How AQA Gives Marks
Every mark in GCSE English Literature comes from one of four Assessment Objectives. Understanding what each one tests is the first step to targeting your writing.
The Four Assessment Objectives
These apply across every text and every question. Each paragraph you write should be hitting AO1 and AO2, and most should include AO3.
AO1, Your argument
The what
A clear, sustained response to the question with a well-structured argument. You select and use relevant quotations to support your points, not to illustrate them. Every paragraph must open with a point that directly answers the question.
AO2, Your analysis
The how
Analysis of the writer's language, form and structure, and the effect these choices have on the reader or audience. This is where the Formula lives. Literary term + analytical verb + effect. Never just name the technique, always explain what it does.
AO3, Your context
The why
Relevant historical, social or literary context that explains why the writer made particular choices. Context should appear in your opening sentence as a lens, not as a separate paragraph or a fact added at the end. Ask yourself: why did this writer, writing at this moment in history, make this choice?
AO4, Your accuracy
SPaG
Spelling, punctuation and grammar. Assessed separately from the main marks and only on certain questions. These are the easiest marks to protect, check key names, use present tense throughout, and punctuate quotations correctly.
The Formula covers AO1 and AO2 together. The literary term identifies what the writer is doing (AO2) and the analytical verb with its effect articulates your critical response to it (AO1). They are inseparable in practice, which is why the Formula is the foundation of every top-band response.
Marks by Text
The AO weightings differ depending on the text and the question. Choose your text to see the full breakdown.
Paper 1 · Section A
Macbeth
AO1 12
AO2 12
AO3 6
SPaG 4
Paper 1 · Section B
Jekyll & Hyde
AO1 12
AO2 12
AO3 6
Paper 2 · Section A
An Inspector Calls
AO1 12
AO2 12
AO3 6
SPaG 4
Paper 2 · Section B
Power & Conflict Poetry
AO1 12
AO2 12
AO3 6
Paper 2 · Section C
Unseen Poetry
Q4: AO1 12 + AO2 12
Q5: AO1 6 + AO2 6
No AO3 in unseen poetry. Sections C (unseen) has no context marks at all, focus entirely on AO1 and AO2. No AO4 in Sections B or C either, SPaG marks are only awarded in Section A of each paper.