Key Stage 4 : Written Work Descriptors and Grades
Drama (pre-1914 and post-1914) and Prose Study
Grade Descriptors
A* "originality of
analysis and
interpretation"
A "analytical and
interpretative skill"
B "analytical skill"
C "show insight"
D "show
understanding"
E "show familiarity"
F "show awareness"
G "show response"
U "make some attempt
to respond"
What you must show
• presents a 'perfect' argument in terms of structure and
evidence
• show 'flair and precision' in writing
• make 'subtle and discriminating comparisons' with other
texts
• show in-depth knowledge of moral, philosophical and social
significance
• make alternative interpretations of texts and media
• make cross references with other texts and media
• refer in detail to aspects of language (imagery, rhetorical
devices), structure and characterisation
• make appropriate and careful comparisons with other texts
and media
• show knowledge of moral, philosophical and social contexts
• understand how authors exploit language
• give a perceptive personal response
• understanding of techniques that convey meaning
(alliteration, simile, metaphor, etc.)
• give detailed references to language, theme, structure,
content and their effects
• understanding of historical context of text and medium
• give personal response
• understanding of ways in which meaning is conveyed.
• refer to language, character, themes and structure
• how reader/audience is intended to respond
• give a personal response
• understand meaning of texts
• comment on language, character, structure and theme
• express own views
• purpose of the text or medium
• describe on main ideas and characters
• describe the words used
• describe the structure
• show that know who are the characters are and what
happens in texts
• describe similarities and differences with other texts and
media
• know how stories are told
• know the main ideas of a text
• show that have a very basic knowledge of the text or
medium
• know the main purpose of a text
• have outlined the title of the text or medium and its basic
message
 Key Stage 4 : Written Work Descriptors and Grades

Media and Original Writing

Grade What you must show

A* • can use a range of styles (elaborate, concise, vigorous or restrained) for effect
• wide-ranging vocabulary that achieves sophisticated effects
• perfect spelling, punctuation and sentence structure
• give personal interpretations
A • paragraphs are well constructed and use linking techniques to show unity and clarity
in the whole text
• use complex sentences with ease
• write persuasively
• use 'ambitious' vocabulary
B • writes with confidence for difference audiences and purposes
• attractive presentation of work
• present complex ideas clearly and in detail
• use descriptive language to create effects
C • can adapt style of writing for different purposes
• can write for different audiences
• use vocabulary to create effects and engage the reader
• can give a logical and coherent argument
• develop characters and settings
• accurate paragraphing, spelling and punctuation
D • use vocabulary to engage the attention of the reader
• spelling of irregular words is accurate
• can communicate different opinions and viewpoints clearly
• write about a range of detailed ideas
• detailed plots and descriptions
E • writing is organised and structured
• sentences are organised into paragraphs
• use complex sentences
• use a range of punctuation accurately
• use a style of writing appropriate to the purpose
• use vocabulary to create effect
F • writing is organised
• uses complex sentences (where relate more than one idea) accurately
• full stops, capital letter and question marks used accurately
• express own views in some detail
• show awareness of purpose of the writing being produced
• show knowledge of tone and register
G • shows basic organisation
• simple words spelled correctly
• basic punctuation used accurately
• legible handwriting
• includes some description, e.g. of setting, character, ideas
U • use very simple sentence structure
• aware of simple rules of spelling and punctuation
• write basic ideas
• make simple statements
• write about events in order
 Key Stage 4 : Work Descriptors and Grades

Speaking and Listening

Grade What you must show

A* • show originality and flair in contributions to discussion and talk

• can adapt speech according to task and audience
• show an in depth understanding of content
• use of Standard English is mature and confident
• content of speech is dynamic and influences others
• makes use of unusual vocabulary, intonation, expression and gesture
• can apply and cross-reference other people's ideas
• can take command of a situation
A • can initiate speech and take a leading rôle in discussions
• listens carefully and can respond in detail to other people's ideas
• can understand and discuss challenging issues
• skilfully involve listeners and encourage their contributions
• able to organise discussion, summarising points and allowing the discussion to
move forward
• leads discussion to an appropriate outcome
B • can speak purposefully
• can manage challenging subjects effectively
• can organise speech to develop an argument to make an impact on an audience
• can build on points made by others in arguments
• uses a flexible range of vocabulary to create an effect on the audience
C • can speak fluently
• can speak about a range of subjects that are challenging
• can speak to a range of different audiences
• confident use of Standard English
• use a wide range of vocabulary
• can present own point of view
D • make relevant contributions to talk
• can organise own speaking when working in groups
• can vary the style of delivery when speaking
• use Standard English
• listen carefully and make responses that show understanding
E • speak confidently
• are sensitive to different situations and audiences
• use Standard English
• listen with concentration to a range of talk
F • speak with confidence on subjects with which you are familiar
• can adapt your talk according to your audience and purpose
• use Standard English grammar and vocabulary appropriately
• listen and respond carefully
G • can speak and listen about issues that personally interest you
• can be heard to speak clearly
• listen to others
• begin to use Standard English correctly
U • make some attempt to speak and listen