Writing (Higher) Marking Instructions - Supplementary advice

 

This advice, which is supplementary to the published Performance Criteria, is designed to assist with the placing of scripts within the full range of marks. However, the Performance Criteria as published give the primary definitions. The mark range for each grade is identified.

 

IV   8-11

III   12-15

II  16-19

I  20-25

 

Pieces which fall into this category will do so for a variety of reasons

 

It could be

 

-           that it fails to achieve consistent technical accuracy

-           or that the structure is not sufficiently organized to carry the candidate’s ideas clearly

-           or that the choice of words and sentence structure is too mundane (unless this is a conscious effect deployed in creative work)

-           or that the content is simply too thin

 

-           Reflective

 

the piece will communicate a
recognisable sense of the
writer's personality. There will
be signs of an ability to explore and deal thoughtfully with experience in a unified way. The structure will be organised to assist impact and the language and tone used will show an ability to create effects appropriate to the experience.

 

-           Persuasive

 

the piece will communicate a
clear sense of the writer's stance vis a vis the topic. There will be an attempt to persuade the reader to share that stance by appropriate selection of content, use of structure, and persuasive
or rhetorical style.

 

 

-           Argumentative

the piece will produce a
recognisable line of thought on
a complex topic, drawing on a
substantial body of evidence. It will take into account at least
two varying viewpoints. There
will be a competent structure
but the development may be
obvious or predictable. The
style should communicate the
ideas clearly.

 

-           Creative

 

There will be a knowledge and
understanding of the form
chosen and capable
development, use of
characterisation / dialogue etc
where appropriate. There will
be a discernible attempt to strive after effect in the use of language

 

-           Report

 

The piece will contain complex information organized and structured competently to fulfill the demands of the remit stated. The stance of the writer vis a vis the material should correspond with the stated purpose of the report, and the language used should reflect that purpose and should communicate the information clearly.

 

 

-           Reflective

 

the piece will communicate a
clear sense of the writer's
personality. There will be an
ability to explore and deal
thoughtfully with experience
in a unified way. The structure
will be well organised to assist
impact and (lie language and
tone used will effectively reflect an awareness appropriate to the experience.

 

 

-           Persuasive

 

the piece will communicate a
clear sense of the writer's stance vis a vis the topic. There will be a sustained attempt to persuade the reader to share that stance
by appropriate selection of
content, effective use of
structure, and persuasive or
rhetorical style.

 

-           Argumentative

the piece will produce a clear
line of thought on a complex
topic, drawing on a substantial
body of evidence. It will take
into account at least two varying viewpoints. There will be a competent developed structure. The style should communicate the ideas clearly and with some impact.

 

 

-           Creative

There will be a sound
knowledge and understanding of the form chosen and an ability to handle development/
characterisation / dialogue etc
competently where appropriate. There will be an ability to use language for conscious effect.

 

-           Report

 

the piece will contain complex
information organised and
structured clearly to fulfil the
demand of the remit stated. The stance of the writer vis a vis the material should correspond with the staled purpose of the report,
and the language used should
promote that purpose and
should communicate the
information clearly and with
some impact.

 

 

-           Reflective

 

the piece will communicate a
clear sense of the writer's
personality. There will be an
ability to explore and deal with
experience in an insightful
way. The structure will be
organised skilfully to assist
impact and the language and
tone will be used effectively to
communicate the writer's
individuality.

 

 

-           Persuasive

 

the piece will communicate a
clear and sophisticated
exposition of the writer's stance vis a vis the topic. There will be a sustained argument used to persuade the reader to share that
stance by use of effective
structure, and a skilful use of a
persuasive or rhetorical style.

 

-           Argumentative

 

the piece will produce a mature
well structured argument on a
complex topic, drawing on a
substantial body of evidence.

It will lake into account at least
two varying viewpoints. There
will be a structure which
deploys the material skilfully,
appropriately and stylishly.

 

 

 

-           Creative

 

There will be an insight into the form chosen and an ability to deal skilfully with development / characterisation /dialogue etc where appropriate to the genre.
Effective language will be used in a sustained manner.

 

 

-           Report

 

the piece will contain complex
information organised and
structured-effectively to fulfil
the demands of the remit stated. The stance of the writer vis a vis the material should correspond with the stated purpose of the report, and the language used should be deployed skilfully to promote (hat purpose and
should communicate the
information clearly and in an
effective way.