The document outlines a marking scheme for a GCSE comparative essay exam. It provides descriptors for 4 levels of achievement related to knowledge and analysis of media texts. Level 1 indicates minimal/basic achievement, earning 1-15 marks. Level 2 is basic, earning 16-30 marks. Level 3 is proficient, earning 31-45 marks. Level 4 is excellent, earning 46-60 marks. For each level it describes the expected demonstration of knowledge, analysis, understanding, use of terminology, and examples. The highest levels also expect comparison of texts and personal insight. Exams are marked holistically based on how well the response as a whole fits each level.

1. GCSE B321 (Comparative Essay) Mark Scheme
1
Minimal /Incomplete
2
Basic
3
Proficient
4
Excellent
1-15
marks
16-30
Marks
31-45
marks
46-60
Marks
Candidates will demonstrate:
•__ basic knowledge and understandingof
the texts studied
• __description,rather than analysisand
interpretation of the texts
• __basic understandingof how texts
represent social and cultural messages and
values,includingbasicidentification of those
messages and values
•__ basic understandingof how texts use
media languageand areas of representation
•__ basic knowledge and understandingof
codes and conventions used accordingto
generic categorisations of media texts
•__ minimal useof technical terms and
medium-specific terminology, as
appropriate
• __basic understandingof the effects of
techniques on texts and audiences
• __minimal reference to appropriate
examples to supportpoints made.
Candidates will demonstrate:
•__ some knowledge and understandingof
the texts studied
• __ some analysisand interpretation of the
texts
• __ some understandingof how texts
represent social and cultural messages and
values,includingclearidentification of those
messages and values
•__ some understandingof how texts use
media languageand areas of representation
• __ some knowledge and understandingof
the codes and conventions accordingto
generic categorisations of media texts
•__ some accurateuseof technical terms
and medium-specific terminology, as
appropriate
•__ some understandingof the effects of
techniques on texts and audiences
•__ appropriateuseof some examples to
supportpoints made.
Candidates will demonstrate:
•__ good knowledge and understandingof
the texts studied
•__ sound analysis and interpretation of
the texts
• __ good understandingof how texts
represent social and cultural messages and
values,includingcompetent identification
and interpretation of those messages and
values
•__ good understandingof how texts use
media languageand areas of representation
•__ good knowledge and understandingof
the codes and conventions accordingto
generic categorisations of media texts
•__ mostly accurateuse of technical terms
and medium-specific terminology, as
appropriate
•__ good understandingof the effects of
techniques on texts and audiences
•__ comparison of media texts, as
appropriate
•__ appropriateuseof some examples to
supportpoints made
•__ some personal insights and
engagement with objects of study and
concepts.
Candidates will demonstrate:
•__ detailed and thorough knowledge and
understandingof the texts studied
•__ thoughtful and insightful analysis and
interpretation of the texts
• __ very good understandingof how texts
represent social and cultural messages and
values,includingproficientidentification
and interpretation of those messages and
values
• __ very good understandingof how texts
use media languageand areas of
representation
•__ very good knowledge and
understandingof the codes and conventions
accordingto generic categorisations of
media texts
•__ accurateuse of technical terms and
medium-specific terminology, as
appropriate
• __ very good understandingof the effects
of techniques on texts and audiences
•__ confident comparison of media texts,
as appropriate
•__ appropriateuseof some examples to
supportpoints made
•__ personal insights and engagement with
objects of study and concepts.
Grade equivalent:
U-G
Grade equivalent:
G-D
Grade equivalent:
D-B
Grade equivalent:
B-A

2. MARKSUMMARY
• LEVEL _____: knowledgeand understanding of the texts studied
• LEVEL _____: analysis and interpretation of the texts
• LEVEL _____: understanding of how texts representsocial and cultural messages and values, including identification and
interpretation of those messages and values
• LEVEL _____: understanding of how texts usemedia language and areas of representation
• LEVEL _____: knowledgeand understanding of the codes and conventions according to generic categorisations of media texts
• LEVEL _____: useof technical terms and medium-specific terminology, as appropriate
• LEVEL _____: understanding of the effects of techniques on texts and audiences
• LEVEL _____: comparison of media texts, as appropriate (only level 3/4)
• LEVEL _____: appropriateuse of some examples to supportpoints made
• LEVEL _____: personalinsights and engagement with objects of study and concepts (only level 3/4)
Overall Level (best fit) Mark /60 % Grade

3. Candidate 1 Candidate 2 Candidate 3
• LEVEL _____: knowledge and understandingof the
texts studied
• LEVEL _____: analysis and interpretation of the
texts
• LEVEL _____: understandingof how texts
represent social and cultural messages and values,
includingidentification and interpretation of those
messages and values
• LEVEL _____: understandingof how texts use
media languageand areas of representation
• LEVEL _____: knowledge and understandingof the
codes and conventions accordingto generic
categorisations of media texts
• LEVEL _____: use of technical terms and medium-
specific terminology,as appropriate
• LEVEL _____: understandingof the effects of
techniques on texts and audiences
• LEVEL _____: comparison of media texts, as
appropriate(only level 3/4)
• LEVEL _____: appropriateuseof some examples
to supportpoints made
• LEVEL _____: personal insights and engagement
with objects of study and concepts (only level 3/4)
• LEVEL _____: knowledge and understandingof the
texts studied
• LEVEL _____: analysis and interpretation of the
texts
• LEVEL _____: understandingof how texts
represent social and cultural messages and values,
includingidentification and interpretation of those
messages and values
• LEVEL _____: understandingof how texts use
media languageand areas of representation
• LEVEL _____: knowledge and understandingof the
codes and conventions accordingto generic
categorisations of media texts
• LEVEL _____: use of technical terms and medium-
specific terminology,as appropriate
• LEVEL _____: understandingof the effects of
techniques on texts and audiences
• LEVEL _____: comparison of media texts, as
appropriate(only level 3/4)
• LEVEL _____: appropriateuseof some examples
to supportpoints made
• LEVEL _____: personal insights and engagement
with objects of study and concepts (only level 3/4)
• LEVEL _____: knowledge and understandingof the
texts studied
• LEVEL _____: analysis and interpretation of the
texts
• LEVEL _____: understandingof how texts
represent social and cultural messages and values,
includingidentification and interpretation of those
messages and values
• LEVEL _____: understandingof how texts use
media languageand areas of representation
• LEVEL _____: knowledge and understandingof the
codes and conventions accordingto generic
categorisations of media texts
• LEVEL _____: use of technical terms and medium-
specific terminology,as appropriate
• LEVEL _____: understandingof the effects of
techniques on texts and audiences
• LEVEL _____: comparison of media texts, as
appropriate(only level 3/4)
• LEVEL _____: appropriateuseof some examples
to supportpoints made
• LEVEL _____: personal insights and engagement
with objects of study and concepts (only level 3/4)
YOUR MARKING:
Overall level (best fit) : Level _______
Overall mark: ______ /60 % = _______
Grade: _______
YOUR MARKING:
Overall level (best fit) : Level _______
Overall mark: ______ /60 % = _______
Grade: _______
YOUR MARKING:
Overall level (best fit) : Level _______
Overall mark: ______ /60 % = _______
Grade: _______
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