6.2 Understanding Marking Criteria

• The AQA GCSE English Literature marking criteria are structured into four Assessment Objectives (AOs), one of which is AO1, which focuses on understanding texts and contexts
• AO4 in the AQA GCSE English Literature marking criteria requires students to articulate ideas clearly and relevantly
• AO1, with a weighting of 25%, emphasizes the ability to demonstrate understanding of texts and contexts
• The four AOs in the AQA GCSE English Literature marking criteria evaluate different aspects of a student's understanding and analytical
• Which AO has the highest weighting in the AQA GCSE English Literature marking criteria?

  AO2
• AO2, which focuses on analysing language and structure, holds the highest weighting at 30%
• The mark allocated for AO1 is 25
• A Level 5 response is characterized by a thorough understanding of texts and their contexts
• AO1 feedback suggests including more detailed textual references
• What needs refinement in the sample essay to achieve a higher level of clarity for AO4?

  Articulation of ideas
• Order the four Assessment Objectives (AOs) according to their focus in the AQA GCSE English Literature marking criteria.

  1️⃣ AO1: Understanding Texts and Contexts

  2️⃣ AO2: Analysing Language and Structure

  3️⃣ AO3: Comparing Texts and Contexts

  4️⃣ AO4: Articulating Ideas Clearly
• Each Assessment Objective (AO) in the AQA GCSE English Literature marking criteria evaluates a different aspect of a student's understanding and analytical skills.

  True
• How many marks are allocated to AO2 in the AQA GCSE English Literature marking criteria?

  30
• What is the focus of AO1 in the AQA GCSE English Literature marking criteria?

  Understanding texts and contexts
• AO2, with a weighting of 30%, focuses on analysing language and structure
• AO3, which requires comparing texts and contexts, is weighted at 20%.


  True
• What should students prioritize when planning their essay and allocating study time?

  Analyzing language and structure
• Order the characteristics of a good essay based on the band descriptors, from Level 5 to Level 1:

  1️⃣ Detailed textual references, insightful analysis, clear organization, logical arguments

  2️⃣ Accurate textual references, strong analytical points, well-organized structure, clearly presented arguments

  3️⃣ Relevant textual references, satisfactory analysis, reasonably organized structure, coherent arguments

  4️⃣ Basic textual references, limited analysis, simple structure, basic arguments

  5️⃣ Few textual references, minimal analysis, unstructured, vague arguments
• What type of analysis is lacking in the sample essay for AO2?

  Insightful and in-depth
• One common marking error is a lack of textual references
• What does AO1 in the AQA GCSE English Literature marking criteria focus on?

  Texts and contexts
• What is the weighting of AO1 in the AQA GCSE English Literature marking criteria?

  25%
• Knowing the mark allocation for each AO can help students plan their essay and study time more effectively.

  True
• Order the Assessment Objectives (AOs) by their weighting in the AQA GCSE English Literature marking criteria.

  1️⃣ AO2: 30%

  2️⃣ AO1: 25%

  3️⃣ AO4: 25%

  4️⃣ AO3: 20%
• What is the highest weighted Assessment Objective in the AQA GCSE English Literature?

  AO2: Analysing Language and Structure
• Why is understanding the mark allocation within each Assessment Objective essential?

  To plan your essay and study time
• Band descriptors outline the key qualities of responses at each marking level.

  True
• What should students ensure they incorporate to align their essay with the band descriptors?

  Key phrases
• Incorporating comparative analysis is essential for aligning with AO3.

  True
• What should students use to enrich their analysis of language and structure in AO2?

  Literary techniques