Paper 1 Question 4: Mark Scheme (AQA GCSE English Language)

AO4

Evaluate texts critically and support this with appropriate textual references

Level 4

Perceptive, detailed evaluation

16-20  marks

Shows perceptive and detailed evaluation:

• Evaluates critically and in detail the effect(s) on the reader

• Shows perceptive understanding of writer’s methods

• Selects a range of judicious textual detail

• Develops a convincing and critical response to the focus of the statement

Level 3

Clear, relevant evaluation

11-15 marks

Shows clear and relevant evaluation:

• Evaluates clearly the effect(s) on the reader

• Shows clear understanding of writer’s methods

• Selects a range of relevant textual references

• Makes a clear and relevant response to the focus of the statement

Level 2

Some evaluation

6-10 marks

Shows some attempts at evaluation:

• Makes some evaluative comment(s) on effect(s) on the reader

• Shows some understanding of writer’s methods

• Selects some appropriate textual reference(s)

• Makes some response to the focus of the question

Level 1

Simple, limited comment

1-5 marks

Shows simple, limited evaluation:

• Makes simple, limited evaluative comment(s) on effect(s) on reader

• Shows limited understanding of writer’s methods

• Selects simple, limited textual reference(s)

• Makes a simple, limited response to the focus of the statement

At Level 1, there will be simple but limited evaluative comments

At Level 2, there will be a genuine attempt to engage with some evaluation of the writer’s methods with comments on their effect

At Level 3, there will be a clear and  relevant evaluation with a clear understanding of the writer’s method

At Level 4, there will be a detailed and perceptive evaluation of the writer’s methods which is both critical and convincing

Clear, relevant evaluation 

11-15 marks

Skills descriptors

Shows clear and relevant evaluation:

• Evaluates clearly the effect(s) on the reader

• Shows clear understanding of writer’s methods

• Selects a range of relevant textual references

• Makes a clear and relevant response to the focus of the statement

What this means

• A clear and relevant evaluation involves the ability to present thoughts and ideas clearly and logically

• The evaluation will be clear and relevant and will provide a coherent response to the question

• This type of evaluation is generally straightforward and it may rely on more surface-level observations and evidence from the text

• It will demonstrate a good understanding of the text and will explain some literary techniques used in the text

• It means some textual details are selected in order to support the explanation being made

Perceptive, detailed evaluation

16-20 marks

Skills descriptors

Shows perceptive and detailed evaluation:

• Evaluates critically and in detail the effect(s) on the reader

• Shows perceptive understanding of writer’s methods

• Selects a range of judicious textual detail 

• Develops a convincing and critical response to the focus of the statement

“Shows perceptive and detailed evaluation”

What this means

• This skill involves demonstrating a deep and insightful evaluation of the text

• It requires you to engage in critical analysis, providing well-reasoned judgements and interpretations

“Evaluates critically and in detail the effect(s) on the reader”

What this means

• This skill focuses on your ability to critically assess how the text influences the reader

• It means the evaluation should explore the writer’s style and techniques which help to influence the reader

• It aims to illuminate the reasons behind the writer’s choices and how they contribute to the overall impact of the text on the reader

“Shows perceptive understanding of writer’s methods”

What this means

• This skill focuses on your awareness of the methods employed by the writer

• You should recognise and analyse the literary devices and techniques used to convey meaning, enhance themes and evoke specific responses from the reаder

• A perceptive understanding reveals a depth of insight that unveils subtle layers of meaning

“Selects a range of judicious textual detail”

What this means

• This skill involves choosing specific examples, quotations or references from the texts that directly support the question's focus

• It showcases your ability to identify relevant details within the the text's content and use those details effectively to strengthen your response

• This demonstrates a keen eye for selecting appropriate evidence that reinforces the argument you are presenting

“Develops a convincing and critical response to the focus of the statement”

What this means

• This skill involves crafting a response that convincingly engages with the statement

• The response should be well-structured, demonstrating a critical perspective that reflects a thoughtful consideration of the statement

• The evaluation should be logically developed and present a critical interpretation of the statement within the context of the text

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. 

The writer employs vivid imagery, using the simile “like a tsunami at sea”, which suggests it will obliterate any life in its path. The triplet “twisting, spinning, turning” reinforces the tone of violence, with the present participles immerse the reader in Zoe's loss of control when confronted with this overwhelmingly destructive avalanche.   

I think it is understandable why Zoe's reaction is slow in this situation. The initial signs of the avalanche are almost imperceptible – a mere “small slab of snow slip from underneath her” and only 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.

From this moment on, the writer intensifies the danger, by comparing the approaching avalanche to “a tsunami at sea”, which suggests the overwhelming force of the snow. Moreover, the triplet “twisting, spinning, turning” not only amplifies the panic and pace of the narrative, but also vividly depicts her loss of control in the hostile conditions. 

• This Level 4 answer shows a perceptive and detailed evaluation of the text 

• It clearly provides a convincing and critical response to the statement provided 

• It demonstrates a perceptive understanding of the writer’s methods and critically evaluates their effect on the reader

• A judicious range of quotations are used in order to strengthen and support each evaluative point