Writing AFs

	Assessment focus
AF1	Write imaginative, interesting and thoughtful texts
AF2	Produce texts which are appropriate to task, reader and purpose
AF3	Organise and present whole texts effectively, sequencing and structuring information, ideas and events
AF4	Construct paragraphs and use cohesion within and between paragraphs
AF5	Vary sentences for clarity, purpose and effect
AF6	Write with technical accuracy of syntax and punctuation in phrases, clauses and sentences
AF7	Select appropriate and effective vocabulary
AF8	Use correct spelling

Writing is a complex, unitary skill, so these elements are interactive and interdependent even though they can each be analysed.
The different facets of writing develop together: when teaching specific aspects of grammar it is important to show how they relate to writing as a whole.
Pupils need to learn how to orchestrate skills at word, sentence and text level in order to be able to write independently.
When assessing it is always important to look at the parts in relation to text as a whole, for example how individual sentences contribute to overall effect.
Some evidence may relate to more than one assessment focus, for example AF1 and AF3.
There is not an AF for handwriting and presentation, but guidance about how to take account of these features is available for assessing National Curriculum levels 1-3.