Churchill Academy

Guide to the Eduqas 2015 – 2017 Specifications

EDUQAS – Language Exam only course

EDUQAS – Literature Exam only course

English EDUQAS Language and Literature GCSE at a glance guide

You will achieve 2 GCSEs in English. You have no coursework. Everything you learn over the two years will be assessed by exams at the end of the two years.

Paper One Language / Reading Section A / Writing Section B
1 hour 45 minutes in total
40% of the language GCSE / 20%
One fiction text to read (extract from a piece of 20th Century Literature)
5 questions to answer
Time recommended:
10 minutes reading
50 minutes answering questions
40 marks / 20%
One fiction writing task -Creative writing
Time recommended:
10 minutes planning
35 minutes writing
40 marks
Paper Two Language / Reading Section A / Writing Section B
2 hours in total
60% of the Language GCSE / 30%
Two non-fiction texts to read (approx. one A4 size)
6 questions to answer
2 questions linking to each article
2 comparative questions
Time recommended:
10 minutes reading
50 minutes answering questions
40 marks / 30%
Two non-fiction writing tasks (e.g, write a letter, report, interview etc for a specific purpose, audience and format)
Time recommended:
30 minutes per writing task
5 minutes planning
25 minutes writing
You must answer both questions
40 marks
Paper One Literature / Section A Shakespeare / Section B Poetry from 1789 to present day
2 hours
40% of overall Literature GCSE / Romeo and Juliet
Two Questions
Closed book exam (no copies allowed in the exam)
One extract question
One essay question
40 marks / Poetry Anthology
Two Questions
One question on a specific poem
One question to compare the specified poem with a poem of your choice from the anthology
40 marks
Paper Two Literature / Section A: 1914 onwards prose (fiction) or drama 20% / Section B: 19th Century Prose 20% / Section C: Unseen Poetry 20%
2 hours 30 minutes
60% of overall Literature GCSE / Lord of the Flies or An Inspector Calls
Closed book exam (no copies allowed in the exam)
One question
Extract question and knowledge of the text
40 marks / A Christmas Carol
Closed book exam (no copies allowed in the exam)
One question
Extract question and knowledge of the text
40 marks / Two previously unseen poems
Two questions
Question one: Essay on poem one
Question two: Comparative essay on poem one and the second unseen poem
40 marks

EDUQAS English Language: Exam based only 2015 – 2017

You will sit 2 exams for the Language GCSE

Exam Paper One = 40% overall grade (Component 1) Time – 1 hour 45 minutes

The exam board recommends that you should spend the following time on each section:

Section A - about 10 minutes reading

-about 50 minutes answering the questions

Section B - about 10 minutes planning

-about 35 minutes writing

The paper is split into Section A (Reading skills 20%) and Section B (Writing Skills 20%)

Section A: One extract of writing from 20th Century Literature with 5 different questions to answer within this section (40 marks)

Section B: Creative Writing task. You will be given a selection of 4 questions to select from and will only have to complete one of these tasks writing a story between 450 – 600 words (40 marks)

Paper One - Section A broken down:

The exam will ask you to answer specific questions based on your understanding of the text: These questions will be based on specific parts of the text (you should read the paper very carefully to ensure you are answering about the relevant piece of text).

A1: Selecting information from the text and compiling a bullet point list of the information (5 mark question) Examines AO1 (1a & 1b)

A2: Comment on the way the writer has used language for effect (5 marks) examines AO2 (1a & 1c)

A3 – Give understanding of implicit and explicit meaning in the text with quotations (10 marks) Examines AO2 (1a, 1c & 1d)

A4 – Show understanding of how a writer builds tension and drama in a text must use quotations (10 marks) Examines AO2 (1a, 1b, 1c & 1d)

A5 – A statement is given and you have to decide how far you agree with or disagree with the statement based on your understanding of the text you must support with evidence from the text ( quotes) (10 marks) Examines A04

Section B: As before – Creative writing task. (40 marks) Examines (all writing objectives)

Exam Total 40% for section A & B / AO1% / A02% / AO3% / A04%
Paper One SECTION A READING / 2.5%
Question
A1 (1a, 1b) / 12.5%
Questions
A2 (1a, 1c)
A3 (1a, 1c, 1d)
A4 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) / 0% - not assessed in this paper / 5%
Question
A5
(Single element AO)
What this means? / 1a = identify explicit information
1b = identify explicit ideas / 1a =Comment on language using correct terminology
1b = Comment on, explain and analyse structure using terminology
1c = Comment on, explain and analyse writer effects using terminology
1d = Comment on, explain and analyse how writer’s influence the reader using terminology / Evaluate texts critically, supporting with evidence (quotes from the text)
A05% / A06%
Paper One
SECTION B
WRITING / 12%
B1 (1a, 1b, 1c,) (2a, 2b, 2c) / 8%
B1 (single element AO)
What this means? / 1a = Write for different PAF
1b = communicate clearly, effectively and imaginatively
1c = Select and adapt tone, style and register
2a = Organise information and ideas
2b = Use structural and grammatical features
2c = Write to support coherence and cohesion of texts / Use a range of sentence structures for clarity, purpose and effect, with accurate spelling and punctuation (SPAG)

Reading Grid mark Schemes

A1 Mark Scheme:

1a = identify explicit information

This question tests the ability to identify explicit and implicit information and ideas.

Award one mark for each separate point identified by the candidate, to a maximum of five:

No mark should be awarded for unabridged quotation of whole sentences

No Specific grade boundaries just suggested answers for this question.

Reading response A2 (AO2 1a and 1c)
1a =Comment on language using correct terminology
1c = Comment on, explain and analyse writer effects using terminology
5 Marks /
  • accurate and perceptive comments
  • analyse how language and tone are used to achieve effects
  • Subtleties of the writer’s technique are explored in relation to how the reader is influenced.
  • Well-considered, accurate use of subject terminology supports comments effectively

4 Marks /
  • make accurate comments
  • begin to analyse how language and tone are used to achieve effects
  • Subject terminology is used accurately to support comments effectively.

3 Marks /
  • Explanations made about how language is used to achieve effects and influence the reader
  • begin to show some understanding of language
  • These responses will
  • begin to use relevant subject terminology accurately to support their comments.

2 Marks /
  • identify and give straightforward comments
  • simply identify language for effect
  • some subject terminology.

1 Mark /
  • identify and begin to comment

0 Marks /
  • Nothing worth of credit

Reading Response A3 (AO2 1a, c and d)
1a =Comment on language using correct terminology
1c = Comment on, explain and analyse writer effects using terminology
1d = Comment on, explain and analyse how writer’s influence the reader using terminology
9-10 Marks /
  • make accurate and perceptive comments on a wide range of examples about the text and relating to the question
  • provide detailed analysis of how language and tone are used to achieve effects and influence the reader
  • subtleties of the writer’s technique are explored in relation to how the reader is
influenced
  • well-considered, accurate use of subject terminology supports comments effectively.

7-8 Marks /
  • makes accurate comments about the text relating to the question
  • begin to analyse how language and tone are used to achieve effects
and influence the reader
  • subject terminology is used accurately to support comments effectively.

5 – 6 Marks /
  • explain the text relating to the question
  • begin to show some understanding of how language is used to achieve effects and influence the reader
  • responses will begin to use relevant subject terminology accurately to support comments.

3 -4 Marks /
  • identify and give straightforward comments on the text relating to the question
  • simply identify some subject terminology

1 – 2 Marks /
  • identify and begin to comment on some aspects of the text relating to the question

0 Marks /
  • Nothing worthy of credit

Reading response A4 (AO2 1a, b, c and d)
1a =Comment on language using correct terminology
1b = Comment on, explain and analyse structure using terminology
1c = Comment on, explain and analyse writer effects using terminology
1d = Comment on, explain and analyse how writer’s influence the reader using terminology
9– 10 /
  • make accurate and perceptive comments about how awide range of different examples create tension and drama
  • provide detailed analysis of how language and the organisation of events are used to achieve effects and influence the reader
  • subtleties of the writer’s technique are explored in relation to how the reader is influenced
  • Well-considered, accurate use of subject terminology supports comments effectively.

7-8 Marks /
  • make accurate comments about how a range of different examples create tension and drama,
  • begin to analyse how language and the organisation of events are used to achieve effects and influence the reader,
  • subject terminology is used accurately to support comments effectively.

5-6 Marks /
  • explain how a number of different examples create tension and drama,
  • begin to show some understanding of how language and the organisation of events are used to achieve effects and influence the reader
  • responses will begin to use relevant subject terminology accurately to support their comments.

3-4 Marks /
  • identify and give straightforward comments on some examples of tension or drama
  • responses will simply identify some subject terminology.

1-2 Marks /
  • identify and begin to comment on some examples of tension or drama in the text

Reading response A5 (AO4)
Evaluate texts critically, supporting with evidence (quotes from the text)
9 – 10 Marks /
  • give a persuasive evaluation of the text and its effects, supported by convincing, well selected examples and purposeful textual references.
  • responses will show engagement and involvement, where candidates take anoverview to make accurate and perceptive comments on the text

7-8 Marks /
  • give a critical evaluation of the text and its effects, supported by well-selected textual references.
  • show critical awareness and clear engagement with the text

5-6 Marks /
  • give an evaluation of the text and its effects, supported by appropriate textual references.
  • show some critical awareness of the text

3-4 Marks /
  • give a personal opinion supported by straightforward textual references.
  • show limited interaction with the text

1-2 Marks /
  • express a simple personal opinion with linked basic textual reference

0 Marks /
  • Nothing worthy of credit

Creative Writing Mark Scheme – AO5 & AO6
AO5 Communication and organisation 24 marks / AO6 Vocabulary, sentence structure, spelling and punctuation 16 marks
Band 5 / 20-24 marks
  • the writing is fully coherent and controlled (plot and characterisation are developed with detail, originality and imagination)
  • the writing is clearly and imaginatively organised (narrative is sophisticated and fully engages the reader’s interest)
  • structure and grammatical features are used ambitiously to give the writing cohesion and coherence
  • communication is ambitious and consistently conveys precise meaning
/ 14-16 marks
  • there is appropriate and effective variation of sentence structures
  • virtually all sentence construction is controlled and accurate
  • a range of punctuation is used confidently and accurately
  • virtually all spelling, including that of complex irregular words, is correct
  • control of tense and agreement is totally secure
  • a wide range of appropriate, ambitious vocabulary is used to create effect or convey precise meaning

Band 4 / 15-19 marks
  • the writing is clearly controlled and coherent (plot and characterisation show convincing detail and some originality and imagination )
  • the writing is clearly organised (narrative is purposefully shaped and developed)
  • structure and grammatical features are used accurately to support cohesion and coherence
  • communication shows some ambition and conveys precise meaning
/ 11-13 marks
  • sentence structure is varied to achieve particular effects
  • control of sentence construction is secure
  • a range of punctuation is used accurately
  • spelling, including that of irregular words, is secure
  • control of tense and agreement is secure vocabulary is ambitious and used with precision

Band 3 / 10-14 marks
  • the writing is mostly controlled and coherent (plot and characterisation show some detail and development)
  • the writing is organised (narrative has shape and direction)
  • structure and grammatical features are used with some accuracy to convey meaning
  • communication is clear but limited in ambition
/ 7-10 marks
  • there is variety in sentence structure
  • control of sentence construction is mostly secure
  • a range of punctuation is used, mostly accurately
  • most spelling, including that of irregular words, is correct
  • control of tense and agreement is mostly secure
  • vocabulary is beginning to develop and is used with some precision

Band / 5-9 marks
  • there is some control and coherence (some control of plot and characterisation)
  • there is some organisation (narrative is beginning to have some shape and development)
  • structure and grammatical features are used to convey meaning
  • communication is limited but clear
/ 4-6 marks
  • some variety of sentence structure
  • there is some control of sentence construction
  • some control of a range of punctuation
  • the spelling is usually accurate
  • control of tense and agreement is generally secure
  • there is some range of vocabulary

Band 1 / 1-4 marks
  • there is basic control and coherence (a basic sense of plot and characterisation) there is basic organisation (paragraphs may be used to show obvious divisions)
  • there is some use of structure and grammatical features to convey meaning
  • communication is limited but some meaning is conveyed
/ 1-3 marks
  • limited range of sentence structure
  • control of sentence construction is limited
  • there is some attempt to use punctuation
  • some spelling is accurate
  • control of tense and agreement is limited
  • limited range of vocabulary

0 marks: nothing worthy of credit / 0 marks: nothing worthy of credit

Exam Paper Two – 60% overall grade (Component 2) Time – 2 Hours

The exam board recommends that you should spend the following time on each section:

Section A - about 10 minutes reading

-about 50 minutes answering the questions

Section B - about 30 minutes on each question

-about 5 minutes planning

-about 25 minutes writing

The paper is split into Section A (Reading skills 20%) and Section B (Writing Skills 20%)

Section A: Two extracts from a non-fiction text with a total of 6 different questions to answer

Section B: You will have two written tasks. These will be selected from a variety of different purpose, audience and formats and you will have to write for the appropriate PAF in each task.

Paper Two Broken down:
Section A

Text 1 – A1 & A2

A1 = 3 questions selecting information from one of the articles (3 marks) Examines (AO1 1a)

A2 = Selecting evidence to show how language, tone, writers’ influence and arguments are made. USE PEA skills here. (10 marks) Examines (AO2 1a, b, c & d)

Text 2 – A3 & A4

A3 = 2 questions – both question are comprehension style question assessing your ability to understand meaning in a text (3 marks) Examines (AO1 1a, 1b, 1c & 1d)

A4 = You should select evidence to explain what the writers’ views are (10 marks) Examines (AO4)

Text 1 and 2 – A5 & A6

A5 = You must look at evidence from both texts now. Comprehension questions to check understanding (4 marks) Examines (AO1 2a, 2b)

A6 = Compare attitudes across the two texts using evidence and clearly referring to which text you are writing about (10 marks) Examines (AO3 1a, 1b, 1c & 1d)

SECTION B – Two non-fiction based tasks As above (20 marks per question) Examines (all writing objectives)

Exam Total 60% for Section A & B / AO1% / AO2% / AO3% / AO4%
Paper Two SECTION A READING
30% / 7.5%
Questions:
A1 (1a,)
A3 (1a, 1b, 1c & 1d)
A5 (2a, 2b) / 7.5%
Questions:
A2 (1a, 1b, 1c & 1d) / 7.5%
Questions:
A6 (1a, 1b, 1c & 1d) / 7.5%
Questions:
A4
(Single element AO)
What this means? / 1a = identify explicit information
1b = identify explicit ideas
1c = interpret implicit information
1d = Interpret implicit ideas
2a = Select evidence from different texts
2b = Synthesise evidence from different texts / 1a =Comment on language using correct terminology
1b = Comment on, explain and analyse structure using terminology
1c = Comment on, explain and analyse writer effects using terminology
1d = Comment on, explain and analyse how writer’s influence the reader using terminology / All of these compare across two or more texts:
1a) compare writers’ ideas
1b) Compare writers’ perspectives
1c) Compare writers’ ideas and how these are conveyed
1d) Compare writers’ perspectives and how these are conveyed / Evaluate texts critically, supporting with evidence (quotes from the text)
AO5 / AO6
Paper One
SECTION B
WRITING
30% / 18%
Questions:
B1 (1a, 1b, & 1c)
B2 (2a, 2b & 2c) / 12%
Questions:
B1 & B2
Writing skills are all examined in both questions for the writing
What this means? / 1a = Write for different PAF
1b = communicate clearly, effectively and imaginatively
1c = Select and adapt tone, style and register
2a = Organise information and ideas
2b = Use structural and grammatical features
2c = Write to support coherence and cohesion of texts / Use a range of sentence structures for clarity, purpose and effect, with accurate spelling and punctuation (SPAG)

A1 - (AO1 1a)

This question tests the ability to identify explicit information.

Three specific comprehension questions with answers

No mark scheme grid

A2 (AO2 1a, b, c and d)
1a = identify explicit information
1b = identify explicit ideas
1c = interpret implicit information
1d = Interpret implicit ideas
Band 1
9 – 10 marks /
  • make accurate and perceptive comments about how a wide range of different examples from the text relating to the question
  • provide detailed analysis of how language and structure are used to achieve effects and influence the reader
  • Subtleties of the writer’s technique are explored in relation to how the reader is influenced.
  • Well-considered, accurate use of subject terminology supports comments effectively.

Band 2
7 – 8 marks /
  • make accurate comments about how a range of different examples from the text relating to the question
  • begin to analyse how language and structure are used to achieve effects and influence the reader
  • Subject terminology is used accurately to support comments effectively.

Band 3
5 – 6 marks /
  • explain how a number of different examples from the text relating to the question
  • begin to show some understanding of how language and structure are used to achieve effects and influence the reader
  • use relevant subject terminology accurately to support their comments

Band 2
3 -4 marks /
  • identify and give straightforward comments on some examples from the text relating to the question
  • simply identify some subject terminology.

Band 1
1-2 marks /
  • identify and begin to comment on some examples from the text relating to the question
  • may struggle to engage with the text and/or the question.

A3 (AO1 1a, b, c and d)