Exam code:8700
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The Question 4 mark scheme
If you want to achieve a Grade 9, you should be aiming for a Level 4 response for Question 4. Below is a simplified version of the AQA mark scheme for this question.
Student-friendly mark scheme
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Level 1 |
Level 2 |
Level 3 |
Level 4 |
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Gives a simple or limited evaluation of the writer’s choices, with basic comments and minimal evidence |
Attempts some evaluation of how the writer’s choices affect the reader, using a few suitable examples from the text |
Provides a clear and relevant evaluation of the writer’s methods and their impact on the reader, supported by appropriate evidence |
Offers a thoughtful and detailed evaluation of how the writer’s choices affect the reader, using well-chosen quotes and insightful analysis |
To demonstrate clear evaluation of a writer’s choices, your answer should include:
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Relevant and well-chosen evidence (quotes or references)
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Clear comments on how the writer’s methods shape meaning
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Use of evaluative language (e.g. “I agree that…”, “This is successful when…”)
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Awareness of the writer’s overall intentions or purpose
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Understanding of how techniques link to the overall meaning or message
Examiner Tips and Tricks
The mark scheme for English Language can be challenging to understand. This is due to the fact that there is no “correct answer” for a Question 4 response: instead, you need to form your own judgement.
In your judgement, you may choose to agree, partially agree, or disagree with the statement. All of these are valid as long as you can support your point of view with multiple pieces of evidence from the text.
Levelling up your Question 4 answer
Understanding the different levels: analysis versus explanation
To get a Grade 9, you will have to reach Level 4 for Question 4, which means your response should be a “perceptive, detailed evaluation” rather than just a “clear, relevant evaluation”. The image below shows what an examiner would expect to see in a Level 3 versus a Level 4 response:
Moving from a Level 3 to a Level 4 response
Below is an example of a paragraph for a Level 3 response, and one for a Level 4. It is based on the November 2019 AQA GCSE English Language Paper 1 (opens in a new tab) past paper. It is useful to read through the extract and the wording of Question 4 before exploring the model responses below.
We’ve included annotations to show why each would be awarded each level.
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Level 3 response (11–15 marks) |
Level 4 response (16–20 marks) |
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I think it is understandable why Zoe’s reaction is slow in this situation. The initial signs of the avalanche are almost imperceptible — she only feels a “small slab of snow slip from underneath her” and only hears a distant “rumble”. Even when she witnesses the graceful unfurling of “grey smoke” resembling silky banners, she perceives it as “beautiful” as she is still enchanted by the magical aura of the mountains. It’s only when Jake rushes towards her, shouting urgently for her to seek cover, that she realises the impending avalanche. |
Despite the presence of the word “But” at the beginning of line 28, which signals a potential shift in the narrative, Zoe remains entranced in her dreamlike state, captivated by the serene “beauty” surrounding her. I think this explains her slow response as she scarcely notices the “small slab of snow slip from underneath her” and the “rumble”. Even when she observes the “grey smoke unfurling in silky banners” she naively perceives it as “beautiful”. Only Jake, serving as a structural catalyst in the narrative, propelling the narrative forward, awakens her to the imminent danger and their vulnerability. |
Examiner Tips and Tricks
A Level 3 response is characterised as “clear and relevant” while, to be awarded a Level 4, you must provide a “detailed and perceptive evaluation” in your response.
The difference between the levels lies in the focus and depth of analysis. A detailed and perceptive evaluation involves thorough and insightful examination, exploring deeper meanings and offering original insights.
Learn more and test yourself
For more great tips and tricks, check out our dedicated revision notes on how to answer Paper 1 Question 4 and our fully annotated Paper 1 Question 4 model answer.
You can also test yourself on Paper 1 Question 4 with expert-created exam questions. Try answering full questions and get them marked by Smart Mark, our AI model created by English Language experts.
Responses