Paper 1 Question 5: Mark Scheme (AQA GCSE English Language) : Revision Note
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The Question 5 mark scheme
For Question 5, you are assessed on two assessment objectives (AOs). These are:
Name | Description | Number of marks awarded | |
|---|---|---|---|
AO5 | Content and communication | Writing in a clear, creative and engaging way:
| 24 |
AO6 | Technical accuracy | Writing accurately:
| 16 |
If you want to achieve a Grade 9, you should be aiming for a Level 4 response for Question 5 for both AO5 and AO6. Below are simplified versions of both AQA mark schemes for this question.
Student-friendly mark scheme
AO5: Content and communication
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
Writing links to the task but ideas may be limited. Few language techniques are used | Writing shows an understanding of the form and stays on task throughout. Some language techniques are used in clear paragraphs | Writing is clear and consistent, with well-organised ideas. Tone is controlled, and language techniques are used effectively in developed paragraphs | Writing is engaging and convincing, with a thoughtfully constructed tone. Complex ideas are used clearly and confidently |
AO6: Technical accuracy
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
Evidence of capital letters and full-stops, and generally accurate spelling of simple words | Evidence of varied sentence lengths or structures, more interesting word choices and generally accurate grammar | Evidence of a tone of voice being constructed, with relevant vocabulary chosen for effect and mostly accurate spelling and grammar | A consistently accurate use of a variety of sentence structures for impact, as well as a strong grasp of sophisticated vocabulary |
Marks for technical accuracy are rewarded for the correct use of grammar, accurate spelling and punctuation. However, the best answers use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures in order to construct a tone of voice which is credible as well as relevant to the task
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Writing can be very subjective and the mark scheme for Question 5 reflects this. Examiners are required to start at the lowest level of the mark scheme and use it as a ladder to see whether your response meets the descriptors for that level. If your answer meets the lowest level, then the examiner will go on to the next one, and so on.
It is therefore essential to understand the mark scheme really well yourself; if you understand exactly what you are being assessed on, you understand how to improve.
How to get full marks on Paper 1 Question 5
To get the highest marks for your creative writing, it’s really important to understand what examiners are looking for.
Examiner tips for a Grade 9
Plan your response:
This is essential to reach the highest levels for AO5
However, you can also plan to use certain sentence types or punctuation marks throughout your answer too
Before you start writing, have a clear idea of:
The overall structure of your narrative or description: how will it begin and end?
Your setting
Your perspective
Your characters
Your intended tone
Any shifts in tone/perspective/setting you intend to make
Check your answer for mistakes:
Leave at least five minutes to check for spelling, punctuation and grammar errors
Also consider the logical flow of your writing: can you make any edits to help it flow better?
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Try to use a range of punctuation accurately.
To create a more dynamic rhythm, include semi-colons to break down a long sentence, use short sentences for impact and use questions or exclamation marks to create a tone of voice.
Levelling up your Question 5 answer
To get a Grade 9, you will have to reach Level 4 for both AO5 and AO6.
Understanding the different levels: AO5
To reach Level 4 for AO5 on Question 5, your response should be “compelling and convincing” rather than just “consistent and clear”. The image below shows what an examiner would expect to see in a Level 3 versus a Level 4 response:
Understanding the different levels: AO6
To reach Level 4 for AO6 on Question 5, your writing should be “consistently” rather than just “mostly” accurate. The image below shows what an examiner would expect to see in a Level 3 versus a Level 4 response:
Examiner Tips and Tricks
The best responses are those where the student has considered the order of information.
This means focusing each paragraph on a different idea to move the reader through a “journey” of plot and character development. It is also more successful to describe a small event than construct an intricate plot with lots of characters and twists and turns.
Moving from a Level 3 to a Level 4 response
Below is an example of a couple of paragraphs for a Level 3 response, and a sample answer that’s reflective of a Level 4. It is based on the June 2019 AQA GCSE English Language Paper 1 past paper question below:
We’ve included annotations to show why each would be awarded each level.
Level 3 response | Level 4 response |
|---|---|
Around me all I could see were people pushing, shoving and shouting. The heat was intense, unless you were in the shade. Squeezing myself down the narrow path, I was stuck, surrounded by the smell of hot people, fruit and fish! The aroma of fresh fish fizzed in my nose while the spices and fragrance of apples wafted in the air. There were several stalls, all decorated beautifully and in a myriad of colours, with flags and banners dancing above us. Blues and greens, reds and purples everywhere. The market was crowded and noisy with animals, carts, fruit, vegetables and anything else you could imagine. | The Market The market roared with rage, for it now was awake from its peaceful slumber. The shops were stuffed and vendors made the street extremely narrow, forcing people to walk in a straight line like soldiers going to battle. Shops of all different species stood on either side of the street obediently. None of them had doors, for the shopkeepers knew very well that the doors would not last long against the might, impatience and violence of the customers. Herds of people climbed on top of each other at the counter of each shop yelling wildly like screeching birds in a jungle.
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Learn more and test yourself
For more great tips and tricks, check out our dedicated revision notes on how to answer the narrative writing question and how to write the descriptive writing question and our fully annotated narrative writing model answer and our descriptive writing model answer.
You can also test yourself on Paper 1 Question 5 by building your writing skills with our Paper 1 Question 5 multiple-choice questions and by writing your own narrative or descriptive writing and getting it marked by Smart Mark, our AI model created by English Language experts.
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