How to use the exam system for your English writing exam

For Open Awards we use an online system called XAMS. This allows you to type your long answers out while having the marking points displayed.

You can find a link to the Open Awards mock for level 2 English writing here.

You can find a link to the Open Awards mock for level 1 English writing here.

1. You will see these instructions when you first open the exam. They tell you how long you have and how many marks the exam is worth, as well as some other information. The English writing exam is a 60 minute exam worth a total of 60 marks (two long answer 30 mark questions)

You will see these instructions when you first open the exam. They tell you how long you have and how many marks the exam is worth, as well as some other information. The English writing exam is a 60 minute exam worth a total of 60 marks (two long answer 30 mark questions)

2. You can change the colours of the page if this is something you require. Click default.

You can change the colours of the page if this is something you require. Click default.

3. You can then choose the colour contrast you would like.

You can then choose the colour contrast you would like.

4. For example, this is 'White on Purple'

For example, this is 'White on Purple'

5. To start the exam, click start in the top right corner.

To start the exam, click start in the top right corner.

6. This is the layout out of the exam, you have the scenario and answer box on the left hand side, and the marking criteria on the right hand side. You can see how much time you have left at the top.

This is the layout out of the exam, you have the scenario and answer box on the left hand side, and the marking criteria on the right hand side. You can see how much time you have left at the top.

7. You can collapse the scenario if you need, this will make the answer box bigger so it is easier to type your answer out.

You can collapse the scenario if you need, this will make the answer box bigger so it is easier to type your answer out.

8. If you drag the corner down then the text box will extend.

If you drag the corner down then the text box will extend.

9. You can use the features in the bar at the top of the text box to format your answer.

You can use the features in the bar at the top of the text box to format your answer.

10. You can move onto the next question by clicking the arrow.

You can move onto the next question by clicking the arrow.

11. Work through both the questions making sure you have answered them to the best of your ability and use ALL the time. Once you are finished and are happy, click the 'FINISH' button at the top.

Work through both the questions making sure you have answered them to the best of your ability and use ALL the time. Once you are finished and are happy, click the 'FINISH' button at the top.

12. Click on OK, to submit. If you have left a question blank you will receive another message that will ask you if you are sure you have completed 100% of the exam.

Click on OK, to submit. If you have left a question blank you will receive another message that will ask you if you are sure you have completed 100% of the exam.

13. You will see the message once you have submitted your exam.

You will see the message once you have submitted your exam.