CAEL Writing: Extended Response Synthesis 5

Question 1

When revising a CAEL extended response for 'lexical resource,' what should the writer focus on?

Accepted Answer

Using a range of precise, topic-appropriate vocabulary rather than repeating the same basic words

Answer

Lexical resource refers to vocabulary range, precision, and appropriateness — not simply using rare or long words.

Question 2

A student's extended response uses only simple sentences throughout. How does this affect the CAEL writing score?

Accepted Answer

It limits the grammatical range score, since varied sentence structures demonstrate greater proficiency

Answer

CAEL assesses grammatical range; using only simple sentences suggests limited command of complex structures regardless of accuracy.

Question 3

What does it mean to 'develop' an idea in a CAEL extended response body paragraph?

Accepted Answer

Provide evidence from the sources, explain how it relates to the point, and analyze its significance

Answer

Development means moving from claim → evidence → explanation → analysis, not simply restating the same idea multiple times.

Question 4

In synthesizing sources, what is the difference between a 'reporting verb' and analytical framing?

Accepted Answer

Reporting verbs like 'states' or 'argues' simply attribute ideas; analytical framing adds the writer's evaluation of that information

Answer

Reporting verbs attribute information to sources, while analytical framing ('this suggests,' 'this reveals') adds the writer's interpretive layer.

Question 5

A CAEL writing prompt includes two passages with different tones — one formal academic, one journalistic. How should this affect the extended response?

Accepted Answer

The student should maintain a consistent academic tone in their own writing regardless of the sources' styles

Answer

The writer's own voice must remain appropriately academic throughout, even when drawing on sources with varied styles.

CAEL - Canadian Academic English Language Practice Test

CAEL - Canadian Academic English Language Practice Test

CAEL Writing: Extended Response Synthesis 5