In a nutshell: Paper 1 is marked on four criteria: A Understanding, B Analysis & evaluation, C Focus & organisation, D Language — each out of 5 (HL: /20 per passage, /40 total). Know what each rewards and you can aim for all four at once.
The mark scheme isn't a mystery — it's four simple questions, and you can answer all of them on purpose.
📋 A: do you understand the text and support your ideas? B: do you analyse AND evaluate the writer's choices? C: is your essay focused and well-organised? D: is your language clear, precise and academic? Write with all four in mind and no mark is left on the table.
The four criteria
A — Understanding & interpretation
Do you grasp the text and back every idea with well-chosen references? (/5)
B — Analysis & evaluation
Do you analyse HOW choices work AND evaluate how WELL — not just feature-spot? (/5)
C — Focus & organisation
Is your response focused on one line and clearly organised (intro, paragraphs, conclusion)? (/5)
D — Language
Is your own writing clear, precise, academic and accurate? (/5)
The key move: Aim for all four at once: make a focused, well-organised argument (C) that shows understanding with evidence (A), analyses AND evaluates choices (B), in precise academic language (D).
Free preview
This is the free notes preview
You're reading the free notes. Aimnova Pro unlocks the full study experience — and you can try it free for 7 days:
- FlashcardsLock in vocabulary and key terms with spaced repetition.
- Practice questionsAnswer exam-style questions and get instant AI marking.
- Mock exams & past-paper vaultSit full mocks and see exactly how examiners award marks.
- Personalised study planA daily plan built around your exam date and weak areas.
Why it matters in the exam: These four criteria ARE your marks — there is nothing else. Most students lose marks on B (they describe instead of evaluate) and C (they list devices instead of arguing a focus). Knowing the criteria lets you self-check as you write.
For the sentence “The factory closed on a Friday; by Monday the whole town felt like a held breath,” which criteria does this student sentence hit? — ‘The simile ‘like a held breath’ is strikingly effective: it makes the town's shock feel bodily and suspended, suggesting a community waiting for a blow that has already landed.’
Model answer plan
See the mark-by-mark plan — for / against / judgement, with marking guidance — in study mode.
Watch out: Don't chase only one criterion. A dazzling analysis (B) with no focus (C) or sloppy language (D) still loses marks. All four count equally.