In a nutshell: Paper 1 is marked on four criteria: A Understanding, B Analysis & evaluation, C Focus & organisation, D Language — each out of 5 (SL total /20). 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).
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Why it matters in the exam: These four criteria ARE your marks — there is nothing else.
Where marks are lost
- Most students struggle with B (they describe instead of evaluate).
- And on 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) still needs focus (C) and careful language (D). All four count equally.