Paper 2 Question 3: Mark Scheme (AQA GCSE English Language)
Revision Note
Written by: Nick Redgrove
Reviewed by: Kate Lee
Paper 2 Question 3: Mark Scheme
The mark scheme for English Language can be challenging to understand. This is due to the fact that there is no "correct answer" for any question. The exаm board does not specify the points that must be included in any response; instead, it is used by examiners to place an answer into a level. Remember, Paper 2 Question 3 is worth up to 12 marks (Paper 1 Question 2 is only worth up to 8 marks).
It is therefore essential that you understand the mark scheme really well. If you understand exactly what you are being assessed on, then you understand how to improve.
Translating the Question 3 mark scheme
For Question 3, you are assessed on AO2 only:
AO2 Explain, comment on and analyse how writers use language and structure to achieve effects and influence readers, using relevant subject terminology to support their views |
If you want to achieve a Grade 9, you should be aiming for a Level 4 response. Here is the AQA mark scheme for each level in Question 3:
Level | Skills Descriptors |
|---|---|
Level 4 Perceptive, detailed analysis 10-12 marks | Shows perceptive and detailed understanding of language:
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Level 3 Clear, relevant explanation 7-9 marks | Shows clear understanding of language:
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Level 2 Some understanding and comment 4-6 marks | Shows some understanding of language:
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Level 1 Simple, limited comment 1-3 marks | Shows simple awareness of language:
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The wording of the mark scheme shows a growing hierarchy of skills, with analysis being at the top. To analyse the language of the text effectively, you should be asking three important questions:
WHAT is the overall effect of the writer’s language choices in terms of the question?
HOW does the writer achieve this, using accurate subject terminology?
WHY does that feature of the language create the effect you have identified?
Here is a simplified version of the mark scheme:
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
Shows simple understanding of language features | Shows some understanding of language features | Shows clear understanding of language features | Shows detailed and perceptive understanding of language features |
Understanding the different levels: analysis versus explanation
The mark schemes for Level 3 and 4 make the distinction between “analysis” and “explanation”. To be awarded a Level 4 (top marks), you must provide an analysis of the writer’s use of language in your response. If you only provide an explanation of the writer’s use of language, you will be awarded a Level 3.
Analysis involves a deeper exploration and interpretation of the various elements of a text, while explanation focuses on providing clear and coherent descriptions of specific aspects. Analysis seeks to uncover the underlying meaning and artistic choices of the writer, while explanation aims to make those choices more understandable.
Level 3: Explanation (7-9 marks)
The key word in the mark scheme for a Level 3 grade is “explanation”.
Explanation involves providing clear and coherent descriptions or accounts of the meaning, or significance, involved in a particular aspect of a text. Explaining the effects of the writer's choices of language involves providing a concise and coherent account of how specific language choices made by the writer contribute to the overall impact and meaning of the text. Explanation aims to clarify the reasons behind the writer's choices and their intended effects on the reader.
Clear, relevant explanation 7-9 marks | Skills Descriptors |
|---|---|
Shows clear understanding of language:
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What this means | |
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Level 4: Analysis (10-12 marks)
The key word in the mark scheme for a Level 4 mark is “analysis”. Analysis involves breaking down a text into its constituent parts, examining the various elements and exploring how they contribute to the overall meaning and effect of the text. It focuses on identifying and interpreting literary techniques, linguistic devices, themes and other aspects of the text. Analysis goes beyond surface-level observations and aims to uncover deeper layers of meaning, intent and choices made by the writer. It involves examining the how and why of the writer's choices and their impact on the reader.
Perceptive, detailed analysis 10-12 marks | Skills Descriptors |
|---|---|
Shows perceptive and detailed understanding of language:
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Below we will explore what each bullet point of the Level 4 mark scheme means:
“Shows perceptive and detailed understanding of language” |
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What this means |
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“Analyses the effects of the writer’s choices of language” |
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What this means |
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“Selects a range of judicious textual detail” |
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What this means |
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“Makes sophisticated and accurate use of subject terminology” |
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What this means |
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Question 3: Level 4 and Level 3 response
Below is an example of a paragraph for a Level 4 and one for a Level 3 response. It is based on the following past paper question (June 2019 AQA English Language Past Paper and insert.)
It is useful to read through this extract and the wording of Question 3 before exploring the model responses below.
As you read through each response, consider the similarities and differences between both answers and why they have been awarded these levels based on the mark scheme:
Level 4 Response 10-12 marks | Level 3 Response 7-9 marks |
|---|---|
The phrase “sucked into the belly of the wave” effectively portrays the sea as a greedy monster, the use of personification suggesting the sea has an insatiable appetite. The curling motion of the wave as it engulfs him is reflected in the metaphorical image of the wave’s rounded “belly” as he is consumed by the ravenous sea. In “sucked” the writer chooses a short, single syllable verb to echo the speed with which he was suddenly plucked out of the boat and into the water, by the relentless strength of the ocean. | The writer explains how powerful the sea is by describing how he is “sucked into the belly of the wave”. The verb “sucked” suggests the writer is swallowed up very quickly by the sea, emphasising how easily he is overpowered. The personification used in “the belly of the wave” creates an image of the wave as a powerful giant who eats people up by sucking them into his enormous belly where they disappear and drown. |
Examiner comments:
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You will find more detailed information about how to write a Level 4 response for Question 3 in the Model Answer section.
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