AQA GCSE English Language Paper 2 Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives Mark Scheme

GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE Paper 2 Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives Mark scheme Version 1.0 Re-submission SPECIMEN MATERIAL AQA GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE PAPER 2 MARK SCHEME – GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE PAPER 2 – 8700/2 – SPECIME2 Mark schemes are prepared by the Lead Assessment Writer and considered, together with the relevant questions, by a panel of subject teachers. This mark scheme includes any amendments made at the standardisation events which all associates participate in and is the scheme which was used by them in this examination. The standardisation process ensures that the mark scheme covers the students’ responses to questions and that every associate understands and applies it in the same correct way. As preparation for standardisation each associate analyses a number of students’ scripts. Alternative answers not already covered by the mark scheme are discussed and legislated for. If, after the standardisation process, associates encounter unusual answers which have not been raised they are required to refer these to the Lead Assessment Writer. It must be stressed that a mark scheme is a working document, in many cases further developed and expanded on the basis of students’ reactions to a particular paper. Assumptions about future mark schemes on the basis of one year’s document should be avoided; whilst the guiding principles of assessment remain constant, details will change, depending on the content of a particular examination paper. Further copies of this mark scheme are available from MARK SCHEME – GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE PAPER 2 – 8700/2 – SPECIME3 Marking methods In fairness to students, all examiners must use the same marking methods. The following advice may seem obvious, but all examiners must follow it as closely as possible. 1. If you have any doubt about how to allocate marks to an answer, consult your Team Leader. 2. Refer constantly to the mark scheme throughout marking. 3. Always credit accurate, relevant and appropriate answers which are not given in the mark scheme. 4. Use the full range of marks. Don’t hesitate to give full marks when the answer merits them. 5. The key to good and fair marking is consistency. Once approved, do not change your standard of marking. MARK SCHEME – GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE PAPER 2 – 8700/2 – SPECIME4 Introduction The information provided for each question is intended to be a guide to the kind of answers anticipated and is neither exhaustive nor prescriptive. All appropriate responses should be given credit. Where literary or linguistic terms appear in the Mark Scheme, they do so generally for the sake of brevity. Knowledge of such terms, other than those given in the specification, is not required. However, when determining the level of response for a particular answer, examiners should take into account any instances where the candidate uses these terms effectively to aid the clarity and precision of the argument. Level of response marking instructions Level of response mark schemes are broken down into four levels (where appropriate), each of which has a descriptor. The descriptor for the level shows the average performance for the level. There are two, four, five or six marks in each level; dependent upon question. In higher tariff questions there is a further descriptor dealing with the top of the level. Before you apply the mark scheme to a student’s answer read through the answer and annotate it (as instructed) to show the qualities that are being looked for. You can then apply the mark scheme. You should refer to the standardising material throughout your marking. Step 1 Determine a level Start at the lowest level of the mark scheme and use it as a ladder to see whether the answer meets the descriptor for that level. The descriptor for the level indicates the different qualities that might be seen in the student’s answer for that level. If it meets the lowest level then go to the next one and decide if it meets this level, and so on, until you have a match between the level descriptor and the answ