Q4 — Evaluation (AO4, 10 marks) — the AO4 question

Question: A reader said: "The writer makes the narrator's distress feel completely convincing — the reader cannot help but sympathise with him." To what extent do you agree? In your response you should: consider your own impressions of the narrator, evaluate how the writer conveys his distress, and support your response with references to the text.

Mark scheme (AO4, banded 1–10):

• Band 5 (9–10): perceptive and detailed evaluation; clear critical stance with nuance (e.g. partial agreement); judicious textual support; considers alternative interpretations; evaluates writer's craft as well as content.
• Band 4 (7–8): thoughtful evaluation; clear stance; well-chosen evidence.
• Band 3 (5–6): clear evaluation; appropriate references; addresses the statement.
• Band 2 (3–4): some evaluative comment; limited evidence; tendency to retell.
• Band 1 (1–2): simple agreement/disagreement; copied phrases; little judgement.
• AO4 indicators: 'convincing', 'undermines', 'complicates', 'destabilises'; conceding then refuting a counter-reading.