English Language: 8700/2 - Paper 2 Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives Mark Scheme
English Language: 8700/2 - Paper 2 Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives Mark Scheme
English Language: 8700/2 - Paper 2 Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives Mark Scheme
English Language
8700/2 - Paper 2 Writers’ Viewpoints and
Perspectives Mark scheme
June 2018
Mark schemes are prepared by the Lead Assessment Writer and considered, together with the relevant
questions, by a panel of subject teachers. This mark scheme includes any amendments made at the
standardisation events which all associates participate in and is the scheme which was used by them
in this examination. The standardisation process ensures that the mark scheme covers the students’
responses to questions and that every associate understands and applies it in the same correct way.
As preparation for standardisation each associate analyses a number of students’ scripts. Alternative
answers not already covered by the mark scheme are discussed and legislated for. If, after the
standardisation process, associates encounter unusual answers which have not been raised they are
required to refer these to the Lead Assessment Writer.
It must be stressed that a mark scheme is a working document, in many cases further developed and
expanded on the basis of students’ reactions to a particular paper. Assumptions about future mark
schemes on the basis of one year’s document should be avoided; whilst the guiding principles of
assessment remain constant, details will change, depending on the content of a particular
examination paper.
Introduction
The information provided for each question is intended to be a guide to the kind of
answers anticipated and is neither exhaustive nor prescriptive. All appropriate
responses should be given credit.
Level of response mark schemes for GCSE English Language are broken down into four
levels (where appropriate). In the first column each level is identified with one or two key
words that represent the differences in the skills then described. These key words show the
progression from Level 1 to 4 and are:
This is followed in the second column by a description of the different qualities required in
the student’s answer for that level. These are called the skills descriptors. In order to reach
a given level, a student must fulfil one or more of the skills descriptors for that level.
The third column of the mark scheme is the Indicative Standard. This is an important feature
of the mark scheme for GCSE English Language. It provides exemplification of the skills
descriptors at each level and offers a small number of different comments at the required
standard to give an indication of the quality of response that is typical for that level. It shows
the progression from Level 1 to 4.
The Indicative Standard is not intended to be a model answer nor a complete response, and
it does not exemplify required content. Students may reach a given level by making one or
more comments of the quality demonstrated by the Indicative Standard and do not have to
meet all the skill descriptors at that level.
The standardising scripts will further exemplify each of the levels. You must refer to the
standardising material throughout your marking.
When marking a response you should first read through the student’s answer and
annotate each section using the comments from the statement bank to show the qualities
that are being demonstrated, as instructed during standardising. You can then award a
level and a mark.
Start at the lowest level of the mark scheme and use it as a ladder to see whether the
answer meets the descriptors for that level. The descriptors for the level indicate the different
qualities that might be seen in the student’s answer for that level. If it meets the lowest level
then go to the next one and decide if it meets this level, and so on, until you have a match
between the level descriptor and the answer. With practice and familiarity you will find that
for better answers you will be able to quickly skip through the lower levels of the mark
scheme.
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MARK SCHEME – GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE – 8700/2 – JUNE 2018
The Indicative Standard column in the mark scheme will help you determine the correct
level. Remember, students may reach a given level by making one or more comments of
the quality demonstrated by the Indicative Standard and do not have to meet all the skill
descriptors at that level. It is not the number of references, but the quality of the comments
that will determine the level. The annotation you added to the script at Step 1 will help you
determine the correct level.
Once you have assigned a level you need to decide on the mark. This requires you to fine
tune within the level to see how well each of the skills descriptors for that level has been
met. A student only has to meet a skills descriptor at a given level once to be awarded that
level. Since responses rarely match a level in all respects, you need to balance out the
range of skills achieved and allow strong performance in some aspects to compensate for
other skills that may be only partially fulfilled. Again, the annotation added at Step 1 will help
you determine the mark.
Reference to the standardising scripts throughout the marking period is essential. This
will help you apply the level descriptors accurately and consistently. There will usually be
an answer in the standardising materials which will correspond with each level of the
mark scheme. This answer will have been awarded a mark by the Lead Examiner. You
can compare the student’s answer with the example to determine if it is the same
standard, better or worse than the example. You can then use this to allocate a mark for
the answer based on the Lead Examiner’s mark on the example.
You may well need to read back through the answer as you apply the mark scheme to
clarify points and assure yourself that the level and the mark are appropriate.
An answer which contains nothing of relevance to the question must be awarded no marks.
Advice
In fairness to students, all examiners must use the same marking methods. The following
advice may seem obvious, but all examiners must follow it closely.
2. Always credit accurate, relevant and appropriate responses that are not
necessarily covered by the mark scheme or the standardising scripts.
3. Use the full range of marks. Do not hesitate to give full marks if the response
merits it.
5. If you have any doubt about how to allocate marks to a response, consult your Team
Leader.
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MARK SCHEME – GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE – 8700/2 – JUNE 2018
AO1 Identify and interpret explicit and implicit information and ideas.
AO2 Explain, comment on and analyse how writers use language and structure
AO3 Compare writers’ ideas and perspectives, as well as how these are
AO4 Evaluate texts critically and support this with appropriate textual
references.
AO6 Candidates must use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures for
clarity, purpose and effect, with accurate spelling and punctuation. (This
requirement must constitute 20% of the marks for each specification as a
whole).
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MARK SCHEME – GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE – 8700/2 – JUNE 2018
Assessment Section A
Objective
AO1
AO2
AO3
AO4 n/a
Section B
AO5
AO6
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MARK SCHEME – GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE – 8700/2 – JUNE 2018
Shade the circles in the boxes of the ones that you think are true.
Choose a maximum of four statements.
If you make an error cross out the whole box.
If you change your mind and require a statement that has been crossed out then draw a
circle around the box.
A The first time Mike Doyle saw anyone surfing was in 1953.
B Mike Doyle spent very little time at the beach as a child.
C In the 1950s there were very few surfers in California.
D Most surfers like to surf in the early morning.
E Surfers often stayed later in the day to entertain the crowds.
F Mike Doyle took the train to the beach.
G The first time he saw them, Mike Doyle was unimpressed by the surfers.
H The surfers looked fit and suntanned.
[4 marks]
AO1 Identify and interpret explicit and implicit information and ideas.
Select and synthesise evidence from different texts.
This question assesses the first bullet point identify and interpret explicit and implicit
information and ideas.
A The first time Mike Doyle saw anyone surfing was in 1953. [T]
B Mike Doyle spent very little time at the beach as a child. [F]
C In the 1950s there were very few surfers in California. [T]
D Most surfers like to surf in the early morning. [T]
E Surfers often stayed later in the day to entertain the crowds. [F]
F Mike Doyle took the train to the beach. [F]
G The first time he saw them, Mike Doyle was unimpressed by the surfers. [F]
H The surfers looked fit and suntanned. [T]
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MARK SCHEME – GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE – 8700/2 – JUNE 2018
Use details from both sources to write a summary of what you understand about
the different boards used by the surfers.
[8 marks]
AO1
Identify and interpret explicit and implicit information and ideas
Select and synthesise evidence from different texts
This question assesses both bullets
Level Skills Descriptors Indicative Standard
This indicative standard provides an exemplification of the skills
descriptors at each level. It is not a model answer, nor a complete
response, nor does it seek to exemplify any particular content.
Level 4 Shows perceptive or Although the surfboards appear outwardly similar, the
Perceptive, detailed synthesis and Hawaiian boards are no more sophisticated than a
detailed interpretation of both texts: primitively shaped ‘plank of wood’ cut from ‘the native
summary Makes perceptive breadfruit tree,’ whereas some of the Californian boards
inferences from both use new ‘lighter’ materials such as ‘balsa wood,’
7-8 marks texts suggesting the Americans are keen to develop their
Makes judicious boards for a smoother performance. There is a sense of
references/use of textual innovation in the way the surfers regard their boards, as
detail relevant to the the mahogany paddle-board is dismissed as ‘old-
focus of the question fashioned’ and ‘unbelievably awkward’. The Hawaiians
Shows perceptive use natural resources to create ‘hand-carved’ surfboards
differences between in the same traditional way as they would make ‘a coffin
texts lid’ which suggests that their boards are an important part
of their cultural way of life, not just a fashion accessory.
Level 3 Shows clear synthesis and In Source B, the surfboards used by the people of Hawaii
Clear, interpretation of both texts: are made of wood from ‘the native breadfruit tree’,
relevant Makes clear inferences suggesting that they use local, natural materials. The
summary from both texts boards are quite basic: ‘a tough plank of wood,’
Selects clear references/ suggesting Hawaiian surfboards are more traditional,
5-6 marks textual detail relevant to whereas in Source A the Americans are developing
the focus of the question different types of board for different purposes. For
Shows clear differences example the ‘huge old-fashioned paddle-board’ is used
between texts by lifeguards for rescues. They are designing newer
surfboards and using ‘much better and much lighter’
wood which implies they want to improve their
performance.
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MARK SCHEME – GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE – 8700/2 – JUNE 2018
Level 2 Shows some interpretation In Source B, the surfboards are described as being made
Some, from one/both texts: ‘from the native breadfruit tree,’ and they are ‘well-oiled
attempts at Attempts some and cared for’ which shows they are well-treated. On the
summary inference(s) from other hand, in Source A, the surfboards are made from
one/both texts different types of wood such as ‘redwood’ and ‘plywood.’
3-4 marks Selects some Some of them are made to be hollow and not just planks
appropriate references of wood like Source B. In Source A they say some of the
/textual detail from boards are very heavy and ‘awkward’ which makes them
one/both texts hard to use.
Shows some
difference(s) between
texts
Level 1 Shows simple awareness The boards used in Source B are made of wood from a
Simple, from one/both texts: tree called the ‘breadfruit tree’ and they are the same
limited Offers paraphrase rather shape as a coffin. They are just planks of wood. In
summary than inference Source A it says they have different types of board but
Selects simple they are all made out of wood, which is the same as
1-2 marks reference(s)/textual Source B, but these ones are made of ‘redwood’ or
detail(s) from one/both ‘plywood.’
texts
Shows simple difference
between texts
Note:
If the quality of the response is L1 but only deals with one text, the mark must be 1 not 2.
If the quality of the response is L2 but only deals with one text, the mark must be 3 not 4.
A candidate has to deal with both texts and address the correct focus of the question
to achieve L3 or above.
The focus of this question is the different boards used by the surfers
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MARK SCHEME – GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE – 8700/2 – JUNE 2018
How does the writer use language to describe the surfers and the sea?
[12 marks]
AO2
Explain, comment on and analyse how writers use language and structure to achieve effects
and influence readers, using relevant subject terminology to support their views
This question assesses Language ie: Words/Phrases/Language Features/Language
Techniques/Sentence Forms
Level Skills Descriptors Indicative Standard
This indicative standard provides an exemplification
of the skills descriptors at each level. It is not a model
answer, nor a complete response, nor does it seek to
exemplify any particular content.
Level 4 Shows detailed and perceptive The writer describes the surfers riding
Detailed, understanding of language: ‘majestically’ on the waves, the adverb
perceptive Analyses the effects of the writer’s suggesting how dominant the surfers
analysis choices of language appear and creating the image of regal
Selects a range of judicious textual figures, riding high above the waves, like
10-12 marks detail Neptune the mythical god of the sea. The
Makes sophisticated and accurate royal image emphasises the confidence and
use of subject terminology assurance of the surfers and the awe they
inspire.
Level 3 Shows clear understanding of The writer uses the adverb ‘majestically’ to
Clear, language: describe the surfers as they ride the waves,
relevant Explains clearly the effects of the which creates an image of the surfers as
explanation writer’s choices of language royalty, emphasising the idea that the
Selects a range of relevant textual surfers have mastered the sea and are
7-9 marks detail carried along by the waves like a king.
Makes clear and accurate use of
subject terminology
Level 2 Shows some understanding of The writer uses lots of different language
Some language: features to describe the surfers. She says
understanding Attempts to comment on the effect ‘they rode in majestically.’ ‘Majestically’ is
and comment of language an adverb and makes the reader think that
Selects some appropriate textual the surfers are like kings because ‘your
4-6 marks detail majesty’ is what you say to a king.
Makes some use of subject
terminology, mainly appropriately
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MARK SCHEME – GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE – 8700/2 – JUNE 2018
Level 1 Shows simple awareness of The writer tells us about the surfers by
Simple, language: describing what they looked like when they
limited Offers simple comment on the rode in. She uses the word ‘majestically’ to
comment effect of language show us that they looked majestic. It is an
Selects simple reference(s) or adverb which tells you how they did
1-3 marks textual detail(s) something.
Makes simple use of subject
terminology, not always
appropriately
Note:
If a student writes about language outside of the given lines or from about the wrong source
(but with the correct focus), the response should be placed in the appropriate level
according to the quality of what is written, but placed at the bottom of the level.
A student has to address the correct focus of the question to achieve L3 or above.
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MARK SCHEME – GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE – 8700/2 – JUNE 2018
0 4 For this question, you need to refer to the whole of Source A, together with the whole
of Source B.
AO3
Compare writers’ ideas and perspectives, as well as how these are conveyed, across two or
more texts
Level Skills Descriptors Indicative Standard
This indicative standard provides an exemplification of the skills
descriptors at each level. It is not a model answer, nor a complete
response, nor does it seek to exemplify any particular content.
Level 4 Compares ideas and Both writers admire the surfing, but whereas in Source B, Bird
Perceptive, perspectives in a appreciates the surfing display as a spectator from afar, Doyle in
detailed perceptive way Source A is ‘dazzled’ and desperate to take part, aspiring to
comparison Analyses how writers’ become one of them. Bird uses a repetitive pattern to suggest she
methods are used sees the world of surfing as a paradise of endless bliss: ‘so blue…
13-16 Selects a range of so soft … so sweet,’ the alliteration adding to the slow, soothing
marks judicious supporting ‘serene’ tone she creates. Doyle, however, is at home, not a
detail from both texts tourist, and idolises the surfers, metaphorically describing them as
Shows a detailed and ‘bronzed gods,’ viewing them as supernatural beings, tanned and
perceptive understanding confident. Having established his hopes at the start, Doyle shows
of the different ideas and the progress of his dream as the text develops, like a wave, with
perspectives in both his first attempt at surfing as the climax or crest, and ending with
texts the humorous image of himself ‘spread-eagled’ on the shore in
the final line, echoing structurally his first experience of surfing.
Level 3 Compares ideas and In Source A, Doyle seems like he has fallen in love with surfing
Clear, perspectives in a clear and and wants to join in. He writes, in the first person, that ‘it was
relevant relevant way almost as if I were on the board myself’ which suggests he is fully
comparison Explains clearly how involved in the surfing. He repeats the same sentence structure:
writers’ methods are ‘It was almost as if I already knew that feeling in my bones’ to
9-12 marks used emphasise his physical connection to the surfing. In contrast to
Selects relevant detail to Doyle, Bird shows no interest in learning to surf; she is happy just
support from both texts to watch the ‘wonderful exploits’ from the shore. She uses a
Shows a clear rhetorical question to suggest she thinks the world of surfing feels
understanding of the like being on holiday: ‘Is it always afternoon here, I wonder?’
different ideas and suggesting she can hardly believe the relaxed, joyful atmosphere
perspectives in both among the surfers and spectators which seems to last all day.
texts
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MARK SCHEME – GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE – 8700/2 – JUNE 2018
Level 2 Attempts to compare ideas In Source A, the writer thinks that surfing looks great fun and he
Some, and perspectives would like to try it. The way he shows how he feels is by
attempts at Makes some comment describing the surfers as ‘happier and healthier than anybody I’d
comparison on how writers’ methods ever seen.’ These adjectives highlight how fit he thinks the surfers
are used are. On the other hand, in Source B, the writer also thinks that
5-8 marks Selects some surfing is quite dangerous as well. She describes how she
appropriate textual thought the surfers were in danger. The verbs ‘smothered’ and
detail/references, not ‘dashed’ make surfing sound quite violent and dangerous, but she
always supporting, from says ‘I enjoyed the afternoon thoroughly,’ which shows she can’t
one or both texts be that scared, whereas the writer in Source A isn’t scared at all.
Shows some
understanding of
different ideas and
perspectives
Level 1 Makes simple cross I think the writer of Source A thinks that surfing is good because
Simple, reference of ideas and he says ‘I knew that surfing was for me’ which shows that he
limited perspectives thinks it looks fun. He uses the word ‘I’ so we know that it is him
comment Makes simple who is talking and it is his point of view. The other source is
identification of writers’ almost the same because the writer thinks that surfing is good
1-4 marks methods too. She shows how happy she feels because she says ‘I enjoyed
Selects simple the afternoon thoroughly.’ The word ‘thoroughly’ shows she had a
reference(s)/ textual great time watching the surfers. The writer of Source A has a go
detail(s) from one or both at surfing but the other one doesn’t.
texts
Shows simple
awareness of ideas
and/or perspectives
Note:
If the quality of the response is L1 but only deals with one text, the maximum mark is 2.
If the quality of the response is L2 but only deals with one text, the maximum mark is 6.
A student has to deal with both texts to achieve L3 or above.
References to the writers’ methods may be implicit without specific mention of the writer.
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MARK SCHEME – GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE – 8700/2 – JUNE 2018
0 5 ‘All sport should be fun, fair and open to everyone. These days, sport seems to be more
about money, corruption and winning at any cost.’
Write an article for a newspaper in which you explain your point of view
on this statement.
(24 marks for content and organisation and
16 marks for technical accuracy)
[40 marks]
Organisation
Varied and effective structural features
Writing is highly engaging with a range of developed complex
ideas
Consistently coherent use of paragraphs with integrated discourse
markers
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MARK SCHEME – GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE – 8700/2 – JUNE 2018
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MARK SCHEME – GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE – 8700/2 – JUNE 2018
Lower Content
Level 1 Limited communication
1-3 Occasional sense of matching tone, style and register to purpose
and audience
marks Simple vocabulary
Organisation
Level 0 Students will not have offered any meaningful writing to assess.
No marks Nothing to reward
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MARK SCHEME – GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE – 8700/2 – JUNE 2018
No marks or meaning.
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