Level descriptors

Band 1 (0-5 marks)

•  AO1 quality of writing hinders meaning

•  AO1 unclear line of argument/not always relevant

•  AO2 very limited discussion of how form and structure shape meanings

•  AO2 very limited discussion of how aspects of language shape meanings

•  AO3 little sense of connections between texts through concept of tragedy

•  AO3 little understanding of different interpretations of texts

•  AO4 very limited understanding of ways of contextualising ‘tragedy’

•  AO4 very limited awareness of other contextual factors

Band 2 (6-10)

•  AO1 some use of critical vocabulary despite technical weakness

•  AO1 simple attempt at structuring argument/usually relevant with some focus on task

•  AO2 some awareness of how form and structure shape meanings

•  AO2 some awareness of how aspects of language shape meanings

•  AO3 some connections made between texts through concept of tragedy

•  AO3 some reference to different interpretations of texts/ some textual support

•  AO4 some consideration of ways of contextualising ‘tragedy’

•  AO4 some consideration of other relevant contextual factors

Band 3 (11-15)

•  AO1 use of some critical vocabulary and generally clear expression

•  AO1 some structured argument though not sustained/ relevant with focus on task

•  AO2 consideration of some features of form and structure and how these features shape meanings

•  AO2 consideration of some aspects of language and how these aspects shape meanings

•  AO3 consideration of connections between texts through concept of tragedy

•  AO3 consideration of different interpretations of texts, with general textual support

•  AO4 consideration of ways of contextualising ‘tragedy’ as a dramatic genre

•  AO4 consideration of a range of other contextual factors with specific links between context/texts/tasks

Band 4 (16-20)

•  AO1 use of accurate critical vocabulary and clear argument expressed accurately

•  AO1 relevant with clear focus on task / informed knowledge and understanding of texts

•  AO2 consideration of how specific features of form and structure shape meanings

•  AO2 consideration of how specific aspects of language shape meanings

•  AO3 detailed consideration of connections between texts through concept of tragedy

•  AO3 clear consideration of different interpretations of texts with apt supportive references

•  AO4 examination of ways of contextualising ‘tragedy’ as a dramatic genre

•  AO4 examination of a range of other contextual factors with specific, detailed links between context /texts/task

Band 5 (21-25)

•  AO1 use of appropriate critical vocabulary and well structured argument expressed accurately

•  AO1 relevant with sharp focus on task/ detailed knowledge and understanding of texts

•  AO2 exploration of several features of form and structure with evaluation of how they shape meanings

•  AO2 exploration of several aspects of language with evaluation of how they shape meanings

•  AO3 detailed and evaluative discussion of connections between texts through concept of tragedy

•  AO3 clear consideration of different interpretations of texts with evaluation of their strengths and weaknesses and with significant supportive references

•  AO4 detailed exploration of ways of contextualising ‘tragedy’ as a dramatic genre

•  AO4 detailed exploration of a range of other contextual factors with specific, detailed links between context/texts/task

Band 6 (26-30)

•  AO1 use of appropriate critical vocabulary and technically fluent style/ well structured and coherent argument

•  AO1 always relevant with very sharp focus on task and confidently ranging around texts

•  AO2 exploration and analysis of key features of form and structure with perceptive evaluation of how they shape meanings

•  AO2 exploration and analysis of key aspects of language with perceptive evaluation of how they shape meanings

•  AO3 detailed and perceptive understanding of issues raised in connecting texts through concept of tragedy

•  AO3 perceptive consideration of different interpretations of texts with sharp evaluation of their strengths and weaknesses and with excellent selection of supportive references

•  AO4 excellent understanding of ways of contextualising ‘tragedy’ as a dramatic genre

•  AO4 excellent understanding of a range of other contextual factors with specific, detailed links between context/texts/task