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01218020/SPECIMEN 2017
ENGLISH A
PAPER 02 - GENERAL PROFICIENCY
MARK SCHEME
Questions 3 and 4 Short Story (25 marks)
EXPRESSION C: 25 marks
The following criteria will be used to assess the composition:
(a) Content and relevance of story:
(i) Story Line/Plot - Action Structure
- The story line must be clearly developed (for example, the
events in the story must be linked appropriately).
- Links must be maintained appropriate to the choice of
technique.
- Conflict(s) must be satisfactorily resolved.
- Action must be satisfactorily concluded.
- Actions/events must be clearly motivated (for example,
there must be some plausible reason(s) for the things that
happen).
- Setting must be established (for example, there must be a
clear indication of where and when the action takes
place).
(ii) Characterization:
- Characters must be believable (for example, characters
must act and use language that is consistent with who they
are).
- Any change in character (for example,
personality/behaviour) must be clearly established.
- Characters must be sufficiently developed.
- Dialogue, when used, should be functional (for example,
may develop character, action and atmosphere).
(b) Organization:
- Details/events must be logically and effectively sequenced.
(c) (i) Effective use of language:
- Appropriate choice of words to create characters,
atmosphere and setting.
- Economic and lively use of language to create story
elements listed under (a) and (b).
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01218020/SPECIMEN 2017
ENGLISH A
PAPER 02 - GENERAL PROFICIENCY
MARK SCHEME
Questions 3 and 4 Short Story (25 marks)
(ii) Correct use of structures of the language:
- Sentences must be complete.
- Sentences must be clear.
- Sentences must be meaningful.
- There must be effective and appropriate transitions
between sentences and paragraphs.
- Subjects and verbs must agree.
- Pronouns must agree with their antecedents.
- There must be consistency in the use of tense.
(iii) Accuracy of mechanics:
- Correct spelling, punctuation (for example, use of
capitals, full stops, question marks)
- Paragraphing
N.B. If the student’s response satisfies no criteria in (a) page
10, the response must be given zero marks.
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01218020/SPECIMEN 2017
ENGLISH A
PAPER 02 - GENERAL PROFICIENCY
MARK SCHEME
The following grid should be used in the assessment of Questions 3 and 4.
SUPERIORITY 6. Demonstrates:
(a) Excellent manipulation of features of action
structure and characterization
(b) Excellent organization
(c) Excellent, effective and error-free use of 24-25
language
5. Suggests:
(a) Very good manipulation of features of action
structure characterization
(b) Very good organization 20-23
(c) Very good use of language though there may be
the occasional lapse in accuracy
COMPETENCE 4. Demonstrates:
(a) Good manipulation of features of action
structure but with some unevenness in the
presentation of these features 15-19
(b) Good organisation
(c) Effective and accurate use of language, though
there may be a few lapses
3. Suggests:
(a) Inconsistency in the manipulation of features
of action structure
(b) Some ability to organize events/details 10-14
(c) Some ability to use language accurately and
effectively but with some slight inconsistency
in accurate usage
INCOMPETENCE 2. Suggests:
(a) An inability to manipulate vital features of
action structure
(b) An inability to organize events and details in
a logical manner 5-9
(c) Frequent, inaccurate use of language
OR: Insufficient information presented in some areas
1. Demonstrates:
(a) Total inability to manipulate features of
action structure
(b) Total inability to organize events and details. 0-4
(c) Inability to use language accurately
OR: Too little information presented to make an
assessment
Note: A response that is too short (less than one page, 200 words) should
not be given a mark higher than 14/3.
