Paper 2 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 2 Question 5
To get the highest marks for your non-fiction 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:
Your point of view or argument
Any counter-argument you might want to address
A range of credible and convincing ideas to support your point of view
The tone of your writing: do you want it to be emotive, persuasive or informative?
The overall structure of your piece of non-fiction: how will it begin and end?
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 your argument flow better?
Examiner Tips and Tricks
The best responses are those where students 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 directly address your reader with a rhetorical question.
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 presents a coherent response to the statement, taking one perspective and following it through to the end.
Avoid alternating back and forth, agreeing and disagreeing with different aspects of the statement, as this often results in an unclear argument.
Moving from a Level 3 to a Level 4 response
Below is an example of an opening of a letter 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 2 past paper question below:
We’ve included annotations to show why each would be awarded each level.
Level 3 response | Level 4 response |
|---|---|
Dear Editor, I strongly agree with the statement: why should people who behave badly deserve to be famous? Every year more than 20% of criminals who commit serious crimes become famous due to news broadcasts and media coverage. There are thousands and thousands of people out there who work day in and day out to succeed in what they do. What do they get for it? Absolutely nothing. Do you agree? Newspapers should start to focus on the good people in society and not the bad. We see too many criminals in the news becoming famous for what they have done wrong. More people would be interested in reading newspapers if they showed everyone someone else’s achievements, not people’s downfalls. | Dear Sir/Madam, Let me ask you a question; why is it that those who are famous are never those who work hard? This might seem paradoxical in nature to you, and indeed to many others. However, have you ever stopped to consider those who really work hard? The cleaners, the teachers, the examiners — there are millions of ordinary people who work without cease or pause, but who are not recognised properly for their actions. This is wrong. Illogically, those who are rich and famous and in the public eye are those who did not work arduous hours getting a university degree or those who did not spend years slaving over a training course on minimum pay. Those who are rich and famous are those with mountains of money in the first place; those who won the genetic lottery. We have a whole society built on luck and money. If this does not seem wrong to you, then I do not know what would! |
Learn more and test yourself
For more great tips and tricks, check out our dedicated revision notes on how to answer the non-fiction writing question and our fully annotated non-fiction writing model answers:
You can also test yourself on Paper 2 Question 5 by building your writing skills with our Paper 2 Question 5 multiple-choice questions and by writing your own non-fiction and getting it marked by Smart Mark, our AI model created by English Language experts.
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