LITERATURE MARK SCHEME FOR POETRY, PLAY AND PROSE

Band
8

Band
7

Band
6

Band
5
Ban
d4

Band
3

Band
2

Band
1

There will be no deeper/ hidden/ implicit understanding of the meaning

Comments will only be about plot or a simple summary of what happens or
what the poem is about there might be some inaccuracies, even about very
simple things
There will be no interpretation/ opinion/ personal response
Usually an answer in this band will be very short
Might begin to include a basic interpretation or a couple of opinions about
what the text is about
There will be a few sentences about the plot/ surface meaning
Comments will be vague/ general
There will be no quotes and the answer will not mention the text in any detail
Will try to show an interpretation (personal response) or opinions about what
the text is about/ what the writer is trying to do
Will show that they fully understand the surface meaning (what is explicitly
happening in the text)
There will be a little reference to the text but it will still be quite vague/
general
Starts to give an interpretation of what they think the writer is doing in the
text and may begin to mention a couple of reasons why they think this
Will begin to mention a few specific words from the text although these wont
be explained and might be very long quotes
Will explain their interpretation of the text and show that they fully
understand the surface meaning
Will begin to make comments about what is happening beneath the
surface (implicit/ hidden meanings)
Begins to explain the effects of individual words although this might
not be consistent or detailed
Starts to support some points/ ideas with evidence (quotes)
Will be a developed answer (several points with some explanation) and will be
detailed
Will show more understanding of implicit/ hidden meanings
Will explain how the writer uses individual words and techniques to
communicate their ideas
Will choose quotes and evidence well
They will notice things beyond the obvious and give a confident response
The comments and explanations about how a writer has used words and
techniques will be thoughtful and very detailed
The evidence/ quotes will be mixed together with the points and explanation
of effects that the answer will flow and sound well-argued
The X factor something beyond the ordinary/ special!!
You will show a really individual response, it will be interesting and really
impress an examiner as being as good as someone your age can be in terms
of understanding, use of evidence, explanation and the way your answer is
written
IT IS VERY POSSIBLE TO GET BAND 1