Paper 1 Question 3: Mark Scheme (AQA GCSE English Language): Revision Note
Exam code: 8700
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The Question 3 mark scheme
If you want to achieve a Grade 9, you should be aiming for a Level 4 response for Question 3. Below is a simplified version of the AQA mark scheme for this question.
Student-friendly mark scheme
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
Basic, simple comments about how the structure works, without much detail | Some effort to pick out specific structural features and explain their effects | Clear and well-explained answers that look at several structural techniques and how they work in context | Detailed and thoughtful analysis of how the writer has chosen to structure the text, giving an overview of how the whole piece is put together |
To demonstrate a clear understanding of structural features, your answer should include:
Accurate subject terminology (relating to structure)
Evidence (quotes or textual references)
Clear explanation of the effects of some of the structural features
To analyse the text effectively, you should be asking three important questions:
WHAT is the effect of the writer’s structural choices? | HOW does the writer achieve this? | WHY do those structural features create the effect you have identified? |
Examiner Tips and Tricks
The mark scheme for Level 3 and Level 4 makes the distinction between “analysis” and “explanation”. To be awarded a Level 4, you must provide an analysis of the writer’s use of structure in your response.
While explanation focuses on providing clear descriptions of specific aspects of a text, analysis involves a deeper exploration and interpretation. Analysis seeks to uncover the underlying meaning and artistic choices of the writer: what is their overall intention for this piece of writing?
How to get full marks on Paper 1 Question 3
To get the highest marks for the structure question, it’s really important to understand what examiners are looking for.
Examiner tips for a Grade 9
Avoid phrases such as “this makes the reader feel”:
Instead, focus on the writer’s intended effects
Cover the whole of the source text in your answer
Look for patterns across the entire source
Consider a writer’s overall ambition across the source:
What is their intention as a whole?
Levelling up your Question 3 answer
Understanding the different levels: analysis versus explanation
To get a Grade 9, you will have to reach Level 4 for Question 3, which means your response should show “perceptive, detailed analysis” rather than just “clear relevant explanation”. The image below shows what an examiner would expect to see in a Level 3 versus a Level 4 response:
Moving from a Level 3 to a Level 4 response
Below is an example of a paragraph for a Level 3 response, and one for a Level 4. It is based on the November 2019 AQA GCSE English Language Paper 1 past paper. It is useful to read through this extract and the wording of Question 3 before exploring the model responses below.
We’ve included annotations to show why each would be awarded each level.
Level 3 explanation (5–6 marks) | Level 4 analysis (7–8 marks) |
|---|---|
The writer uses various structural devices to craft a captivating narrative. It commences in the mountains, immediately focusing the reader’s attention on Zoe, the central character, who relishes the tranquillity and beauty of the surroundings. When Jake enters the scene, the tone remains peaceful and both characters enjoy the tranquillity and silence as they embark on their ski adventure down the mountain. However, an interruption occurs as Zoe's gaze lands on the captivating “pillar of what looked like grey smoke”. This moment marks a crucial turning point in the passage, as a subtle sense of panic starts to creep in. The reader shares in Zoe's realisation that “it was an avalanche”, which intensifies the mounting tension and unease. The pace escalates dramatically, matching the skiers' rising fear, as the avalanche engulfs them, hurling them down the mountain. | The writer employs several structural devices to craft a gripping and dynamic narrative. The passage opens with a reflective and unhurried tone, portraying Zoe's serene connection to the mountain's purity and stillness. However, as they embark on their skiing adventure, the pace swiftly quickens, symbolising the dramatic shift from tranquillity to high-speed action. The sudden and abrupt halt in the narrative when they become aware of the ominous rumbling noise and the sight of “grey smoke unfurling” creates a palpable sense of suspense, effectively leading to the terror of the avalanche. The momentum of the text intensifies in tandem with the skiers' growing panic, skilfully building up to the climactic moment of impending disaster. The passage contrasts the initial sense of serenity with the mounting danger, using the silence at the beginning as a subtle foreshadowing of the chaos and tragedy that unfolds at the end. |
Learn more and test yourself
For more great tips and tricks, check out our dedicated revision notes on how to answer Paper 1 Question 3 and our fully annotated Paper 1 Question 3 model answer.
You can also test yourself on Paper 1 Question 3 with expert-created Save My Exams quiz and exam questions. Try our Paper 1 Question 3 multiple choice questions and answer full questions and get them marked by Smart Mark, our AI model created by English Language experts.
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