In the introduction to every series of Skill Sheets four levels of skill proficiency are specified:
- Level 1: Entry level Bachelors
- Level 2: Exit level Bachelors
- Level 3: Exit level Masters
- Level 4: Postgraduate level
You should develop your powerful writing skills in every phase of your academic career (and thereafter!). The levels of skills proficiency below provide an indication of the skill proficiency you should minimally aim for.
Level 1
- Writing simple texts with acceptable argumentation
- The writing process is key (formulation gets most attention)
- Essay-oriented
- Sources are not systematically revealed
- Link between reading, self-management and writing: learning how to come to a well structured piece
Level 2
- Writing a solid line of argument, based on a clear question, in an acceptable amount of time.
- The argumentation is key (structure gets most attention)
- Group Research becomes paper and case study-oriented
- Most sources are revealed and importance of listing sources is understood
- Growing attention for layout and solid editing
Level 3
- Writing a publishable text, based on clear questions or hypotheses.
- The sophistication of the product and its contents are key (all phases get equal attention)
- Individual research paper-oriented
- All sources are systematically revealed
- Increased Proficiency in English writing (as the lingua franca of science)
Level 4
- Writing applicable texts for specific audiences
- The impact of the writing is key (all phases are important, but often in a much shorter time span)
- Individual policy paper-oriented
- Sources need not always be revealed (for instance to protect an ‘inside’ source). However, the writer understands very well the need for utmost integrity and solid writing skills
It is now time to test yourself!