How to Approach the Writing Portfolio (SQA National 5 English): Revision Note

To get a Grade A in the writing portfolio section of the SQA National 5 English course, you need to know how to produce a clear, well-structured and engaging piece of writing. This involves understanding how your work is assessed, how to use resources effectively and following key guidelines such as word count

This guide will help you understand each stage of the process in order to achieve the highest grade:

• How the writing portfolio is assessed

• Using resources effectively

• Word count guidelines

• Top grade tips

How the writing portfolio is assessed

Once your portfolio is complete, it is sent to the SQA for external marking. Your work is assessed under two main categories: Content and Style:

• Content refers to how well your writing meets its purpose and audience:

  • You should stay focused on your topic and make sure your ideas are relevant and clearly developed

• Style is about how effectively you use the features of your chosen genre:

  • This includes varied and precise word choice, as well as a clear structure that helps your piece achieve its purpose

To achieve a Grade A (13-15 marks) in your writing portfolio, you need to show strong control over both content and style. The SQA looks for writing that is well-planned, clearly structured and appropriate for its purpose and audience. Whether your portfolio is discursive or creative, the highest marks are awarded using the following assessment criteria:

Using resources for your writing portfolio

There are no restrictions on the resources you can use while preparing for your portfolio writing, but how you use them depends on your type of writing:

• The resources you use may depend on the type and purpose of your writing:

  • If you are writing a discursive or informative piece, you might need to conduct some research online or use books, articles or other print materials to gather information and evidence

  • If your piece is creative, personal or reflective, you might not need any external resources at all, as your own ideas, experiences or imagination may be your main sources

• You must always acknowledge every source you use during your research:

  • For discursive writing, this means including footnotes or a reference list at the end of your portfolio

• It is not acceptable to use software such as artificial intelligence (AI) to provide:

  • model answers, which are specific to your task 

  • task specific advice on how to rephrase wording

  • key ideas, or a specific structure or plan  

  • corrections of errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation 

Word count guidelines

Before you submit your portfolio, it is important to understand and follow the word count requirements set by SQA:

• Your writing portfolio must not exceed 1000 words:

  • If your portfolio is more than 1000 words, a penalty will be applied:

    • It’s a good idea to check your word count carefully before submitting your work to make sure your final version stays within the limit 

• There is no minimum word count:

  • However, your writing should be detailed enough to meet the requirements of your chosen genre

• You can achieve full marks with a shorter piece as long as it suits the purpose and style of your writing, for example, poetry, or a short essay

Top grade tips

• Choose a topic or idea that genuinely interests you:

  • It is easier to write well when you are engaged in the topic

• Know your purpose and audience:

  • Be clear about why you are writing and who you are writing for

• Create a clear plan before you begin:

  • Spend time planning your writing so it has a clear structure and focus

  • Decide how you will begin, develop and end your writing

  • A strong plan helps you stay organised and ensures your writing flows logically from one idea to the next

• Redraft carefully:

  • Use your teacher’s feedback to make thoughtful improvements to your writing

  • Remember, you can only redraft twice, so make each version count

• Focus on language and style:

  • Use varied and precise vocabulary to suit your purpose and audience

  • Experiment with sentence structure to create emphasis and rhythm

  • Use rhetorical devices if they suit your purpose

• Check for technical accuracy:

  • Proofread your work carefully for spelling, punctuation and grammar

• Stay within the word limit:

  • Keep your writing under 1,000 words