The Writing core skill identifies a set of skills, knowledge and strategies concerned with the ability to shape written language according to purpose, audience and context. Effective writers employ a combination of strategies, including 'big picture' strategies (e.g. audience and purpose) and strategies around the 'mechanics' of writing (e.g. spelling and punctuation). The writer needs to consider the appropriate text type to convey the message in each context.

The Writing skill includes traditional pen and paper modes of writing. In different contexts it can also include other forms of writing such as computer literacy (e.g. word processing, chat or emailing), and other technologies such as mobile phone SMS.

The core skill of Writing recognises the following:

• Writing performance is influenced by whether the writing fulfils its purpose and meets the needs of its intended audience.
• Writing performance at higher levels includes the ability to write for an increasing range of purposes and audiences.
• Writing performance at higher levels incorporates increasing depth of knowledge and skill in writing in specialist areas.

A set of factors influencing development of expertise as a writer forms the basis for describing Performance Features within the two Indicators across the five ACSF Writing levels. These factors have been organised into Focus Areas that assist in understanding the writing process. Although presented separately, an effective writer is likely to combine many or all of these Focus Areas. A developing writer needs to consider all elements but is likely to have different strengths and weaknesses in relation to the different Focus Areas.

Writing Indicators

An adult's writing performance is described against two Performance Indicators.

• The first Writing Indicator addresses audience, purpose and meaning-making.
• The second Writing Indicator addresses the mechanics of writing.

Specific Indicator statements describe exit performance at each level.

The following summarises the Writing Indicators for Levels 1 to 5; more detail on the Indicators, Domains of Communication and Sample Activities for Writing can be found in the Australian Core Skills Framework which can be downloaded from this site. More information on Writing at Pre Level 1 can be found in the ACSF Pre Level 1 supplement which can also be downloaded from this site.