions, simple narratives, or responses to straightforward prompts. The key here is clarity and the ability to communicate basic information effectively, though with some errors in grammar and syntax.
Level 4-8 (Intermediate Proficiency): Writing at this level becomes more complex, with an ability to construct paragraphs, use varied sentence structures, and convey more detailed information. Writers can explain ideas, describe processes, and give opinions, though errors may still occur. The focus is on expanding vocabulary and improving coherence and cohesion in writing.
Level 9-12 (Advanced Proficiency): At the higher levels, writing demonstrates strong command over complex sentence structures, sophisticated vocabulary, and the ability to express nuanced ideas. Writers can argue a point, compare and contrast, and write extended pieces like essays or reports. Errors are minimal, and the writing is generally fluid and well-organized.
Why Understanding These Levels Matters
Knowing where you stand in terms of writing proficiency allows you to tailor your learning to address specific weaknesses. By comparing writing samples at different levels, you can see the progression required to move from one stage to the next, helping you to set clear, achievable goals in your writing practice.
As you go through the sample passages and descriptions, pay close attention to the elements that change—such as the complexity of ideas, grammar and sentence structure, and the range of word choice. By understanding these differences, you can better prepare for exams like the CELBAN or work towards achieving higher CLB levels - and even the IELTS - ultimately improving your professional and academic communication skills.
Definitions
Textual Knowledge
Definition:
This means knowing how to write clearly and effectively in different situations. It involves organizing your ideas well, providing explanations or justifications, and making sure your writing makes sense even when the topic is complex or unfamiliar.
Word Choice
Definition:
This involves selecting the right words to express your ideas in writing. It includes using both common and more specific words and incorporating phrases with special meanings, such as idioms, to convey your message accurately.
Grammatical Knowledge
Definition:
This is about using correct grammar in your writing. It means applying various sentence structures properly and ensuring your writing is clear, with correct punctuation and spelling that helps your text flow smoothly.
Strategic Competencies
Definition:
This means adjusting your writing style and tone based on your audience and purpose. It involves choosing the best way to present your ideas to ensure that your message is clear and effective, tailored to different readers and contexts.
Context and Socio-Linguistic Knowledge
Definition:
This is about understanding how to write for different audiences and situations. It includes knowing when to use formal or informal language and how to adapt your writing based on whether you are writing a letter, a report, or an email, for example.
Level 0-2 CELBAN and CLB Writing
Limited skill-level in contexts related to immediate needs
Textual Knowledge
At this stage, I am able to:
Write very brief and basic phrases.
Word Choice
At this stage, I am able to:
Write letters and numbers.
Use very basic words.
Grammatical Knowledge
At this stage, I am able to:
Use correct grammar only occasionally.
Strategic Competencies
At this stage, I am able to:
Write some very simple details about myself.
Context and Socio-Linguistic Knowledge
I am writing to someone I know.
Level 3 CELBAN and CLB Writing
Limited skill-levels for daily life activities
Textual Knowledge
At this stage, I am able to:
Write brief, straightforward sentences.
Word Choice
At this stage, I am able to:
Use basic, everyday words.
Grammatical Knowledge
At this stage, I am able to:
Occasionally use correct grammar.
Use capital letters and some punctuation.
Strategic Competencies
At this stage, I am able to:
Write a bit of information about myself.
Context and Socio-Linguistic Knowledge
I am writing to someone I know.
Level 3 CELBAN and CLB Writing: Sample Responses
Task A: Writing an Email (Medical Context)
You need to visit the local clinic several times every month. However, the clinic is closed on weekends and late in the evening. You think the clinic should have extended hours.
Write an email to the clinic manager in about 150–200 words. Your email should do the following things:
Describe the importance of the clinic for you.
Explain why the current hours don’t work for you.
Suggest how patients could benefit if the clinic had extended hours.
Subject: Request for Longer Clinic Hours
Dear Chief Doctor,
My name is Jeet, I hope you are feeling good.
Me and my family go to the clinic many times for our health problems. It is very important for us because we need regular check-ups. My husband has high blood pressure and I have diabetes, so we must see doctor a lot.
The clinic is closed on weekends, and it is hard for us because we work every week. We can only come on Saturday or Sunday, but clinic is closed on these days. If the clinic open every day, it will be more easy for us to get the care we need without miss work.
If clinic was open every day, more people can come for their appointments when it is good for them. It will help patients like us who have busy schedule.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best wishes,
Jeet Singh
Task B: Responding to Survey Questions
Survey: Changes to Clinic Hours
The hospital is thinking about either adding more appointment slots on weekdays or having limited appointments on weekends. They want your opinion on this change.
Choose the option you prefer and explain why. Write about 150–200 words.
Option A: More appointment slots on weekdays.
Option B: Limited appointments on weekends.
Sample Response B
Dear Hospital,
My name is Jeet, I live in 123 Elm Street, Greenfield.
I prefer to have limited appointments on weekends.
I work every day from Monday to Friday, and it is very hard for me to find time for appointments during the week. If hospital give appointments on weekends, it will be more easy for me to go without missing work.
Now, I must take off time or find late appointment, which is not always possible. Weekend appointments will help many people who work full time to manage health better.
I think this change will help people like me to get our health check-ups and not interfere with our work.
Thank you for thinking about this option.
Sincerely,
Jeet Singh
Level 4 CELBAN and CLB Writing
Adequate skill-levels for daily life activities
Textual Knowledge
At this stage, I am able to:
Write basic sentences and short, simple paragraphs.
Share personal information.
Word Choice
At this stage, I am able to:
Use familiar words.
Grammatical Knowledge
At this stage, I am able to:
Write with some control over simple grammar.
Use capital letters and basic punctuation.
Strategic Competencies
At this stage, I am able to:
Use some common phrases that fit the situation.
Communicate some information about very familiar topics.
Context and Socio-Linguistic Knowledge
I am writing to someone I know.
Level 4 CELBAN and CLB Writing: Sample Responses
Task A: Writing an Email (Medical Context)
You need to visit the local clinic several times every month. However, the clinic is closed on weekends and late in the evening. You think the clinic should have extended hours.
Write an email to the clinic manager in about 150–200 words. Your email should do the following things:
Describe the importance of the clinic for you.
Explain why the current hours don’t work for you.
Suggest how patients could benefit if the clinic had extended hours.
Subject: Request for Longer Clinic Hours
Hi, my name is Sarah.
I want to tell you why I think the clinic should be open every day. I go to the clinic many times because it is very important for my health. I have diabetes and my husband has heart disease, so we need to see the doctor often.
But the clinic is closed on weekends and it is hard for us to visit during the week because we work full-time. If the clinic was open every day, it would be much easier for us to make appointments. We could go on weekends or after work, and we will not have to wait for long times.
If the clinic is open every day, many people will be happy because they can come at times that fit their busy lives. It will make it easier for all patients to get the care they need.
Thank you for considering my suggestion.
Best regards,
Sarah
Task B: Responding to Survey Questions
Survey: Changes to Clinic Hours
The hospital wants to either add more appointment slots during weekdays or have limited appointment slots on weekends. They want to know your opinion.
Choose the option you prefer and explain why. Write about 150–200 words.
Option A: More appointment slots on weekdays.
Option B: Limited appointment slots on weekends.
Sample Response B
Dear clinic,
My name is Maria Lopez, I live at 123 Elm Street.
I prefer the clinic to be open on weekends.
I think it is better for many people if the clinic is open on weekends. Many people work during the week and can not visit clinic when it is open. If clinic is open on weekends, it will be more easy for people to come for their appointments and treatments.
If the clinic is open only on weekends, people can visit when their free and not miss work. It will make sure that people get the health care they need without changing their work schedule too much.
I think this will be a good decision for all patients. Thank you.
Level 5 CELBAN and CLB Writing
Acquiring an ability at work and in the community
Textual Knowledge
At this low intermediate stage, I am able to:
Write brief, straightforward to somewhat detailed texts.
Express a main idea and include some related thoughts.
Word Choice
At this low intermediate stage, I am able to:
Use common words and phrases.
Grammatical Knowledge
At this low intermediate stage, I am able to:
Link two or more related ideas.
Write with good control of basic grammar.
Write with reasonable accuracy in spelling and punctuation.
Strategic Competencies
At this low intermediate stage, I am able to:
Use common phrases that suit the situation.
Share some information on familiar topics.
Context and Socio-Linguistic Knowledge
I am writing to or for people I know.
Level 5 CELBAN and CLB Writing: Sample Responses
Task A: Writing an Email (Medical Context)
You need to visit the local clinic several times every month. However, the clinic is closed on weekends and late in the evening. You think the clinic should have extended hours.
Write an email to the clinic manager in about 150–200 words. Your email should do the following things:
Describe the importance of the clinic for you.
Explain why the current hours don’t work for you.
Suggest how patients could benefit if the clinic had extended hours.
Sample Response A
Dear clinic manager,
I am writing this email because I think the clinic is very important for all patients, it is a place where we can get medical help, check-ups, and care. I think is very important for health and community.
I need to explain that I work every day long hours, and I am busy all week, so I cannot come to the clinic during the weekday hours. I only have time in the evenings and weekends, and it is hard for me to find time when the clinic is open.
I suggest if the clinic can stay open late in the evenings and also on weekends. This way, more people could come when they need to, and it would help many patients who work full-time and cannot come during normal hours.
Thank you.
Task B: Responding to Survey Questions (Medical Context)
Survey: Clinic Hours
The clinic is thinking about either having extended hours in the evenings or being open on weekends. They want to know what you think about these changes.
Choose the option you prefer. Explain why you prefer your choice. Write about 150–200 words.
Option A: I prefer the clinic to have extended hours in the evenings.
Option B: I prefer the clinic to be open on weekends.
Sample Response B
I prefer the clinic to be open on weekends.
I think it is better to have the clinic open on weekends because many people have to work during the week and cannot go to the clinic during normal hours. If the clinic is open on weekends, it will be easier for people to go when they are not working.
It is important for people to get medical care when they need it, and having the clinic open on weekends will help many patients who cannot come during weekdays. This change will help people manage their health better and will make it easier for them to visit the clinic without missing work.
Thank you for considering this option.
Level 6 CELBAN and CLB Writing
Developing abilities at work and in the community
Textual Knowledge
At this intermediate stage, I am able to:
Write brief, coherent texts.
Express a main idea with some supporting details.
Word Choice
At this intermediate stage, I am able to:
Use common words and phrases.
Grammatical Knowledge
At this intermediate stage, I am able to:
Organize related ideas into paragraphs.
Write with good control of basic grammar.
Write with sufficient accuracy in spelling and punctuation.
Strategic Competencies
At this intermediate stage, I am able to:
Present information with a tone and style that are sometimes appropriate for the situation.
Share some factual information about a topic.
Context and Socio-Linguistic Knowledge
I am writing to or for a familiar or clearly defined audience.
Level 6 CELBAN and CLB Writing: Sample Responses
Task A: Writing an Email (Medical Context)
You need to visit the local clinic several times every month. However, the clinic is closed on weekends and late in the evening. You think the clinic should have extended hours.
Write an email to the clinic manager in about 150–200 words. Your email should do the following things:
Describe the importance of the clinic for you.
Explain why the current hours don’t work for you.
Suggest how patients could benefit if the clinic had extended hours.
Sample Response A
Date: 31 August 2024
To: Chief Librarian
Subject: About Library Opening Hours
Dear Chief Librarian,
I am writing to tell you how important the library is for me and my family. The library is very good place for finding books and information. It helps us to study and learn new things. My children and I go to the library to read and do homework. We also enjoy reading books in our free time.
But the library is closed on Sundays and Mondays, and this is a problem for us. I work full time during the week and Sundays are the only days when I can go to the library. If the library was open every day, it will be much better for people like me who can only come on weekends.
I hope you can think about changing the opening hours so more people can use the library.
Thank you.
Task B: Responding to Survey Questions
The hospital is considering whether to have outpatient services available only during weekdays or to extend the services to weekends. This change could save money for the hospital. They are asking your opinion on the change.
Choose the option that you prefer. Why do you prefer your choice? Explain the reasons for your choice. Write about 150–200 words.
Option A: I prefer to have outpatient services available on weekends.
Option B: I prefer to have outpatient services available only during weekdays.
Sample Response B
I prefer to have outpatient services available on weekends.
I think it is better to have services on weekends because many people work during weekdays and cannot come to the hospital. If services are only on weekdays, it is hard for working people to get care. With weekend services, people can visit the hospital when they have free time.
Also, having services on weekends can help reduce the crowd on weekdays and provide better care for those who need it. This change will be good for patients who cannot come during the week and also help the hospital manage the number of patients better.
I believe this option will be more helpful for many people and hope the hospital will consider this.
Level 7 CELBAN and CLB Writing
Adequate abilities at work and in the community
Textual Knowledge
At this intermediate level, I can:
Write concise, moderately complex factual texts.
Convey a central idea with relevant details.
Word Choice
At this intermediate level, I can:
Use everyday words along with some specific terms to communicate meaning.
Grammatical Knowledge
At this intermediate level, I can:
Group related ideas into paragraphs.
Write with adequate control of more complex grammar.
Write with strong control of basic grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Strategic Competencies
At this intermediate level, I can:
Present information in a tone and style that aligns with standard writing practices.
Provide factual details on a specific topic.
Context and Socio-Linguistic Knowledge
I write for or to an audience that is familiar or clearly defined.
Level 7 CELBAN and CLB Writing: Sample Responses
Task A: Writing an Email
Subject: Request for Extended Clinic Hours
Dear Clinic Manager,
Clinic is very important for many people’s health, including mine. I visit the clinic 3 to 4 times a week for my medical needs, spending about 1 to 2 hours each visit. I would like to request that the clinic be open every day of the week.
Different people have different work schedules. For example, my work shifts mean I have Sundays and Mondays off, while my spouse is free on Saturdays and Sundays. These days are the most convenient for us to visit the clinic. But unfortunately, the clinic is closed on Sundays and Mondays, which makes it difficult for many people, especially those like me who can only visit on those days.
Since the clinic is a crucial place for health and wellness, it would be helpful if it were open every day. This way, more people could access the services they need at times that fit their schedules.
Thank you,
Flora
Level 8 CELBAN and CLB Writing
Good ability at work and in the community
Textual Knowledge
At this intermediate stage, I am able to:
Write brief, moderately complex texts.
Expand on a main idea with supporting details.
Word Choice
At this intermediate stage, I am able to:
Use common or topic-specific words to convey meaning.
Grammatical Knowledge
At this intermediate stage, I am able to:
Compose well-organized paragraphs.
Write with strong control of complex grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Strategic Competencies
At this intermediate stage, I am able to:
Present information with a tone and style that adheres to standard writing conventions.
Express and support my main ideas on a topic.
Context and Socio-Linguistic Knowledge
I write for or to an audience that is familiar or clearly defined.
Level 8 CELBAN and CLB Writing: Sample Responses
Task A: Writing an Email
Subject: Request for Extended Clinic Hours
Dear Clinic Manager,
I am writing to ask if the clinic could be open every day of the week, including Sundays and Mondays. The clinic is very important for my health and well-being. I visit regularly for my medical check-ups and follow-up treatments. Sometimes I need to work late or attend important meetings, and this makes it hard for me to visit during the current hours.
Currently, the clinic is closed on Sundays and Mondays, which is when I have time to go. On Saturdays, I have to manage household responsibilities, so I can't come then. If the clinic were open every day, it would be easier for me and many others to get the care we need. For example, people could use Sundays for family health check-ups or Monday for catching up on appointments.
I hope the clinic can consider my suggestion and extend the hours. Thank you for considering this request.
Best regards,
Wing
Level 9 CELBAN and CLB Writing
Effective skill and ability at work and in the community
Textual Knowledge
At this advanced stage, I am able to:
Write brief formal and informal texts that have some complexity.
Back up key ideas with relevant facts, descriptions, details, or quotations.
Word Choice
At this advanced stage, I am able to:
Select words and phrases to give accurate details, descriptions, and comparisons.
Grammatical Knowledge
At this advanced stage, I am able to:
Craft well-organized paragraphs.
Write with control over a variety of complex and diverse grammatical structures.
Write with strong control of spelling and punctuation.
Strategic Competencies
At this advanced stage, I am able to:
Present information in a tone and style that aligns with some formal and most informal writing conventions.
Clearly convey my intended meaning.
Context and Socio-Linguistic Knowledge
I write for a defined audience in either a formal or informal
Level 9 CELBAN and CLB Writing: Sample Responses
Task A: Writing an Email
Subject: Request for Extended Clinic Hours
Dear Clinic Manager,
My name is Jag, and I am writing to request that the clinic be open every day of the week. I am a patient with ongoing medical needs and require regular appointments and consultations. The clinic is very important to me as it provides essential medical services that I rely on for my health management.
Currently, the clinic is closed on Sundays and Mondays. I have a part-time job, and my days off are Sundays and Tuesdays. Because the clinic is closed on Sundays, I can only visit on Tuesday evenings after work. Unfortunately, the clinic closes early on Tuesdays, which makes it difficult for me to get there in time. If the clinic were open on Sundays, I would have the whole day to schedule and attend my appointments without the stress of rushing.
I believe many other patients would also benefit from having the clinic open every day. It would provide more flexibility and ease in managing health appointments for everyone.
Thank you for considering this request.
Best regards,
Jag
Level 10 CELBAN and CLB Writing
Highly effective skill and ability at work and in the community
Textual Knowledge
At this advanced stage, I am able to:
Write brief formal and informal texts with some complexity.
Support main ideas with various facts, descriptions, details, or quotations.
Word Choice
At this advanced stage, I am able to:
Select words and phrases to provide accurate details, descriptions, and comparisons.
Grammatical Knowledge
At this advanced stage, I am able to:
Link ideas and create smooth transitions within and between paragraphs.
Write with strong control over a range of complex and varied grammatical structures.
Strategic Competencies
At this advanced stage, I am able to:
Present information in a tone and style that meets most formal and informal writing standards.
Effectively communicate my intended message.
Context and Socio-Linguistic Knowledge
I write for a specific audience in either a formal or informal context.
Level 10 CELBAN and CLB Writing: Sample Responses
Task A: Writing an Email
Subject: Request for Extended Clinic Hours
Dear Chief Medical Officer,
I am writing to request an extension of the operating hours for our medical clinic. As a healthcare professional who frequently requires access to medical resources and patient records, the current hours are not always sufficient for my needs.
With my recent change to a part-time position, which involves shifts on weekends and varying weekdays, the clinic's current schedule is problematic. The clinic's closure on Sundays and Mondays makes it challenging for me to complete essential tasks and research. Extended hours, including opening on these days, would greatly assist in managing patient care and accessing necessary information.
Extended clinic hours could also benefit other healthcare professionals and patients. For example, weekend hours would allow more flexibility for patients needing appointments outside regular workdays, and additional weekday hours could accommodate those with complex treatment schedules.
Thank you for considering this request. I hope the clinic will extend its hours to better support the needs of its staff and patients.
Sincerely,
Natalia
Level 11 CELBAN and CLB Writing
Advanced skill and ability at work and in the community
Textual Knowledge
At this advanced stage, I am able to:
Write both formal and informal texts for various purposes.
Develop ideas with relevant facts, descriptions, details, or quotations.
Word Choice
At this advanced stage, I am able to:
Choose specialized, formal, and everyday words to convey my meaning.
Grammatical Knowledge
At this advanced stage, I am able to:
Link ideas effectively and create smooth transitions within and between paragraphs.
Write with strong control over a wide range of complex and varied grammatical structures.
Strategic Competencies
At this advanced stage, I am able to:
Present information with a tone and style that is generally suitable for the context.
Clearly and accurately express my ideas.
Context and Socio-Linguistic Knowledge
I write for a broad or unspecified audience, in both formal and informal situations.
Level 11 CELBAN and CLB Writing: Sample Responses
Task A: Writing an Email
Subject: Request for Extended Clinic Hours
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am a frequent visitor to our local medical clinic. I rely on the clinic's services several times a week, and would like to access them even more, but I find the current operating hours somewhat restrictive.
As a single mother pursuing a Master’s degree in Nursing from the Open University, I face the challenge of balancing my studies with caring for my child. Due to the limited hours of the clinic, it has become difficult for me to manage my health needs and those of my daughter. Unfortunately, our busy schedules often clash with the clinic's available hours.
My daughter, who has a chronic medical condition, requires regular check-ups. Her appointments have been scheduled during the week, but this conflicts with my study hours and her school timetable. As the clinic is closed on Sundays, we struggle to find a suitable time for her visits, which adds unnecessary stress to our lives.
I strongly believe the clinic should be open every day of the week. It is an essential resource for people who need consistent medical care, those with ongoing treatments, or those who simply wish to maintain their health.
Chandini
Level 12 CELBAN and CLB Writing
Advanced expertise and ability at work and in the community
Textual Knowledge
At this highly advanced level, I am able to:
Compose detailed formal and informal texts for various purposes and goals.
Expand on ideas with relevant and adequate facts, comprehensive descriptions, details, or quotations.
Word Choice
At this highly advanced level, I am able to:
Select specialized, formal, and everyday words to convey my exact meaning.
Grammatical Knowledge
At this highly advanced level, I am able to:
Link ideas effectively and ensure smooth transitions both within and between paragraphs.
Write with excellent control over a wide range of complex and varied grammatical structures.
Strategic Competencies
At this highly advanced level, I am able to:
Present information with a tone and style suited to the situation.
Clearly and accurately convey my ideas.
Context and Socio-Linguistic Knowledge
I write for a varied and undefined audience in both formal and informal contexts.
Level 12 CELBAN and CLB Writing: Sample Responses
Task A: Writing an Email
Subject: Request for Extended Clinic Hours
Dear Dr. Sonora,
My name is Charles Stevens. As a longstanding patient at the Annex Medical Clinic, I have relied on its services for nearly two decades. I greatly appreciate the work you do as the Chief Physician, ensuring the clinic provides such inclusive care and fosters a supportive community.
Now, as a parent of two young children (Gary, 6, and Sofia, 4), I can see that the clinic’s service to the community could be greatly improved if the operating hours were extended to Sundays and Mondays. As you know, many families have medical appointments and other commitments during the week. Sunday is often the only day when we can all visit the clinic for routine check-ups, immunizations, and wellness programs. Additionally, Monday evening is the only time when all members of the Annex Health Support Group can gather for their meetings.
These views are widely shared: many parents at Annex Kindergarten have expressed their desire to bring their children in for appointments on Sundays and to attend group sessions on Monday evenings.
Please consider extending the clinic’s hours to include Sundays and Mondays. I intend to bring up this suggestion at the next patient advisory board meeting.
Warm regards,
Charles Stevens
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