Sample Answer for 19th Century Novel: Mark Scheme

AO1 (16 Marks) - Analysis and Interpretation of the Text

Level 1 (1–6 marks)

• The response is basic, with minimal personal engagement with the text.
• There is little or no reference to the text or very limited support for points made.
• The response lacks a clear critical approach, with limited or irrelevant commentary on the novel's themes, characters, or key ideas.
• Little or no awareness of key features of the text (such as plot, characterisation, or key events) is shown.

Level 2 (7–12 marks)

• The response may be narrative in nature, summarising parts of the text with some personal response or opinion, but without a consistent focus on analysis.
• Some reference is made to the text, but this is not consistently focused or directly linked to the question.
• A critical approach begins to emerge, but the interpretation is not fully developed or always supported by textual evidence.
• Some understanding of the novel's themes, characters, and key events is evident, but it may be surface-level or lacking depth.

Level 3 (13–19 marks)

• The response offers a relevant personal response, supported by focused textual references.
• A sound critical approach is taken, with a clear interpretation of the text. The analysis is mostly focused, with the majority of the references directly related to the question.
• The response demonstrates a strong understanding of the novel's themes, characters, and ideas, and references are relevant and insightful.
• There is some exploration of how language, structure, and characterisation support the meaning of the text.

Level 4 (20–26 marks)

• The response offers a developed and detailed personal response, fully engaged with the text and consistently supported by well-chosen textual references.
• A sustained critical approach is evident, with mature interpretation and insightful analysis of themes, characters, and other aspects of the text.
• Textual references are well-chosen and demonstrate a deep understanding of the novel's ideas, themes, and characters.
• The response explores how key elements of the text (e.g., language, structure, and characterisation) shape its meaning.

Level 5 (27–32 marks)

• The response demonstrates an assured and discerning personal response, showing a high level of engagement with the text.
• The critical style is mature, with perceptive and sophisticated interpretation of the novel. There is a discerning choice of references, effectively linked to the argument being developed.
• The response fully explores the key themes, characters, and ideas, providing detailed and well-integrated textual evidence.
• A clear and cohesive analysis of how language, structure, and characterisation contribute to the overall meaning of the text is presented.

AO3 (16 Marks) - Understanding of Contexts

Level 1 (1–6 marks)

• Very little awareness of the context in which the novel was written and set is demonstrated.
• There is no clear connection between the text and its historical, cultural, or social context.
• Little or no exploration of how context influences the themes, characters, or meaning of the novel.

Level 2 (7–12 marks)

• Some awareness of the context of the novel is shown, though it may be underdeveloped or lack depth.
• The response may make some general references to the time period or the author's background, but it may not clearly explain how these affect the text.
• There is limited discussion of the relationship between the text and its context, with some understanding of how context influences themes, characters, or events.

Level 3 (13–19 marks)

• There is a sound understanding of the relevant contexts (historical, social, cultural) in which the novel was written and set.
• The response demonstrates a clear awareness of how the context influences the themes, characters, or narrative of the novel.
• Contextual references are linked to specific parts of the text, and the relationship between the text and its context is generally well-explored.

Level 4 (20–26 marks)

• The response provides sustained and detailed awareness of the relevant contexts of the novel, linking them to the text in a thoughtful and insightful manner.
• There is clear and detailed exploration of how the context (historical, social, or cultural) influences the meaning, themes, and characters of the novel.
• The relationship between the text and its context is fully integrated into the response, showing a deep understanding of how these elements shape the reader's interpretation of the text.

Level 5 (27–32 marks)

• The response shows an excellent understanding of the context, with perceptive and nuanced connections made between the text and its historical, cultural, or social background.
• The contextual analysis is fully integrated and convincing, providing a deep and sophisticated understanding of how context shapes the themes, characters, and meaning of the novel.
• The response demonstrates a mature understanding of the relationship between the text and its context, seamlessly weaving these elements into the interpretation of the novel.

AO4 (8 Marks) - Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar

Level 1 (1–2 marks)

• Spelling and punctuation are reasonable, but there may be frequent errors that occasionally hinder understanding.
• The vocabulary and sentence structures are basic and may lack variety.

Level 2 (3–5 marks)

• Spelling and punctuation are generally accurate, with occasional errors that do not impede meaning.
• The response demonstrates a reasonable range of vocabulary and sentence structures, with generally effective control of meaning.

Level 3 (6–8 marks)

• Spelling and punctuation are consistently accurate.
• The response uses a wide range of vocabulary and sentence structures to effectively control meaning and enhance the overall clarity of the argument.

Overall Guidance for Writing a Successful Response

1. Personal Engagement and Critical Approach (AO1)

   • Show a clear personal response to the text, linking your views and interpretations to textual evidence.
   • Use quotations to support your points and ensure your analysis is focused on how these support your argument.
   • Focus on the key themes, characters, and events in the novel, and explain how they develop through the text.

2. Contextual Understanding (AO3)

   • Demonstrate an understanding of the historical, social, and cultural context of the text, and how it influences the themes and characters.
   • Make connections between the text and its context to enhance your interpretation.

3. Structure and Clarity

   • Organise your response clearly with a well-defined argument, developing ideas logically.
   • Be concise and clear in your writing while ensuring you provide sufficient evidence to support your points.