Band 6

• demonstrates a highly developed ability to comprehend both global meaning and detail, evaluate and respond selectively by processing and synthesising information from texts

• compares and contrasts texts critically and perceptively, justifying observations and opinions

• argues convincingly and substantiates a point of view with close textual reference and well-sequenced ideas

• demonstrates an outstanding ability to use language coherently, with sustained clarity, creativity and sophistication, employing register and discourse forms appropriate to the audience, purpose and context

• gives detailed and insightful analysis of text, including thematic, linguistic and stylistic features

• demonstrates a comprehensive knowledge and sophisticated understanding and appreciation of literary texts

• demonstrates an excellent understanding of contemporary issues with extensive and detailed evidence of wide reading/viewing/listening

Band 5

• demonstrates a well-developed ability to comprehend both global meaning and detail, evaluate and respond selectively by processing and synthesising information from texts

• compares and contrasts texts competently, justifying observations and opinions

• argues effectively and substantiates a point of view with appropriate textual reference and well-sequenced ideas

• demonstrates the ability to use language coherently, to convey ideas effectively, with some degree of originality and creativity, employing register and discourse forms appropriate to the audience, purpose and context

• gives a detailed analysis of text, including thematic, linguistic and stylistic features

• demonstrates thorough knowledge, understanding and appreciation of literary texts

• demonstrates a high level of understanding of contemporary issues, supported by evidence of wide reading/viewing/listening

Band 4

• demonstrates a sound global understanding of text and identifies some relevant detail

• demonstrates the ability to organise and express most ideas clearly with a number of weaknesses in sequencing and/or linking

• uses a broad range of vocabulary, structures, and syntax with sound control of the conventions of discourse forms

• interprets some of the key features of literary texts, with little observation

• demonstrates some detail in their understanding and knowledge of the text with some weaknesses in interpretation and evaluation

• demonstrates some understanding of the literary texts with satisfactory elaboration

• displays a general knowledge of contemporary issues and provides reasonable evidence of wide reading/viewing/listening

Band 3

• demonstrates elementary global understanding and identifies some appropriate detail

• demonstrates an understanding and knowledge of the text and attempts to engage with the text and offer personal observations, often with minimal justification and elaboration

• makes some attempt to organise and sequence ideas

• uses a predictable range of vocabulary, structures and syntax with some adherence to conventions of discourse forms

• displays basic knowledge of contemporary issues and demonstrates some evidence of wider reading/viewing/listening (engagement with various text types)

Band 2

• identifies isolated minor detail which is not necessarily relevant

• identifies some relevant factual information with little exposition, elaboration, analysis or justification

• demonstrates a limited ability to organise content in responding to text

• uses only simple vocabulary, structures and syntax, with a limited knowledge of discourse forms

• demonstrates only a superficial understanding of literary texts

• displays minimal knowledge of contemporary issues

Band 1