LORD OF FLIES - GCSE (AQA) English Literature 47101H Unit 1 Exploring modern texts

English Literature 47101H
Unit 1 Exploring modern texts

WHAT THE EXAMINERS WANT TO SEE
AO1
respond to texts critically and imaginatively; select and evaluate relevant textual detail to
illustrate and support interpretations
AO2
explain how language, structure and form contribute to writers’ presentation of ideas,
themes and settings
AO3
make comparisons and explain links between texts, evaluating writers’ different ways of
expressing meaning and achieving effects
AO4
relate texts to their social, cultural and historical contexts; explain how texts have been
influential and significant to self and other readers in different contexts and at different
times


Unit 1:
Exploring modern texts 40%
Section A: 20%
Section B: 20%
AO1 15%
Section A: 10%
Section B: 5%
AO2 15%
Section A: 10%
Section B: 5%
AO3 This Unit does not test AO3
AO4 10%
Section A: This section does not test AO4
Section B: 10%




Unit 1H Mark Scheme Template: Section A

To get Mark Band 6 which counts for  26-30 marks candidates need to demonstrate:

• Insightful exploratory response to task
• Insightful exploratory response to text
• Close analysis of detail to support interpretation 
• Evaluation of the writer’s uses of language and/or structure and/or form and effects on readers/audience
• Convincing/imaginative interpretation of ideas/themes
• Information is presented clearly and accurately. 
• Writing is fluent and focused. 
• Syntax and spelling are used with a high degree of accuracy.

Mark Band 5
21-25 marks
Candidates demonstrate:
5.1 Exploratory response to task
5.2 Exploratory response to text
5.3 Analytical use of details to support interpretation
5.4 Analysis of writer’s uses of language and/or structure and/or form and effects on readers/audience
5.5 Exploration of ideas/themes
Structure and style are used effectively to render meaning clear. Syntax and spelling are used with a
high degree of accuracy.
Mark Band 4
16-20 marks
Candidates demonstrate:
4.1 Considered/qualified response to task
4.2 Considered/qualified response to text
4.3 Details linked to interpretation
4.4 Appreciation/consideration of writer’s uses of language and/or form and/or structure and effect on
readers/audience
4.5 Thoughtful consideration of ideas/themes
Information is presented in a way which assists with communication of meaning. Syntax and spelling
are generally accurate.
Mark Band 3
11-15 marks
Candidates demonstrate:
3.1 Sustained response to task
3.2 Sustained response to text
3.3 Effective use of details to support interpretation
3.4 Explanation of effects of writer’s uses of language and/or form and/or structure and effects on
readers/audience
3.5 Understanding of ideas/themes/feelings/attitudes
Information is usually presented in a way which assists with communication of meaning. Syntax and
spelling are generally accurate.
Mark Band 2
6-10 marks
Candidates demonstrate:
2.1 Explained response to task
2.2 Explained response to text
2.3 Details used to support a range of comments
2.4 Identification of effect(s) of writer’s choices of language and/or form and/or structure
2.5 Awareness of ideas/themes/feelings/attitudes
Information is presented in a way which is generally clear. Syntax and spelling have some degree of
accuracy.
Mark Band 1
1-5 marks
Candidates demonstrate:
1.1 Supported response to task
1.2 Supported response to text
1.3 Comment(s) on detail(s)
1.4 Awareness of writer making choice(s) of language and/or structure and/or form
1.5 Generalisations about ideas/themes/feelings/attitudes
Despite lapses, information is presented in a way which is usually clear. Syntax and spelling have
some degree of accuracy, although there are likely to be frequent errors.
0 marks Nothing worthy of credit



Question 3
How does Golding present death in Lord of the Flies? 
(30 marks)

Indicative content
Examiners are encouraged to reward any valid interpretations. Answers might, however, include some of the following:

AO1

respond to texts critically and imaginatively; select and evaluate relevant textual detail to illustrate and support interpretations

Details of the human deaths (the boy with the birthmark, Piggy and Simon; also the airman); may also discuss the pig hunts. 

The way different boys react to the deaths

The ways readers may respond (shock, pity)

What the deaths represent in the novel.

AO2

explain how language, structure and form contribute to writers’ presentation of ideas, themes and settings

The structural patterns associated with the deaths – the progression of intent 

The language used to describe the deaths and their aftermaths: e.g. Simon described as a beast; the lyrical passage about his body; the brutal description of the sow’s death in ‘Gift for the Darkness’; the boys’ playful description of the hunt in ‘Painted Faces’; 

Piggy’s death linking him to the pigs; the way the sea receives Piggy’s body and Simon’s body

Question 4
Choose two of the following places:
the beach - the jungle - Castle Rock

Write about the importance of these places and how Golding presents them.
(30 marks)

Indicative content

Examiners are encouraged to reward any valid interpretations. Answers might, however, include some of the following:

AO1

respond to texts critically and imaginatively; select and evaluate relevant textual detail to illustrate and support interpretations.

The uses the boys make of the different settings and their relationship with them: where they feel at home and where they feel threatened

What happens in the places

The significance/importance of the places

Who is associated with the different parts: Ralph, Piggy and the littl’uns on the beach:

Jack and Simon (differently) in the forest; Jack and Roger at Castle Rock

AO2

Explain how language, structure and form contribute to writers’ presentation of ideas, themes and settings

How the focus of the novel moves from the beach to the jungle and rock, and back again to the beach

The language and techniques used to present different places: colours, plants and animals, personification (e.g. the ‘unfriendly’ side), imagery



English Literature 47101H
Unit 1 Exploring modern texts
H Tier
January 2012



Question 3
What do you think is the importance of Simon in Lord of the Flies and what methods does Golding use to present him?
(30 marks)

Indicative content

Examiners are encouraged to reward any valid interpretations. Answers might, however , include some of the following:

AO1

• Simon’s attitude to / actions surrounding the beast and what it shows about him
• What Simon represents in the novel – reference to his death
• Sometimes contradictory presentation – helpful and community spirited, yet reclusive and solitary
• Insightful, vulnerable, courageous

AO2

• Symbolism of Simon as a Christ-like figure
• Language used to describe Simon
• Language used by Simon
• Language used to describe his death – significance of same

Question 4
How does Golding present his ideas in this passage, which is from the opening of Lord of the Flies, and how are these ideas developed in the rest of the novel?

[‘The boy with fair hair...........’aren’t any grown ups anywhere.’’ Pages 1-2 Faber edition
(30 marks)

Indicative content
Examiners are encouraged to reward any valid interpretations. Answers might, however, include some of the following:

AO1

• What the island is like and reference to the ‘Home Counties’ as a contrast of environment 
• Ralph and his development through the novel 
• Piggy and his development through the novel  
• Idea of leaving civilisation behind, ‘taken off his school sweater’

AO2

• Significance of the ‘witch-like cry’ – sense of foreboding
• Language used to describe Piggy’s first appearance and how these details become more significant, e.g. ‘fat’, ‘spectacles’
• Presentation of Ralph
• Description of the setting and how the island is important during the novel

RESOURCES:

ENGLISH LITERATURE GCSE

1. http://www.shmoop.com/lord-of-the-flies/summary.html
2. http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/flies/summary.htm
3. lhttp://www.cliffsnotes.com/study_guide/literature/lord-of-the-flies/book-summary.html
4. http://www.gradesaver.com/lord-of-the-flies/study-guide/short-summary/
5.  H Tier June 2012 Mark Scheme