Mark scheme for Section B - descriptors for Levels 3 and 4

Level 3
Explanation/analysis/argument (12-15 marks)
• Shows proficient understanding of the task
• Proficient knowledge and understanding of institutional/audience practices – factual knowledge is mostly accurate
• Some developed argument, supported by reference to case study material
• Mostly relevant to set question
Use of examples (12-15 marks)
• Offers consistent evidence from case study material
• Offers a range of examples from case study and own experience
• Offers examples which are mostly relevant to the set question
Use of terminology (6-7 marks)
• Use of terminology is mostly accurate

Relatively straight forward ideas have been expressed with some clarity
and fluency. Arguments are generally relevant, though may stray from the
point of the question. There will be some errors of spelling, punctuation
and grammar, but these are unlikely to be intrusive or obscure meaning .

Level 4
Explanation/analysis/argument (16-20 marks)
• Shows excellent understanding of the task
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of institutional/audience practices – factual knowledge is relevant and accurate
• A clear and developed argument, substantiated by detailed reference to case study material
• Clearly relevant to set question
Use of examples (16-20 marks)
• Offers frequent evidence from case study material – award marks to reflect the range and appropriateness of examples
• Offers a full range of examples from case study and own experience
• Offers examples which are clearly relevant to the set question
Use of terminology (8-10 marks)
• Use of terminology is relevant and accurate

Complex issues have been expressed clearly and fluently using a style of
writing appropriate to the complex subject matter. Sentences and
paragraphs, consistently relevant, have been well structured, using appropriate technical terminology. There may be few, if any, errors of spelling, punctuation and grammar.