Great Expectations – markscheme
Question number
1
AO1 Answer
Accept only the following:
 I am indebted for a belief I religiously entertained that they had all been born on their
backs with their hands in their trouser-pockets, and had never taken them out in this
state of existence.
Question number
2
AO1 Answer
Accept any reasonable answer based on lines 19-31, up to a maximum of 2 marks.
Quotations and candidate’s own words are acceptable.
For example
 It is a cold
 He is in the graveyard
 He is confronted by the graves of his parents and his siblings
 The atmosphere is tense
 He is shivering
 He is crying
Question number
3
Indicative content
Reward responses that explain how the writer uses language and structure to show the
relationship between Pip and the convict.
Level
Level 1
0
1-2
Level 2
3-4
Level 3
5-6
Responses may include the following points about the language of the text:
3a. The verb ‘pleaded’ to show Pip’s fear
3b. The noun ‘terror’ to show Pip’s fear
3c. The use of the noun ‘Sir’ to show that despite the situation, Pip is a well-mannered
boy and shows respect to the convict
3d. The use of imperatives such as ‘Tell us your name’ by the convict revealing
aggression but the need to be quick and for him to get the information he needs
3e. Repetition of ‘sir’ shows fear does not take over
3f. The verb ‘staring’ to suggest the convict’s cold appearance
3g. Non-standard English in ‘pint’ to reveal convict’s background against Pip’s.
Responses may include the following points about the structure of the text:
3h. Exclamation mark to show Pip’s fear
3i. Short sentences to show Pip’s fear
3j. Dialogue to show short exchange between Pip and the convict
3k. Repetition of ‘Pip’ to show fear in not being heard.
3l. Contrast between aggressive convict and fearful Pip
AO2 descriptor
No rewardable material
 Comment on the language and / or structure used to achieve effects and influence readers,
including use of vocabulary.
 The selection of references is valid, but not developed.
NB: The mark awarded cannot progress beyond the top of Level 1 if only language OR structure
has been considered.
 Explanation of how both language and structure are used to achieve effects and influence
readers, including use of vocabulary and sentence structure
 The selection of references is appropriate and relevant to the points being made.
 Analysis of how both language and structure are used to achieve effects and influence
readers, including use of vocabulary, sentence structure and other language features.
 The selection of references is discriminating and clarifies the points being made.
Question number
4
Level
Level 1
0
1-3
Level 2
4-6
Level 3
7-9
Level 4
1012
Level 5
1315
Indicative content
Reward responses that evaluate how successfully the purpose of conveying tension is achieved.
References to writer’s techniques should only be credited at level 2 and above if they support
the critical judgement of the text.
Responses may include:
4a. The narrator’s mental state is evident throughout the extract which allows the
reader to feel closer to him and experience the tension with him.
4b. The narrator is a little boy so we are more empathetic towards his situation.
4c. The narrator feels frightened in contrast to the aggression of the convict.
4d. The description of the convict leads the reader to feel as though Pip is in danger.
The reader questions what the convict will do to Pip.
4e. There are plenty of references to death within the extract that contributes towards
a tense atmosphere.
4f. Is it as tense as it first appear? The convict runs away at the mere suggestion of
adults and uses the empty threat of another man to intimidate Pip and the convict’s
need of Pip
4g. Structure is that it feels most tense at the start and less tense by the end because of
the details revealed about the convict
AO2 descriptor
No rewardable material
 Description of ideas, events, themes or settings.
 Limited assertions are offered about the text.
 The use of references is limited.
 Comment on ideas, events, themes or settings.
 Straightforward opinions with limited judgements are offered about the text.
 The selection of references is valid, but not developed.
 Explanation of ideas, events, themes or settings.
 Informed judgement is offered about the text.
 The selection of references is appropriate and relevant to the points being made.
 Analysis of ideas, events, themes or settings.
 Well-informed and developed critical judgement is offered about the text.
 The selection of references is appropriate, detailed and fully supports the points being made.
 Evaluation of ideas, events, themes or settings.
 There is a sustained and detached critical overview and judgement about the text.
 The selection of references is apt and discriminating and is persuasive in clarifying the points
being made.