Writing

In a survey of 402 companies, executives identified writing as the most valued skill required in their businesses given that their employees spend an average of 30% of their day writing. Of those employees, 80% at all levels need to improve their writing skills because nearly 1/3 of their writing needs to be clarified. Messages that are written clearly and correctly can spell success for a company by increasing credibility, reputation, and client satisfaction.

The Writing portion of the WorkKeys Listening and Writing test measures the skill individuals use when they write messages that relay workplace information between people.

The test is administered in audio format that contains all directions and messages. Examinees are asked to listen to the audiotaped messages and then write messages or summaries based on the information they hear. Examinees are placed in the role of employees who receive information from customers, co-workers, or suppliers and must then write down the information to communicate it to someone else.

The taped messages reflect various workplace settings, but no prior knowledge of the occupations is necessary. The messages are delivered by both male and female speakers of differing ages and with various accents. Each message is given twice, and examinees are encouraged to take notes. After a message is given the second time, examinees have a specified amount of time to write before the next message is given. Examinees are given 40 minutes to complete six responses; they may return to work on previous responses at any time during the test.

Initially, the messages contain about six pieces of information given by one speaker; by the end of the assessment, messages are given by two speakers and contain approximately seventeen pieces of information. As the assessment progresses and the messages grow longer and more complex, the time allotted to write the messages increases from two minutes to six minutes.

Related Information

Characteristics
Sample Items—Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, Level 5
Examples of Common Writing Errors
Writing Scoring Guide