Descriptive writing

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2025). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [W1] Level 5 Content & Structure: Consistently effective response to the task.
2. [W1] Level 5 Content & Structure: A wide range of descriptive or narrative features used to create a consistently effective response.
3. [W2] Level 5 Content & Structure: Structure is clear, well balanced and carefully organised for deliberate effect.
4. [W3] Level 5 Style & Accuracy: Uses a wide range of well-constructed sentences accurately, including complex sentences.
5. [W3] Level 5 Style & Accuracy: Precise and effective use of a wide range of vocabulary.
6. [W5] Level 5 Style & Accuracy: Highly accurate use of complex spelling, punctuation and grammar.
7. Candidates may use features of descriptions such as: Focus (e.g. change from close at hand, to in the distance, or very detailed to impressionistic).
8. Candidates may use features of descriptions such as: Atmosphere (e.g. welcoming, foreboding, pleasing, either uniform or varying).
9. Candidates may use features of descriptions such as: Direction (e.g. opposite views from a high viewpoint).
10. Candidates may use features of descriptions such as: Senses (sight, touch, hearing, smell).
11. Candidates may use features of descriptions such as: Contrast (especially beyond any contrast given in the question).
12. Candidates may use features of descriptions such as: Setting and people within the setting.
13. Candidates may use features of descriptions such as: Reactions of observer.
14. Candidates may use features of descriptions such as: Minimal or no narrative framework.
15. Candidates may use features of descriptions such as: Figurative language techniques (e.g. simile, metaphor, personification).
16. Candidates may use features of descriptions such as: Sound devices (e.g. onomatopoeia, alliteration, assonance).
17. The response should link all descriptive elements together to make a cohesive picture.