How
is the Coursework marked?
Coursework
Generic Mark Bands
Bands
I-VII/90:
I
72
- 90 The
response is not perfect but the best that a candidate can be expected to achieve
in A2. The Investigation uses critically an appropriate (but not necessarily
full) range of primary and/or secondary sources and/or discusses critically an
appropriate (but not necessarily full) range of historical interpretations
bearing on the topic which is integrated into the overall approach. The response
is focused clearly on the demands of the question (e.g. causation, change over
time, evaluation). The Investigation reflects a very high level of ability in
organising and presenting an extended argument. The approach is consistently
analytical or explanatory rather than descriptive or narrative. The argument is
structured coherently and supported by very appropriate factual material. The
answer is fully relevant. The impression is that a good solid answer has been
provided. At the lower end of the Band there may be some weaker sections, but
the overall quality still shows that the candidate is in control of the
argument. The writing is fluent and uses appropriate historical vocabulary. The
answer shows accuracy in grammar, punctuation and spelling.
II
63
- 71 The
Investigation uses critically a reasonable range of primary and/or secondary
sources and/or discusses critically a range of historical interpretations
bearing on the topic. The response is focused clearly on the demands of the
question but there is more unevenness than in Band I answers. The Investigation
generally reflects a high level of ability in organising and presenting an
extended argument. Most of the argument is structured coherently and supported
by appropriate factual material. The approach is mostly analytical or
explanatory rather than descriptive or narrative. The answer is fully relevant.
Most of the writing is fluent and uses appropriate historical vocabulary. The
answer mostly shows accuracy in grammar, punctuation and spelling.
III
54
- 62 The
Investigation uses a range of primary and/or secondary sources and/or
interpretations, but with some significant gaps and possibly with a limited
critical sense. The response reflects clear understanding of the question and a
fair attempt to provide an appropriate argument and factual knowledge. The
Investigation reflects a competent level of ability in organising and presenting
an extended argument. The approach contains analysis or explanation, but there
may be some purely descriptive or narrative passages that are not linked
directly to analysis or explanation. The answer achieves a genuine argument, but
may lack balance and depth in factual knowledge. Most of the answer is
structured satisfactorily, but some parts may lack full coherence. The answer is
mostly relevant. The writing is generally fluent and the historical vocabulary
is usually appropriate. The grammar, punctuation and spelling are usually
accurate.
IV
45
- 53 The
Investigation uses largely uncritically a limited range of primary and/or
secondary sources and/or interpretations, and this may be 'bolted-on' to the
other material. The response indicates an attempt to argue relevantly. The
Investigation reflects an adequate level of ability in organising and presenting
an extended argument. The approach depends more on descriptive or narrative
passages than on analysis or explanation, which may be limited to introductions
and conclusions. The structure of the argument could be organized more
effectively. The writing may lack fluency and there may be some inappropriate
historical vocabulary. The answer usually shows accuracy in grammar, punctuation
and spelling, but contains some careless errors.
V
36
- 44 The
Investigation refers to a limited range of primary and/or secondary sources
and/or interpretations. These may well be poorly understood and used
uncritically, and may well be 'bolted-on' to the other material. The responses
offers some elements of an appropriate answer, but there is little attempt
generally to link factual material to the requirements of the question. The
Investigation reflects a very basic level of ability in organising and
presenting an extended argument. The approach lacks analysis and explanation and
the quality of the description or narrative, although mostly accurate and
relevant, is not linked effectively to the argument. The structure of the
argument shows weaknesses in organisation and the treatment of topics within the
answer is seriously unbalanced. The writing contains some inappropriate
historical vocabulary. The answer shows some accuracy in grammar, punctuation
and spelling, but contains frequent errors.
VI
19
- 35 The
Investigation refers only occasionally, and without any critical evaluation, to
primary and/or secondary sources and/or interpretations. The response is not
properly focused on the requirements of the question. The Investigation reflects
an inadequate level of ability in organising and presenting an extended
argument. The argument will be of very limited relevance and there may well be
confusion about the implications of the question. There may be many unsupported
assertions or a commentary which lacks sufficient factual support. The answer
may lack coherence as an extended essay, being largely fragmentary and perhaps
incoherent. The Investigation may rely heavily on a ‘scissors and paste’
approach. The writing contains very inappropriate historical vocabulary. The
answer shows significant weakness in the accuracy of grammar, punctuation and
spelling.
VII
0-18
The
answer demonstrates a completely unsatisfactory attempt to meet any of the
demands of the Unit. There is no attempt to discuss any of the key issues in the
question. There is no reference to primary and/or secondary sources and/or
interpretations. There is no argument and no supporting evidence for any
assertions. The answer is irrelevant and/or incoherent, perhaps in note form.
The writing shows very major weakness in the accuracy of grammar, punctuation
and spelling.