Paper 2 Question 2: Mark Scheme (AQA GCSE English Language): Model Answers
AO1 Assessment Overview
| AO1 | • Identify and interpret explicit and implicit information and ideas
• Select and synthesise evidence from different texts |
This question assesses both bullets
Assessment Levels and Marking Criteria
| Level | Skills Descriptors | Indicative Standard This indicative standard provides an exemplification of the skills descriptors at each level. It is not a model answer, nor a complete response, nor does it seek to exemplify any particular content. |
|---|---|---|
| Level 4 Perceptive, detailed summary 7–8 marks | Shows perceptive or detailed synthesis and interpretation of both texts: • makes perceptive inferences from both texts • selects judicious references/use of textual detail relevant to the focus of the question • statements show perceptive differences between texts. | The train in Source A is being used to transport mail and people and so has a 'mail van', 'a dining car' and 'five sleeping cars' showing both the advances in train manufacture and the commercialisation of rail travel to enable long journeys by providing eating and sleeping facilities. This sophistication reflects significant progress in train travel and is a complete contrast to Source B where the steam engine is an earlier model and is, therefore, much simpler in its design. In Source B, the train is just a functional 'uncovered carriage' with 'benches' as the purpose at this earlier stage of invention is to develop the mechanics of the engine, not to provide more elaborate passenger facilities. |
| Level 3
Clear, relevant
summary
5–6 marks | Shows clear synthesis and interpretation of both texts:
• makes clear inferences from both texts
• selects clear references/ textual detail relevant to the focus of the question
• statements show clear differences between texts. | The train in Source A has an engine and several carriages which include a 'mail van', 'a dining car' and 'five sleeping cars' showing that it is used to transport letters and that people can eat and sleep on it, which suggests how the train has been developed to have a range of purposes. This is very different to Source B, where the steam engine has just been invented and has a much more basic purpose which is to provide a new and quicker form of transport. In Source B, the train is simply an engine and an 'uncovered carriage' with 'benches', so the lack of shelter and comfortable facilities suggests it is in a much earlier stage of its development. |
| Level 2
Some attempts
at summary
3–4 marks | Shows some interpretation from one/both texts:
• attempts some inference(s) from one/both texts
• selects some appropriate references/textual detail from one/both texts
• statements show some difference(s) between texts. | The train in Source A is long and has an engine and several carriages including a 'mail van', 'a dining car' and 'five sleeping cars' which shows that the train is used for many reasons. This is different from the train in Source B, which is much shorter and more basic. The train in Source B has just a 'little engine' and an 'uncovered carriage' which shows it is not very comfortable. |
| Level 1
Simple, limited
summary
1–2 marks | Shows simple awareness from one/both texts:
• offers paraphrase rather than inference
• selects simple reference(s)/textual detail(s) from one/both texts
• statements show simple difference between texts. | The train in Source A is big as it has lots of carriages because it says, 'five sleeping cars'. This is different to the train in Source B, which is smaller. The train in Source B is not big as it is described as a 'little engine' and it has one carriage. |
| Level 0
No marks | Nothing to reward. | |