Narrative 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 narratives such as: Scenario established at beginning.
8. Candidates may use features of narratives such as: Setting: sufficient descriptive detail (but not too much).
9. Candidates may use features of narratives such as: Atmosphere (e.g. foreboding, mysterious, joyful).
10. Candidates may use features of narratives such as: Senses (sight, touch, hearing, smell).
11. Candidates may use features of narratives such as: Figurative language techniques (e.g. simile, metaphor, personification).
12. Candidates may use features of narratives such as: Characterisation of protagonists (e.g. by reactions to events/others, direct speech, feelings, 'showing' rather than 'telling').
13. Candidates may use features of narratives such as: Control of time frame (e.g. flashback, jumping in the sequence).
14. Candidates may use features of narratives such as: Movement of events.
15. Candidates may use features of narratives such as: Build-up of tension (if appropriate).
16. Candidates may use features of narratives such as: Effective climax, or at least a definite, clearly signalled ending (or intentional cliff-hanger).
17. The response should link all narrative elements together to make a convincing story.