GCSE
ENGLISH LITERATURE
8702/1
Paper 1 Shakespeare and the 19th-century novel
Mark scheme
June 2023
Version: Final 1.0
*236g 702/1/MS*
1
, MARK SCHEME – GCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE – 8702/1 – JUNE
2023
Mark schemes are prepared by the Lead Assessment Writer and considered, together with
the relevant questions, by a panel of subject teachers. This mark scheme includes any
amendments made at the standardisation events which all associates participate in and is
the scheme which was used by them in this examination. The standardisation process
ensures that the mark scheme covers the students’ responses to questions and that every
associate understands and applies it in the same correct way.
As preparation for standardisation each associate analyses a number of students’ scripts.
Alternative answers not already covered by the mark scheme are discussed and legislated
for. If, after the standardisation process, associates encounter unusual answers which have
not been raised they are required to refer these to the Lead Examiner.
2
, MARK SCHEME – GCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE – 8702/1 – JUNE
2023
Statement of importance
GCSE English Literature is the study of how writers communicate their ideas about the
world, and how readers might respond to these ideas. It aims to develop a critical
understanding of the ways in which literary texts are a reflection of, and exploration of, the
human condition, the study of which develops empathic understanding of human nature.
High-quality English literature is writing which displays recognisable literary qualities and,
although shaped by particular contexts, transcends them and speaks about the
universality of the human condition. GCSE English Literature aims to enable students to
appreciate these qualities, developing and presenting informed, critical responses to the
ideas in literary texts and the ways writers present these ideas. It aims to enable students
to make links between a variety of written texts and between the text and the context
within which it was shaped.
Principles of mark scheme construction
Each mark scheme is driven by the task and by the statement of importance about
GCSE English Literature. It aims to do two things:
to describe typical features of response in order to decide on a mark
to identify typical features of proficiency in order to aid discrimination between levels of
performance.
Each long form answer mark scheme is constructed using six levels. This is to reflect the
ability level of the whole cohort. There are four or five marks within each level to allow for
levels of proficiency and to allow for discrimination between levels of cognitive ability
across the whole cohort.
Each mark scheme places assessment objectives AO1 and AO2 as the key skills. This is
driven by the statement of importance of the subject, in that the study of great literary
texts is the study of the interrelationship between the reader and the writer of the text and
that the communication and reception of these ideas is an inherent feature of English
literature. It is also driven by the acknowledgement that GCSE English Literature assesses
cognitive levels of ability; the level of response to ideas will have parity with the level of
response to the methods of communicating those ideas.
3
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller bankteacher. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $14.69. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
