I need to get you all to understand the concept of level marking. I don’t think I’ve been very good at explaining this so far!
In the GCSE exam, answers worth more than 4 marks will be marked using a level of response. You are not awarded a mark for every correct point you make. In general it works like this:
Level 1: Basic (1 or 2 marks)
Knowledge of basic information
Simple understanding
No links between statements
Little or no detail
Few specialist terms
Level 2: Clear (3 or 4 marks)
Knowledge of accurate information
Clear understanding
Links between statements
Some named examples
Use of specialist terms
Level 3 (5 or 6 marks)
Usually found at the end of a question, a level 3 answer requires in depth knowledge and understanding, very clear links between statements, and detailed case study examples.
Here is an actual example of levelled marking from the Year 10 end of topic test that I’ve just marked.
Question: Describe the main features of the outer suburbs of a settlement (4 marks) (AQA A 2005 Higher)
Student A wrote:
There are lots of green space, modern housing, curved roads and very quiet.
This answer gets L1 basic. (2 marks) Simple knowledge is shown, but there are no links between statements.
Student B wrote:
Outer suburbs generally house upper class residents. Houses are more likely to be detached and there would be more fields. The motorway or large road heading to the CBD would be present. Also there may be airports or big shopping malls that are easy to get to.
This answer gets L2 clear (4 marks) as the student makes two linked statements .
The final question on the paper was:
Describe how governments of MEDCs try to cope with urban sprawl. (6 marks)
Read the following answer and then submit a comment suggesting the level at which you would mark the answer, and why. Re-read the criteria for level marking first!
Student C wrote:
In MEDCs, in particular Britain, the government has created green belts to stop cities from continuing to grow too far into the countryside. Instead the growing population can be housed in new towns containing spacious housing and many services. Also in older cities, inner city areas can be re-furbished or rebuilt, creating more space for new homews, businesses and services, though it is often more expensive.
Please note that when commenting you should use initials or your first name to identify yourself. I moderate all comments!
Syllabus summary for settlement This topic is particularly dependent on case studies.
Bitesize Good for basic revison
Bitesize audio There’s one relevant podcast here
Google Earth placemarks of London trip as well as pictures and a map
