The main requirement of workplace writing is clarity. Employers want their employees' written communications to be
direct, grammatically correct, and easy to read. Careless errors may lead the reader to believe there are also errors in the
facts, and the writer loses credibility and trustworthiness.
WorkKeys Business Writing requires standard business English, defined as writing that is direct, courteous, grammatically
correct, and not overly casual.
There are five skill levels assigned to test responses. Level 1 is the least complex and Level 5 is the most complex. At
each new level, individuals need to demonstrate more competence than they do at the previous levels. For example,
Level 3 builds upon the skills used at Levels 1 and 2. With the increased skill required at each level, the writing that
individuals produce communicates more clearly and smoothly as they move to Level 5. At the same time, errors become
less frequent and less serious.
Business Writing Level 0 - Off-topic, offensive or strongly inappropriate language (may include profanity and/or threats),
or written in a language other than English. May be blank, or too brief to evaluate.
Business Writing Level 1 - Individuals with Level 1 skills can write responses in English. A paper at this level has little or
no development or support. Any development is extremely simple and/or repetitive. No organization is evident. Sentences
lack variety, and construction errors seriously impede understanding. Word choice is poor and interferes with
communication. The style and tone are inconsistent with standard business English. Errors in grammar and mechanics
are frequent, severe, and seriously interfere with communication.
Characteristics of Level 1
The writing is in English, but is difficult to understand because of a large number of errors
The majority of the sentence structures are incorrect
A large number of major grammatical, mechanical, and word usage errors interfere with communication
Rude or overly casual language, tone, and style may be inconsistent with standard business English
No organization is evident
An attempt is made to communicate ideas, but there is little or no development or support
Business Writing Level 2 - Individuals with Level 2 skills can write responses that are generally understandable. A paper
at this level has thinly developed ideas that are not expanded and may be presented as a list. Although some organization
is evident, the focus is unclear and/or inconsistent. Few or no transitions are used. Sentences are often simple or
repetitive, with some noticeable errors in construction. Word choice is limited, often repetitive, and sometimes incorrect.
The style and tone may be inconsistent with standard business English. Significant errors in grammar and/or mechanics
interfere with communication.
Characteristics of Level 2
The writing is generally understandable
Some correct sentence structures are used, although sentences may be simple or repetitive
Enough correct mechanics, word usage, and grammar are used to convey an idea, although many errors may
somewhat interfere with comprehension
Rude or overly casual language, tone, and style may be inconsistent with standard business English
Some organization is evident but with an unclear focus and few or no transitions
The ideas presented are generally understandable but are not expanded
Business Writing Level 3
Individuals with Level 3 skills can write clear responses. A paper at this level has adequate development of ideas but is
limited in depth and thoroughness. Supporting examples tend to be general and details are relevant, but they may be
repetitive. The writing is generally organized but may have minor lapses in focus. Transitions are simple. Sentences are
usually correct, with some variety and complexity attempted. Word choice is generally clear and correct but may be
repetitive and/or informal. The style and tone are consistent with standard business English but may be overly casual.
Some errors in grammar and mechanics are apparent but do not interfere with communication. Basic spelling is correct.
Characteristics of Level 3
The writing is clear with some errors
Most of the sentences are complete, and some variety and complexity are attempted
Few mechanical, grammatical, and word usage errors occur so that the response is adequately conveyed but may be
repetitive; the spelling is generally correct
Style and tone are generally consistent with standard business English; the writing may have somewhat casual
language but does not contain slang or rude language
Some organization is evident, but the writing may lose focus at some points; transitions are simple