SECTION B: PROSE KATE GRENVILLE: The Secret River Remember to support your ideas with details from the writing. Read this extract, and then answer the question that follows it: It took him a moment to see two old women by the fire, as still and dark as the ground they seemed to grow out of. Content removed due to copyright restrictions. He wished he had the gun. [from Part 4] Explore the ways in which Grenville powerfully conveys Thornhill's thoughts and feelings at this moment in the novel.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2019). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. All questions are marked out of 25.
2. AO1 show detailed knowledge of the content of literary texts, supported by reference to the text
3. AO2 understand the meanings of literary texts and their context, and explore texts beyond surface meaning to show deeper awareness of ideas and attitudes
4. AO3 recognise and appreciate ways in which writers use language, structure, and form to create and shape meanings and effects
5. AO4 communicate a sensitive and informed personal response.
6. Band 8 [23-25] demonstrates knowledge by incorporating well-selected reference to the text skilfully and with flair (AO1)
7. Band 8 [23-25] sustains a critical understanding of the text showing individuality and insight (AO2)
8. Band 8 [23-25] responds sensitively and in considerable detail to the way the writer achieves her / his effects (AO3)
9. Band 8 [23-25] sustains personal and evaluative engagement with task and text (AO4)