Question 2: Response Guidance

Mark Scheme

It is important that you understand the mark scheme, because this is what teachers are looking at to judge your work. I want you to focus on how you can get the top marks for each question.

Level 4 (16-20 marks): Perceptive, Detailed Evaluation

-Critically explores the effects of writer’s deliberate choices

-Identification and understanding of a range ofmethods

-Selects judicious textual detail

-Convincing and critical response to the statement posed.

Lower down the mark scheme:

Level 3 –Clear, Relevant Evaluation

Level 2 – Some Evaluation

Level 1 – Simple, Limited Comment

Writing Frame

Different schools use different writing frames to guide responses.

Some classics are:

  1. P.E.E. (Point, Evidence, Explain) or P.E.A. (Point, Evidence, Analysis); these two are the same thing by different names
  2. __P.E.E.L __(Point, Evidence, Explain, Link back to the question)
  3. P.E.A.C.E. (Point, Evidence, Analysis, Cross-reference, Effects)

It is best if you are a free spirit in your writing and move through your analysis as you desire. Those who are awarded the best marks are not restricted by sticking to the acronyms mentioned above.

See the diagram:

Question 2: Response Guidance, figure 1

Question 2: Response Guidance, figure 2Question 2: Response Guidance, figure 3Question 2: Response Guidance, figure 4

Question 2: Response Guidance, figure 5

Formulate Response

For example, How has the writer used language to __describe__… ?

1. Purpose

First you need to understand the question! What purpose are you expected to comment on in your answer? In this instance the purpose is it ‘describe’. Therefore, you need to comment to what extent the text is describing something. Make clear and succinct statements that directly answer the question about the purpose and the subject.

2. Language Techniques __→ __Quotation(s) __→ __Inference(s)

You can repeat this middle process (Technique(s), Quote(s), Inference(s)) as many times as possible, to squeeze as much meaning out the quotation you have selected. There will be many things to write about as you deconstruct the text. The deeper you dig, the more perceptive you will become!

3. Effect(s)

Say how the inferences you have drawn out of the text in the middle section affect you as a reader, and may affect others as readers as well.

What must you understand about the question?
Your answer should include: Purpose / Subject
When commenting on the effect on the reader, what should you explore?
Your answer should include: Thoughts / Reactions
Once you have identified a technique, what must you do?
Your answer should include: Inference / Infer / Meaning