Marks are deducted in translation tests for:

• mistranslations
• distortion of meaning
• omissions
• additions
• unidiomatic usage
• inappropriate vocabulary
• incorrect grammar
• incorrect spelling
• incorrect punctuation
• stylistic infelicities

The number of marks deducted in each case remains at the discretion of the examiners, though these would normally be between 0.5 and 5 marks per mistake, depending on its seriousness.

Up to 5 discretionery marks may also be deducted or added, based on the overall impression of the translation.

Where the use of capital letters differs between English and the other language, candidates must use them correctly in each language. If translations are written using all capital letters, the examiners will assume that the candidate is unaware of the correct use of capital letters and will penalise the translation accordingly.

In interpreting tests, marks are deducted for similar errors, though here, the overall correctness and fluency of the interpretation are of paramount importance.