Sorry, second question in as many minutes... Can anyone describe the marking guidance for the composition question in grade 5 theory? I'm practicing through it OK but when I get a friend to review my answers, they're not sure whether to dock marks (or how many) for various offences in the question. Is there a "marking guide" posted anywhere for these questions?

Thanks in advance
- Graeme

From Guidelines for Marking Grade 5 Theory based on on instructions issued to ABRSM theory markers and compiled by Kevin Fairless. An information sheet from the UK piano group.

(h)COMPOSITION OF A MELODY either instrumental or (as a setting of given words) vocal. This exercise tests more than factual knowledge: it demands some capacity to ‘hear’ what is written, and some measure of creative imagination.

At Grade 5, now that a melody is required instead of simply a rhythm, an answer should not fail only because of a miscounted bar, as in earlier grades; there may be many compensating factors.

Minimum: any complete working up to 7 bars in length should be awarded a minimum of 5 out of 15.

For a Pass mark (10), expect
1. some sense of tonality (although the piece could end in the relative major or minor);
2. generally correct arithmetic and grouping;
3. adequate length (less than 7 bars is rarely convincing);
4. a line within the compass for all but one or at most two notes;
5a. Instrumental: a working that is appropriate to the given opening and to the character of the instrument;
[If the candidate specifies an instrument that is not one of those indicated in the
rubric or if no instrument is specified, deduct one mark, and then proceed on the
basis of your guess as to what is intended!]
5b. Vocal generally reasonable verbal accentuation, and syllables on the whole correctly placed under the notes.

Other positive factors are suitable opening tempo and dynamic marks, and performing directions throughout that are practicable, in moderation, and apt to the music. These are, however, subsidiary features; nothing compares in importance with the degree of musical sense that is communicated by the notes. Guard against giving 8, 9 or even 10 to nonsense because it is well dressed up.

Merit/Distinction: Most of the examples that earn 12 marks or more will be soundly put together according to a well-tried formula, and vocal settings will have a convincing underlay, and some sense of the mood of the words. However, there will be an occasional entry that shows real originality and a creative sense of eloquence. Sometimes this may be quite unconventional, e.g. the phrase-lengths may be uneven, the tonality unexpected, the melody lacking symmetry; in such cases the line between brilliance and incompetence can sometimes be thin and your judgement will need to be acute! - but do not penalise the work simply because it is not “according to the book”.

Not required are:
1. long slurs indicating the phrase lengths (these are rarely found in string, wind or vocal music),
2. up- or down-bow marks, except to signal a special effect.
The presence of either of these should not influence your marking in anyway. Take care, therefore, not to penalise ‘missing slurs’ or ‘missing bowing’

Marvellous answer!... thanks very much; that is very helpful.
Regards
- Graeme

I got 12 for my composition. Most of it consisted of the opening bars they gave, but not a real and original musical idea. The opening bars were repeated 4 times.