Guidance

English literature: grade descriptors for GCSEs graded 9 to 1

Updated 6 September 2017

Applies to England

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/grade-descriptors-for-gcses-graded-9-to-1/grade-descriptors-for-gcses-graded-9-to-1-english-literature

1. Grade 8

In relation to a range of texts, to achieve grade 8, candidates will be able to:

  • sustain a convincing, informed personal response to explicit and implicit meanings of texts
  • sustain a perceptive critical analysis of the ways in which writers use language, form and structure
  • use judicious and well-integrated textual references to develop personal responses
  • show perceptive understanding of how contexts shape texts and responses to texts
  • make illuminating comparisons between texts

2. Grade 5

In relation to a range of texts, to achieve grade 5, candidates will be able to:

  • develop a generally coherent and engaged response to explicit and implicit meanings of texts
  • develop a clear understanding of the ways in which writers use language, form and structure
  • use apt textual references to support responses
  • use understanding of contexts to inform responses to texts
  • make credible comparisons between texts

3. Grade 2

In relation to a range of texts, to achieve grade 2, candidates will be able to:

  • make straightforward comments about explicit meanings of texts
  • describe straightforward aspects of language, form or structure
  • make general references to obvious details of texts
  • show awareness that texts are related to contexts
  • make basic links between texts
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