Marking the A2 – Teacher’s Version
Summer 2012
A2 Part (a)
The differences between AS part (b) and A2 part (a):
 At AS we consider going to L2 for AO2 if the candidate identifies a
range of valid reasons or factors (3 typically)
 The link to the question doesn’t have to be consistent at AS to get L2
 At A2 for AO2 we are looking for greater challenge and stretch – to get
to L2 there must be a range of points made (preferably 3) AND there
must be obvious effort to link to the question set using
explanation - a ‘LINK’ sentence at the end of each paragraph, or
explanatory language eg ‘this means that…’, ‘this results in ….’, ‘this
allows X to be like Y because…..’, ie we are judging the quality of the
explanation in relation to the question set – how well does this answer
the question?
 AO1 – at AS level we are looking for examples and development. Ditto
A2 but to get to L2 there must be consistent specific development,
not generalised development. Topic knowledge does not count as
much here as at AS – credit that K&U which is specific to the question
set more. Detail, depth, examples at A2, we are expecting a greater
depth and range of subject knowledge than we would at AS.
If the question asks ‘Explain why X is important’ then we are looking for
identification of valid ways in which it is (AO2), explanation (AO2) and
description with examples (AO1) of these ways, and explanation of how
these make it important (AO2) ie PEEL
*TIPS:
An answer which looks at only one factor in some detail but doesn’t explain
why or how (the linking bit) will be AO1/L1/2 and AO2/L1/2 = 4
An answer that names a range of factors but doesn’t develop any very well at
all, and doesn’t explain how or why (the linking bit) will be AO1/L1/2 and
AO2/L1/2 = 4
Need range OR depth to get into L2, need range AND depth to get top L2
(within L2, answers at the bottom of the level will tend towards detailed
description with explanatory phrases, those at the top end will tend towards
explanatory approach, focused on the Q throughout. The giveaway is often
the first line of each paragraph – if it begins with ‘what happens’ then it is a
L1/ bottom L2 answer, if it begins with a reason related to the Q, it is a L2
answer, maybe top L2)
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Marking the A2 – Teacher’s Version
AO1
L2
6 – consistent examples
throughout, depth of detail,
range of points supported well
5 – 2+ specific examples
developed in a bit of detail
L1
4 – 2+ specific examples listed,
or 1 plus good general
development of K&U of others
3 – general K&U: good, sound
and accurate basic knowledge,
not really developed with
specifics, or only one point
developed
Up to 2 – general knowledge
only on the topic
Summer 2012
AO2
4 – 2+ valid points of
explanation with consistent and
convincing development of the
explanations focused on the
question set
3 – 2+ valid points of
explanation listed with some
valid development of the
explanation relative to the
question set
2 - valid point(s) of explanation
listed, but not developed
convincingly OR 1 or 2 points
only with a bit of development
of explanation
To get into L2, the
candidate must be
trying to offer a
valid explanation
relative to the
question set.
There has to be a
bit more than just
listing/ identifying
to get to L2
Listing,
describing or
identifying is L1
1 – no points of explanation,
narrative
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Marking the A2 – Teacher’s Version
Summer 2012
Part (b)
LEVEL 3
Accurate
AND
detailed
K&U
Most answers at Level 2 will
be 16+
Sustained
Focus
LEVEL 2
Accurate
OR detailed
K&U
Patchy
focus
A couple of
valid
arguments
per side
with some
dev.
unsustained
LEVEL 1
Answers that have a sustained focus on the actual question and cover the
majority of the expected ground in a fairly sophisticated way, with support
are L3. Level 3 answers analyse the factor in the question and other factors
throughout the essay and in a good conclusion. They cover the majority of the
ground you would expect and do not miss major points out. Supporting facts are
specific and often explained.
It is possible for an answer to be Level 3 for AO1, but Level 2 for the skills (either
AO2 or AO3 or both) where K&U are sophisticated, detailed and show range, but
the links to the question are not quite at L3 standard, or analysis is a bit limited.
Quite possible that AO3 can also be Level 3 in such a case.
Answers that waffle around the general area, with omissions and imbalances
are L2. These are topic answers mainly, unsustained on the specific question
asked with limited analysis, not very sophisticated, partially good, but at least
recognising some relevant issues and demonstrating some relevant knowledge.
Probably restricted in range of arguments and depth of analysis and support.
Top Level 2 – a reasonable survey of the topic, attempts to address the
question, may be answering a slightly different question, some range of valid
factors (2+ on each side) and some decent specific development in places,
with some evaluative language hopefully (‘a more important factor is, a key
factor is….’). A bit AS-level in terms of analysis, maybe drifts, will usually have a
weak conclusion. Trying to sustain an argument and focus = 7+8+6 = 21
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mid Level 2 –
 c.2 points on each side, some development of the arguments, some
attempted analysis (odd sentences) 6+8+6=20 (some depth and
restricted range)
 Listing answers with some good K+U in description, or good analysis of
only 2 factors will be 7+7+5 = 19 (reasonable undeveloped range and
some depth)
 Partial or listing answers that develop the factor in the question quite well
and list one point of counter-argument, or answers that just list and
describe quite a few factors with little/ no development of the
arguments, or describe/ narrate only and make no attempt to analyse/
evaluate (‘another factor that is important is +description…’). May have
a weak conclusion, generalised K&U. 6+7+5 = 18 (weak-ish range
and/ or depth)
 Answers that do one or two things, not all that well, some focus,
struggling to develop arguments, but something there will be
5+6+5=16
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Bottom Level 2 – ‘just in’ answers: a glimmer of two-sidedness, some
attempt to focus, one or two reasonable points listed. Usually lack a conclusion,
or have a one-liner. Just better than Level 1: 4+5+4 = 13
~Answers that miss the point completely and never really get to grips with
the issues
~Very brief responses – a paragraph or two only
~One-sided responses, however good – see generic markscheme descriptions.
These can only get L1 and no higher for both AO1 and AO2. They MAY scrape
into L2 for AO3 if there is a structure and some focus in the one side (10 or 11
total)
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Marking the A2 – Teacher’s Version
Summer 2012
Is this a Level 2 or a Level 3 part (b) answer?
What to look for to get an answer into L3:
AO1 – consistent exemplification throughout, including range and depth of
specific facts (not necessarily in equal measure) which are relevant to the
question asked
AO2 – a consistent focus on the question set, analysis relevant to the Q, not
just identification and explanation of the key points (look at the first sentence
of each paragraph), an evaluative conclusion
AO3 – sustained argument that doesn’t lapse into periods of irrelevance or
narrative, flowing, use of political vocabulary, convincing. Doesn’t have to
have all the points.
Answers that are unfocused on the Q but quite good on the right topic –
model answers - will get L2 for AO2, but may stray into L3 (bottom) for AO1 if
the support is detailed and accurate and coincidentally the right material for
the Q set. They are unlikely to get L3 for AO3 as the (correct!) argument will
not be sustained, but in one or two cases, structure may be good enough to
get them there.
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